How to Choose the Right Furnishing
for Your Patio Doors:
Curtains, Blinds or Shutters?
Aussies love their patios, and it’s easy to see why. With a climate perfect for outdoor living for most of the year, patios have become an extension of the home. It allows seamless blending of indoor comfort with the natural beauty of the outdoors. It’s easy to picture holding a weekend barbecue, having a quiet morning coffee, or simply enjoying a space to unwind on the patio. On a practical level, patios add value to a property, enhancing both lifestyle and aesthetics.
Because patios often feature large sliding or bi-fold doors, choosing the right window and door furnishings is essential. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the right window treatment to ensure a smooth connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why Patio Door Furnishings Matter
Patio doors are more than just an entryway to the outdoors. They help let in natural light, offer access to fresh air, and create a connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. However, because they’re large and often located in high-traffic areas, they come with unique challenges.
Homeowners often struggle with issues like excessive sunlight and heat or lack of privacy. Unlike regular windows, patio doors need treatments that balance function and design while withstanding daily use.
Things to Consider When Choosing Patio Window Furnishing
The three most popular solutions are curtains, blinds/shades, and shutters. Each has distinct advantages in terms of light control, style, and durability, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle and home design. Here are the factors you need to keep in mind when making your choice.
Temperature and Lighting Control
Large patio doors can make rooms uncomfortably warm in summer and chilly in winter. This is because of the size of the opening created by patio doors. Furnishings help regulate natural light, block harsh UV rays, and maintain a stable indoor climate. For example, blockout curtains and plantation shutters are excellent for reducing heat transfer, while sheer fabrics and light-filtering blinds allow in soft, natural light without glare.
Day-to-Day Living & High-Traffic Areas
Because patio doors are used frequently, furnishings must allow for easy opening and closing. Sliding options, like vertical blinds and panel track shades, move smoothly without obstructing the door. Durability also matters. Heavier drapes might not be ideal in households with kids or pets, while shutters provide sturdy, long-lasting protection.
Privacy Needs
Privacy works differently during the day and night. During the day,sheer curtains or privacy sheers let light in while shielding your interior. At night, when interior lights make rooms more visible, layered treatments like blinds with curtains or shutters offer better coverage and peace of mind.
Curtains for Sliding Glass Doors
- Fabric Types: Blockout curtains block light and heat, making them perfect for bedrooms or west-facing rooms. Light-filtering fabrics balance privacy and brightness, while sheers provide a breezy, open look.
- Style and Movement: For sliding glass doors, curtains should move smoothly along a track or rod. Floor-to-ceiling styles elongate the space and create a luxurious feel.
- Custom Drapes and Valances: Adding valances or custom drapery can elevate the look, making the patio door a polished focal point rather than just a passageway.
Blinds and Shades for Sliding Doors
For a sleek and space-saving solution, blinds and shades are also a go-to choice. These options are easy to operate, great for privacy, and can be customized to block or filter light depending on your needs. They’re also a smart fit for modern and minimalist interiors. Here are some tips to consider:
Types: Vertical blinds are practical for sliding doors, while roller shades and panel track blinds provide a minimalist aesthetic.
Functionality: Because they stack neatly to the side or roll up, blinds and shades don’t take up floor space, making them ideal in compact living areas.
Discover more blind styles here.
Shutters for Sliding Doors
Another popular option is shutters. Unlike fabric-based treatments, shutters are long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.
- Plantation Shutters: With wide louvres, plantation shutters allow homeowners to control light and airflow while maintaining privacy. They’re highly versatile: open the panels for a full outdoor view or tilt the louvres to let in light while keeping interiors private.
- Suitability for Australian Climates: In hot summers and cooler winters, shutters help insulate spaces, keeping them comfortable year-round.
Read more about our shutter options here.
Combining and Layering Options
You don’t always have to choose just one treatment. Layering adds flexibility, function, and style. Here are some options you can try.
- Double Treatments: Pairing blinds with curtains combines practicality with softness. For example, vertical blinds provide privacy and light control, while drapes add elegance.
- Privacy Sheers: These are particularly popular, allowing natural light to filter through while giving you daytime privacy.
- Balance of Function and Design: Layering lets you enjoy the benefits of both treatments. For instance, sheers during the day for filtered light, and heavier drapes at night for full coverage.
Style and Design Considerations
Beyond function, patio door furnishings are a design statement. You don’t want your patio door to look out of place or outdated, so keep these things in mind:
- Matching or Contrasting: Should your patio doors match your window furnishings? Consistency creates a cohesive look, especially in open-plan spaces. On the other hand, making the patio door a statement piece with bold curtains or striking shutters can add visual interest.
- Pairing with Nearby Windows: Sliding doors often sit alongside windows. Coordinating treatments, like matching roller blinds or using the same fabric for curtains creates harmony.
- Finishing Touches: Custom fabrics, decorative rods, pelmets, or valances complete the look, ensuring your patio door covering feels intentional and stylish.
Latest Trends in Window Coverings
Window furnishings need to adapt to the current needs of homeowners. Here are some of the latest trends and innovations shaping modern interiors:
- Modern Innovations: Motorised blinds and smart shades are increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to adjust coverings with a remote or even through voice commands.
- New Materials: Eco-friendly fabrics, UV-resistant textiles, and durable composites are trending, offering both sustainability and performance.
- New Trends: Privacy sheers and layered styles are on the rise, balancing the need for sunlight with a desire for elegance and versatility.
Over the years, technology and design have become increasingly intertwined, making it easier than ever to create functional yet stylish solutions for patio doors. Who knows, maybe we’ll have AI-powered window furnishings soon?
Choosing the Right Option for You
At the end of the day, the “right” furnishing for your patio door depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and practical needs.
When making your choice, consider how you use the space, how much natural light you want, and how often the door is in use. Your patio doors should enhance both the comfort and style of your home.
If you’re ready to explore your options in detail, contact Aurora and our team will guide you through the latest styles, smart solutions, and custom designs to find the perfect fit for your home.
