Oh, you have a French door! It might be one of the most charming elements of
your home. Usually they look wonderful even without any additional dressing.
But if, for some reason, you are thinking about any French door window
treatments, don’t worry – you have plenty of options. You can add either blinds
or shades to your French door, and even can choose from several types of them.
Also, there are other choices of French door window treatments – you can do
without shades or blinds, if you don’t like the idea to cover with them your
beautiful French door.
Traditional French doors, also known as French windows, are
constructed from a wooden frame and several glass panes with grilles between
them, while modern French doors can be made of one large piece of glass
that increases amount of light coming into a room. French doors can be used for
different purposes - they are very popular as patio doors, as dividers between
large living spaces, and as doors to a balcony. Both modern and traditional
French doors create an inviting and a relaxing atmosphere in a room.
To decide what kind of French door window treatments is a best one just for
your interior, determine first your needs and wishes: do you want to get more
privacy and light blockage, or are you just looking for a beautiful dressing
for your French door? And don’t forget about your existing interior style.
French
Windows in Arles, France Photo by Louise Schuller
Horizontal Mini
Blinds
You can choose wooden, aluminum, or vinyl mini blinds. It depends on your
budget, taste and on your entire room appearance. With wood blinds you will get a classic informal look in the room,
while aluminum blinds better
match modern interiors. Vinyl mini blinds
are a very practical choice, especially for high humidity areas, like bathroom
or kitchen, but they may look not very attractive in such living spaces as
living/dining room, patio, or a bedroom with a balcony, especially if you want
your interior to look stylish. However vinyl mini blinds can be a perfect
solution for a budget home decor (in a rental house, for example).
If you decided about this kind of French door window treatments, keep in mind,
that horizontal blinds need enough space when they are completely opened. Look
for an appropriate slat size. Wooden mini blinds usually come in 1” slat size,
while vinyl and aluminum mini blinds can be 1/2” or 1”. Some manufacturers
provide special shapes for their blinds. You may consider so called “cut-outs”
option, if you order custom made window blinds and need space for door knobs.
Fabric roman shades – look nice for many
interior styles - contemporary, country, classic, and so on. The level of
privacy and light blockage depends on the type of fabric you select for your
shades. As for your roman shades styles, you can choose one that you like the
best and that match best your room interior.
Bamboo roman shades or bamboo roller
shades go well with several interior styles – modern, orient, exotic,
even classic. Depending on their texture, these shades may gently diffuse
light, or block it completely.
Draperies – most traditional type of window treatments for French doors.
There are endless of variations. With a wide range of fabrics and drapery
styles, you can not only make your French doors more stylish, but also give a
finished look to the entire room. If the space of the room allows - hang your
draperies wide and high enough above the doors. It provides an additional
elegance to the room and makes a door movement easier.
Sheers – you can hang them on your French doors using drapery rods on
the top and the bottom of the doors. However, many people don’t like sheers
because of their outdated look. You may consider screen shades or solar
roller shades instead, which still provide outside view, protect
furniture from sun rays and also reduce glare. You can install these shades in
addition to draperies, or without them.
Window Decorating Ideas –
Alternative Options For Your French Doors
If
you don’t want to hide the beauty of your French doors, here are some other
options for your choice:
Stained
Glass
Stained glass - this window décor can be an important element for Tudor
or gothic style interiors. It looks eye-catching from inside and outside of the
house and gives feeling of warmth and luxury to any room. You can choose
medieval objects, like coat-of-arms and portraits, or floral, geometric and
abstract motives that match also traditional and even modern interiors.
Painting looks very attractive on windows and mirrors. You can do it
yourself or find a professional master. Like stained glass, it goes well with
many interior styles. If you like modern style - make an abstract or freestyle
painted décor, or try to replicate a traditional stained glass, if you prefer a
classic look.
Wall decal – of course, it’s not a solution for light blockage or
privacy protection, but it’s a quick and budget way to decorate your French
door and give a new interesting look to the room. Besides, if you don’t like
it, you can remove it easily and without any damage to a window.
Black Window Blinds? Great Idea!
Why do you need black window blinds? Do you think that black will give you
better light control, or are you one of those originals who are looking for
unique home decorations? If you really want them for your interior, keep
reading.
Faux Wood Blinds
If you want real wood-like window blinds, but worry about the price or
practical aspects, shop for faux wood blinds, which are also called alternative
wood blinds.
Wood Blinds
Like other wood items at home, wood window blinds add richness and a feeling of
comfort. Well-matched to your wooden floor or furniture, they supplement the
room’s interior and make your home more attractive.
Wood Mini Blinds
Wood mini blinds are comfortable, stylish, and provide a warm pleasant look to
every interior.
