Choosing the right blinds for your glass doors requires a bit of consideration, and expert insight, from both a practical and aesthetic perspective. There are various options available, depending on the size and style of your door frames. Here’s a look at some of the best door blinds on the market.
What to Consider When Installing Door Blinds
Before making your decision, there are a few elements that you might want to factor in as a way to guide you towards the most suitable blind option.
- Space Configuration
Most blinds will need to be installed on the wall above the glass door as there isn’t sufficient depth on the door itself. Check the spacing of the area for such an installation.
- Door Handle
You don’t want the blinds to keep getting trapped or tangled in the door handle, so this will need to be factored into the installation as well.
- Coverage
For complete cover of the entire door area, your blinds might need some extra width to overlap on the wall. Check the measurements clearly so that you’re not left too short.
- Design
The interior design of your home will need to work seamlessly into the chosen style and configuration of the blind as well. It’s often best to get a recommended window treatment professional out to check your chosen space so that you’re not wasting money unnecessarily.
A popular option for glass doors is the vertical blind which is used in every setting from workplaces to homes, providing enhanced privacy while not impeding movement. These particular blinds use vertical lengths of fabric – known as louvres or slats – which are joined together by weights, as well as chains at the bottom, for synchronised movement and stabilisation. These are then attached, via clips, to a sliding track at the top, and operated with a plastic wand or chain.
Benefits of Vertical Door Blinds
As a glass door treatment option, there are several benefits to the vertical blind option, including:
- Cost
They’re one of the most affordable types of blinds on the market.
- Variety
They come in a range of colours and material types including fabric, wood, metal and PVC; and the louvres are also available in differing widths.
- Low Maintenance
The fabric louvres can be removed and washed, while the wood, PVC or metal version can be simply wiped with a damp cloth.
- Easy to Replace
Although they do have a very long lifespan, you might want to redecorate at some point or replace some of the louvres which have become a bit worn. Fortunately, you won’t require an entire re-installation.
- Easy to Use
With just a twist of the wand or a pull of the cord, you can adjust your blinds quickly and easily. In fact, many modern installations can be done with remote activation so it’s just a simple touch of the button.
- PVC / Faux Wood Shutter Panels
The next option on the list is the shutter panels which can be used as an effective glass door covering that are then pulled open or used in the stack away option whereby they slide along rails and stack to the side of the door. Like the vertical blind option, the shutter panels have louvres that can be tilted for light and privacy control, however, these will need to be shut before you slide the panels back and forth. It’s also worth noting that the shutter panels will cover half the door space when opened.
Benefits of Shutter Panels
Despite some of the aforementioned restrictions to this choice of glass door coverage, shutter panels continue to be a popular installation choice for many. Here’s why:
- Durability
The PVC panels, in particular, are incredibly durable and will not warp, chip or peel, even in really humid conditions. This makes them the ideal choice for coastal homes and seaside retreats.
- Easy to Clean and Use
A damp cloth is really all you need to keep these blinds looking their absolute best. Plus, you simply have to flip the louvres to open or close, and stacking is a simple matter.
- Cost-Savings
Because of the configuration of these shutters, they allow for complete light control, privacy and provide superior thermal advantages. By blocking out light, they regulate the internal temperature, saving you on artificial cooling in summer and heating in winter. They’re also great for young children who need darkness for nap time.
- Sliding Panel Blinds
If you’re not looking for a complete block-out option then sliding panel blinds are a sure-fire solution to your glass door coverage problems. These particular blinds are made with vertical panels of fabric which, like vertical blinds, are easily stacked one behind the other with the simple pull of a cord.
Benefits of Sliding Panel Door Blinds
If you’re not convinced, here’s a look at some of the benefits associated with these particular glass door coverings.
- Variety
These are available in a wide range of fabric types including light filtering, blockout and solar fabrics that will protect the interior from light and heat, while still matching your décor.
- Customised
The panel blinds can be easily customised for a wand, cord loop or even motorised control; sliding left to right or right to left; or even centre stacking.
- Fully Opened
Unlike with shutter panels, panel blinds can be completely stacked neatly so that your glass doors are able to open fully.
Consulting With Experts
When choosing a glass door covering for your home or office space, it’s often best to consult with industry experts such as Viz Blinds, as they are able to brief you on several contributing factors that aren’t always clear. The positioning of your space in terms of climate and light exposure will need to be assessed, as you don’t want to invest in blinds that eventually fade, warp, crack or peel over time. Your personal preferences in style and material will also be carefully considered, as well as quality and any customised installation requirements. Make sure you go with the best when investing in such an important interior solution.