Window Treatments that Seamlessly Coordinate with Sliding Kitchen Doors

Installing window treatments for your sliding kitchen doors can be a fun way to accessorize while also controlling light and enhancing privacy. But with so many options for window furnishings, it can be tricky to select ones that blend seamlessly with your kitchen's existing design.

Read on for ideas and inspiration!

Take Precise Measurements of Your Sliding Doors

Before shopping for any sliding door window treatments, accurate measurements are a must. You'll need to measure both the width and height of your doors precisely:

• For width, measure directly from outer edge to outer edge of the door frame.
• For height, measure from the very top of the door frame down to the spot where you want the curtains or shades to stop.

Keep in mind that sliding door handles, locks or protruding panels can also impact measurements. Account for an extra inch or two of depth if yours stick out past the actual door frame.

With detailed width, height and depth measurements in hand, you'll be prepared to shop for sliding door window treatments guaranteed to fit properly. Ill-fitting options won't just look sloppy--they also won't provide full coverage and light blocking.

Consider Key Factors for Choosing Kitchen Sliding Door Treatments

Window treatments can make a dramatic impact on room design. As you evaluate options for your kitchen sliding doors, keep these key considerations in mind:

Aesthetics and Overall Decor Cohesion

Since kitchen window treatments are a visible, integral decor element, you'll want fabrics and colors that coordinate beautifully with cabinets, counters, backsplashes and flooring finishes. The style of your kitchen is also important--more formal kitchens tend to suit drapes and valances, while casual spaces can incorporate breezy, relaxed curtains.

Don't overlook the power of textures and patterns to pull a room together as well. Incorporate similar textures from countertops and textiles into window shade fabrics or align stripes and geometric shapes across multiple design aspects.

Use colors strategically too. Draw accent hues from appliances and mosaic backsplashes into your window treatments to make them pop. Alternatively, select neutral curtain panels or shades to anchor a vibrant kitchen filled with bold paint colors and prints.

Precise Light and Privacy Control

Kitchen window placements vary widely, from tiny accent windows over sinks to sweepingslider vistas that flood interiors with daylight. As a result, light and privacy needs differ.

Fortunately, sliding door window options range from breezy, sheer curtains that filter light to rich, opaque drapes and even blackout blinds for full coverage. If your kitchen gets intense western sun exposure, darker opaque fabrics can prevent heat gain and glare.

Adjustable treatments like shutters, shades and blinds make it easy to modulate incoming light as needed too. These tactile options add great texture and often coordinate well with wood cabinetry.

Uninterrupted Door Functionality

Since sliding doors must continue gliding smoothly post-installation, carefully mounting curtains or drapes is key. Utilize extender rods or second parallel rods to push fabrics well away from door openings. This prevents treatments from obstructing operation or impeding views.

Sheer curtains or lightweight shades tend to billow less, avoiding door disruption better than dense drapery panels. If you prefer an opaque slider door covering, be religious about tying back drapes when doors are in use.

Roller shades or vertical blinds installed outside the door opening offer another out-of-the-way option that operates almost invisibly. These modern-looking choices complement contemporary and minimalist kitchen styles beautifully.

Durability and Longevity

The kitchen environment subjects window treatments to plenty of grease, humidity and regular cleaning. Utilize easy-care fabrics like faux silk, microfiber, canvas and heavier woven materials to withstand wear.

Regular vacuuming, prompt grease-spotting treatments and periodic washing maintain durability. Alternatively, washable roller shades prove extremely convenient. Their vinyl-coated materials resist moisture, food splatters and heat very effectively.

Frequent sunlight exposure also necessitates fade-resistant textiles. Lined opaque curtains and tightly-woven woods or synthetic shutter slats offer longevity.

Best Sliding Door Window Treatment Options for Kitchens

From breezy sheers to sound-muffling drapes, sliding door window options abound. Which route you take depends on decor goals, lighting needs and style preferences. Here's an overview of go-to choices for kitchen spaces:

Sheer and Light-Filtering Window Treatments

Billowy sheers establish an open, airy ambiance while allowing occupants to enjoy outside views. These lightweight curtains gently filter harsh sunlight to prevent squinting without sacrificing visibility. They come in single panels, layered pairs and rippled grommet-top styles adding beautiful movement.

Match kitchen motifs with patterned sheer fabric featuring everything from delicate floral jacquards to bold global-inspired ikats. Neutral solid colors work well too. Hang sheer curtains wider than window frames to beautifully frame views rather than obscure them.

For additional adjustable sun-screening, consider easy-to-install sheer shades as an alternative. These function much like traditional roller shades but feature semi-transparent vinyl or fabric allowing filtered daylight penetration. Sheer roman or cellular shades also filter incoming rays while enabling visibility.

Opaque Curtain Panels and Heavy Window Treatments

Thick lined drapes in lush fabrics like velvet or brocade make a luxurious style statement for formal kitchens. Available in countless colors and patterns, these elegantly cowled curtains emit old-world refinement. Their substantial materials also provide excellent light control for low-lit ambiance.

Floor-length styles promote formality but require vigilance against dirt and tears in high-traffic kitchens. More casual opaque panel track curtains that stop above floor level prove ideal. These easy-sliding designs tie back readily and handle cleaning beautifully.

For spaces craving a modern, geometric look, consider accordion-folding door shades. Their stacked, pleated style complements contemporary architecture and adapts well when you want light or privacy.

Sliding and Adjustable Window Treatments

Sliding panels offer a creative twist on traditional curtains and mimic door operation. Mount them outside frames on ceiling tracks allowing panels to draw open and closed just like your actual doors. This provides modularity without losing style or function.

Roller shades also deliver adjustable light control and contain hidden spring mechanisms neatly housing fabric when not in use. Sleek faux-wood blinds in vertical or horizontal formats slide discreetly to screen sunlight beautifully too.

Shutters take this concept to the next level with their hinged louvers pivoting incrementally to welcome or block rays. Whether framed inside door openings or installed on surrounding walls, their dimensional wood construction adds warmth.

Layering Different Window Treatment Types

An eclectic layered treatment approach mixes various fabrics and textures for custom control. Try teaming breezy sheers or screens with supplemental opaque shades, shutter louvers or drapery panels.

Close the opaque elements at night or when more privacy is desired. During the day, adjust sheers or exterior screen layers to temper incoming rays while preserving a sense of openness and air circulation.

Design Tips for Stylish Sliding Door Window Treatments

Achieving a polished, cohesive look with your kitchen sliding door window treatments is all about creative details. Try these pro designer tricks:

• Select wider curtains/drapes extending 6 to 12 inches beyond the actual window frame for a luxe treatment appearance.
• Incorporate decorative valances at the tops of curtain panels or posts at shade edges to introduce contrasting patterns and color.
• Design unique headers spanning over groups of sliding doors utilizing architectural beams, wallpaper rolls or suspended wood.

And don't overlook the power of swags, cascades and tiebacks to inject drama. These ornate embellishments catch the eye while showcasing window treatments as true focal points.

Installing sliding door window treatments tailored to your kitchen design, decor motifs and lighting needs results in seamless cohesion and style. As you evaluate fabrics, colors, materials and styles, maintain focus on your specific goals and preferences.

There are endless options for window furnishings from breezy curtains to soundproofing drapes and everything between. Defining priorities and purposes sharpens the selection process considerably.

And don't shy away from creativity or unconventional approaches - your kitchen sliding door treatments are blank canvases awaiting your custom vision. The right window furnishings can truly transform the entire space.