With spring just around the corner, the change of season may have you looking forward to opening up the doors and windows in your home for fresh air. While that’s perfect throughout the day, there are certainly times when it’s more comfortable to close things up again.
Covering doors with the right custom window treatments doesn’t leave you feeling shut in—it gives you flexibility. You can control natural light, protect your privacy, and improve energy efficiency, all while maintaining the connection to the outdoors that you love. Let’s explore some of the most popular glass door window treatments for your home.
Why Covering Doors Matters
Doors bring in beautiful views, natural light, and easy access to outdoor spaces—but they can also create challenges. Without the right window coverings, you may experience:
- Limited privacy
- Harsh glare and excessive sunlight
- Drafts and temperature fluctuations
- UV damage to interiors
The right window covering solutions will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your doors while minimizing the drawbacks.
Privacy at the Entry: Front Doors & Sidelights
The importance of privacy at your front door doesn’t disappear when the weather gets warmer—in fact, with more activity outside, it often becomes even more important. Do you have sidelights? These narrow windows next to your front door bring in beautiful natural light, but they also require thoughtful coverage.
Honeycomb shades are one of our top recommendations for entryways. Opaque fabrics provide complete privacy, and top-down bottom up shades let in light while maintaining coverage below. The cellular construction adds energy efficiency with a clean, modern look that balances light and privacy beautifully.
Covering Doors to the Patio
As patio season approaches, your doors become one of the most frequently used areas of your home. That means your window coverings need to keep up. You’ll want window covering options that offer smooth, easy operation and a low-profile design that doesn’t interfere with movement. Light-filtering fabrics allow you to maintain your view, but opaque or room darkening fabrics can stop direct sunlight from heating up your home.
We love how these Silhouette® sheer shades offer a soft, filtered glow with views of the landscape, maintaining a connection to the outdoors. Attached to the doors, they operate easily in high-traffic spaces, creating a beautiful backdrop while allowing your doors to function effortlessly.
Sliding Glass Doors: Style + Function
Sliding glass doors act like oversized windows—bringing in light, views, and daily activity. But without window treatments, they can also introduce glare, heat, and lack of privacy. When choosing coverings for sliding doors, function is key, much like when choosing window treatments for large windows.
Look for solutions that:
- Glide easily with the door
- Stand up to daily use
- Are simple for everyone in the household to operate
Popular options include:
- Cellular shades designed for vertical operation
- Woven wood vertical drapery
- Gliding panel track shades
Motorization is also a game changer in these spaces. With the touch of a button—or even voice control—you can adjust your shades instantly or schedule them to move with the sun.
French Doors: Highlight the Design
French doors are known for their beauty, and the right window treatments should enhance—not hide—their character. The best options are low-profile and designed to work seamlessly with door hardware.
Plantation Shutters
- Classic look that complements the door design with
- Adjustable louvers for light control
- Custom cutouts for handles
Woven Wood Shades
- Add texture and softness
- Maintain a tailored, low-profile appearance
Drapery Panels
- Frame the doors beautifully
- Add height and elegance to the space
With the right selection, you can preserve the charm of your French doors while adding comfort and functionality.
Balancing Style Across Windows and Doors
Doors rarely exist on their own—they’re part of a larger space that includes windows. When covering doors, it’s important to think about the entire room. This is where it can be very helpful to work with a window covering specialist to help you make decisions. Much of the choices will be based on your own personal preference, but we have three basic methods we look to for guidance.
Whole House Approaches:
- Use matching fabrics across shades and drapery
- Choose similar materials in different orientations
- Coordinate colors and textures for a cohesive look
This approach creates a “whole home” feel, where everything works together visually and functionally.
Designed for Real Life
Door coverings need to perform well in everyday life.
Think about:
- High traffic from family members (and pets!)
- Frequent opening and closing
- Dust, dirt, and wear
- Ease of cleaning
Durable, low-maintenance materials are essential—especially in busy areas like sliding glass doors and patio entrances. The right window treatments will not only look beautiful, but also stand up to daily use.
Smart Features for Modern Living
Automation has become one of the most popular upgrades for covering doors.
With motorized window treatments, you can:
- Adjust coverings with a remote, app, or voice control
- Schedule movements throughout the day
- Easily manage hard-to-reach or large door areas
It’s a convenient, safe, and modern solution—especially for high-use spaces.
Spring Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Space
As you start spending more time outdoors, your home should support that lifestyle. The right window coverings make it easy to come and go, enjoy the view, and stay comfortable indoors. Whether you’re updating one door or rethinking the entire space, there are solutions that combine style, function, and flexibility.
Let’s Find the Right Solution for Your Home
At Rocky Mountain Shutters, Shades & Closets, we help homeowners throughout the Denver area choose window coverings that fit their lifestyle and design goals. If you’re ready to explore your options for covering doors, we’d love to help. Visit one of our showrooms or schedule your FREE in-home consultation to get started.
