Adding treatments for windows and glass doors is one of the most important parts of interior design, but finding window treatment ideas for French doors can be extra difficult!
No need to fret, I am here to help. I have so many great ideas for covering french door windows. I had a hard time choosing which ones to share! Whether you want high-tech motorized blinds (yep, that’s a thing!), basic curtains, or custom blinds, there is something for every style and budget.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best window coverings for your french doors like curtains, blinds, shades, shutters, cellular shades, specialty treatments.
Types of French Door Window Treatments
Roman Shades
The cream background with deep brown accents works well with the color scheme of the room and lets in light while still giving privacy.
The subtle golden roman shades covering the French doors give an elegant twist to the more modern gray tones featured throughout the room.
Linen sand-colored Roman shades on the French doors in this study give an idealistic frame to the picturesque garden. The color choices blend perfectly with the velvet green chair and rich wood desk.
The subtle cream shades on the French doors in this entryway do not take away from the height of the doors.
French door coverings can be modest without being blah. This simple cream roman shade has a standard cord lift and gives a clean look that fits in well with the rest of the decor.
Brown pull-down shades are bold against the white French doors and give that wall personality that the all-white just couldn’t accomplish.
Custom made window coverings give a clean look that fits perfectly into the French doors and you can create the exact look you want.
To learn how to choose the best French Door window treatments, check out the FAQ’s below.
Brown textured shades fit in well with the traditional farmhouse dining room. They can be left up for a bright Sunday brunch or closed for a romantic dinner at home.
Plantation Shutters
Shutters are one of the most popular French Door covering, and with innovative additions like magnets and hidden lock systems, they are stable even when the door opens and closes.
The walnut wooden shutters have a unique rectangular cutout for the handles, giving a traditional window covering a modern flare. Wood adds warmth and are the perfect complement to any room.
Dark wood contrasts with the white French doors.
Sliding French Door Curtains
The floor to ceiling solid cream coverings over the French Doors in this beachy retreat can be closed to enjoy sleeping in on your days off and open when ready to enjoy the beautiful views.
Floor to ceiling white drapery makes a distinguished covering for the massive French doors in this modern room. Notice how the brass curtain rod matches the striking geometric chandelier.
The extra-wide thermal blackout curtain can be used on French doors or sliding doors. The fact that you only need one is a money-saver and gives a clean look.
The French doors in this room all have different coverings and the vertical and horizontal shades give the room a more interesting look (although, who needs it with that view?!).
Drapery
The draped coverings on the French doors bring a timeless sophistication to this breathtaking room. The sheer material lets in light and the dark black trim gives a vivid pop to the muted color scheme.
The deep red drapery covering the French doors in this refined room gives an extra va-va-voom.
Tie-Up Window Coverings
Romantic white and blue tie-up window coverings on traditional white French doors are stylish whether they are left down, or tied up.
Single-panel white roman shades are about as basic as you can get for a French door covering, but they still give a flawless and clean look. When fully released the textured material lets in subtle shaded light.
Tie-Back Window Coverings
I love the tieback for this blackout style, and that you can get it so many designs make it a versatile choice for any decor.
Similar in style to the above window treatments, these sheer French door panels let in an abundance of light instead of a blackout effect.
Window Films
Window films can be added to French doors to add style and privacy while still letting in light.
Sliding Panels
The natural woven fabric on the floor to ceiling sliding panel offers a semi-private covering for these French doors. The flush panels match the clean look of the room’s design.
Honeycomb Window Shades
Honeycomb window shades can be custom fitted to cover the top and bottom of French doors and can be lowered or risen. The flexibility of the shades mixed with the full-length curtains allows for full customization of light and privacy.
French Doors with Built-in Blinds
French door shades that are enclosed within the glass can be operated remotely so you have complete control of privacy and light.
Light-Touch Fingertip controls make adjusting these blinds a breeze allowing you to tilt, raise, and lower them within the entire length of the glass.
Faux Built-in Blinds (Insert)
There are also attachments for French Door that can give you the appearance of built-in blinds. In my opinion, these are a better option. With normal built-in blinds, if the blinds go bad or rot, you have to trash the entire door. With these, you only have to replace the actual blind insert.
Share with me what window treatments you will use on your French doors. Will you choose a romantic sheer curtain, a complete blackout share for privacy or a custom style that will match your style perfectly?
Frequently Asked Questions about French Door Window Treatments
How do I pick the right window treatment for my French doors?
So much of this will depend on your personal style. I would start by making a list of how you want the coverings to function. Some things to consider:
- How much light do you want to let in?
- Do you need privacy from your neighbors?
- Would you prefer motorized blinds?
- Is a corded or cordless design needed?
- Should the shades be able to be adjusted from the top and bottom?
- Are there handles that will hinder certain types of window treatments?
- Do you want window treatments that are energy efficient?
You might have paused there wondering how window treatments can be energy efficient, but there are cellular shades that are insulated to lower utility costs which have become popular choices.
Pro-tip: you can control motorized shades from your smartphone and set a schedule so they open and close at certain times.
How do I measure my French door windows?
If you are using a professional window covering company, they will measure for you. Easy peasy! But, if you need to measure yourself, here are some tips:
- Start by measuring edge to edge. This may be just the glass surface, or if you want some overlap you would measure out to where you want the covering to stop.
- Add the height of your mounting brackets – this will vary depending on what style you have chosen.
- Remember to take into account the door handles.
- Add width if you want to avoid any light gaps.
Pro-tip: shallow blinds are generally better for French Door window treatments because of the handles and less invasive.
What styles of window treatments are available for French doors?
There are so many options and you can pretty much use the same types of coverings that you would for regular windows or sliding doors. I covered most of them above, but here is a recap:
- Roman shades
- Wood blinds
- Motorized
- Between the glass
- Traditional curtains
- Sheers
- Window films
- Inverted roller (can be adjusted from top of bottom)
- Roller shades
- Vertical and horizontal Venetian blinds
- Shutters
