The Home Spot

How to Choose the Best Curtains for Your Sliding Glass Door

Sliding glass doors are a popular feature in many homes, providing a convenient way to access your patio or backyard and letting in plenty of natural light. However, sometimes you may want to block out the sun or increase your privacy, and this is where curtains come in. Choosing the right curtains for your sliding glass door can be a bit of a challenge, as you want to find something that looks good and functions well. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best curtains for your sliding glass door:

  1. Consider the size of your sliding glass door: Measure the width and height of your sliding glass door to determine how much fabric you’ll need. You’ll want the curtains to cover the entire door when they’re closed, so make sure to measure from the top of the door frame to the floor and from one side of the door frame to the other. This will help you find curtains that are the right size.
  2. Choose a style that fits your décor: There are many different styles of curtains to choose from, so think about what will look best in your space. If you have a modern, minimalistic decor, you may want to go for sleek and simple curtains. If you have a more traditional or eclectic style, you may want to look for curtains with patterns or more elaborate details.
  3. Consider the function of the curtains: Do you want the curtains to block out light, provide privacy, or both? If you live in a sunny location and want to reduce glare, look for curtains with a higher thread count or those that are lined. If privacy is your main concern, opt for heavier, opaque fabrics.
  4. Decide on a hanging method: There are several ways to hang curtains on a sliding glass door, such as using a rod and brackets or installing a track system. Consider which method will work best for your door and your curtains. Rods and brackets are a simple and affordable option, but a track system can be more versatile and allow you to easily open and close the curtains.
  5. Think about maintenance: If you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining your curtains, opt for easy-care fabrics such as polyester or microfiber. These materials are wrinkle-resistant and can be machine washed, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Please note that these are general recommendations, and the actual sizes may vary depending on the specific dimensions of your sliding door. It’s always a good idea to measure your door and windows before purchasing curtains.

curtain size for sliding glass door

Sliding Door Width Curtain Width Curtain Length
60 inches (152 cm) 84 inches (213 cm) 84 inches (213 cm)
72 inches (183 cm) 96 inches (244 cm) 84 inches (213 cm)
80 inches (203 cm) 100 inches (254 cm) 84 inches (213 cm)
96 inches (244 cm) 120 inches (305 cm) 84 inches (213 cm)

How do you measure curtains for a patio door?

To measure curtains for a patio door, you will need to determine the width and height of the door frame. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Measure the width of the door frame: Measure from one side of the door frame to the other, taking into account any hardware such as handles or locks. This will give you the width of the door and help you determine how much fabric you’ll need for the curtains.
  2. Measure the height of the door frame: Measure from the top of the door frame to the floor. If you want the curtains to cover the entire door, make sure to measure all the way to the floor. If you only want the curtains to cover the top half of the door, measure from the top of the door frame to the desired length.
  3. Consider the hanging method: Think about how you want to hang the curtains. If you plan to use a rod and brackets, measure the distance from the top of the door frame to where you want the rod to be. If you plan to use a track system, measure the distance from the top of the door frame to the top of the track.
  4. Add extra fabric for fullness: To give your curtains a full and pleated look, you’ll need to add extra fabric to the width measurement. A good rule of thumb is to add two to four times the width of the door frame, depending on how full you want the curtains to be.

By following these steps, you should be able to accurately measure your patio door and find curtains that fit perfectly. Just be sure to double-check your measurements and consider the hanging method to ensure a seamless installation.

Do you put curtains over patio doors?

Yes, it is common to put curtains over patio doors to provide privacy, block out light, or add a decorative touch to the space. There are many different styles of curtains to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personal taste and the decor of your home.

Curtains are a practical and stylish way to cover patio doors, as they can be easily opened and closed to control the amount of light and privacy in the room. They can also add a layer of insulation to your door, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

To hang curtains over patio doors, you can use a rod and brackets or install a track system. Rods and brackets are a simple and affordable option, but a track system can be more versatile and allow you to easily open and close the curtains. Just be sure to measure your door accurately and choose a style that fits your decor to find the perfect curtains for your space.

sizes of curtains for patio door

  • Standard size: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
  • Extra wide: 96 inches wide x 84 inches long
  • Extra long: 72 inches wide x 96 inches long
  • Extra wide and extra long: 96 inches wide x 96 inches long

Keep in mind that these are just standard sizes, and you may need to adjust the measurements based on the size of your patio door and your personal preference. It is always a good idea to measure your door carefully and add extra fabric for fullness to ensure that you get the right size curtains.

list of curtain sizes for various patio door sizes:

Here is a list of curtain sizes for various patio door sizes:

  • For a patio door measuring 72 inches wide x 84 inches tall: Standard size curtains (72 inches wide x 84 inches long) or extra long curtains (72 inches wide x 96 inches long) would be a good fit.
  • For a patio door measuring 96 inches wide x 84 inches tall: Extra wide curtains (96 inches wide x 84 inches long) or extra wide and extra long curtains (96 inches wide x 96 inches long) would be a good fit.
  • For a patio door measuring 72 inches wide x 96 inches tall: Extra long curtains (72 inches wide x 96 inches long) would be a good fit.
  • For a patio door measuring 96 inches wide x 96 inches tall: Extra wide and extra long curtains (96 inches wide x 96 inches long) would be a good fit.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the measurements based on your personal preference and the style of your curtains. It is always a good idea to measure your door carefully and add extra fabric for fullness to ensure that you get the right size curtains.

Trisha Mae Raymundo
Trisha Mae Raymundo

Senior Writer and Editor of The Home Spot.