Options for sliding doors or French doors ...

Maryann Fisher
Decorating Den Interiors
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Sliding doors and French doors provide not only a more interesting doorway to a home, but also generally more light. The natural light that is usually viewed as a positive can become an issue when the sun is in your eyes during either dinner or breakfast. It also can affect the screens on your TV or monitors. Many times the consumer doesn’t think about the damage that the sun may be doing on the furnishings or flooring as it shines in the room.

Vertical blinds filter light that can damage floors and furniture.

If you decide to put a traversing drapery on your sliding or French door, you may be blocking the view or natural light that you wanted. To open the drapery wide enough to take advantageous of the full glass, the drapery will need to be approximately 1/3 wider than the glass it is covering. This space is not always available, nor is the desire for that much fabric.

When I get a call to discuss this challenge, often I also hear, "I’m not interested in vertical blinds." First I explain that verticals do provide an answer with a small stacking width, and there are many vane options available. The perception is usually the PVC vane, but the woven fabrics with sewn-in weights on the bottom can add texture with a softer appearance. Also available are wood vertical slats that add a warmer feeling.

Vertical blinds let the light in when you want it, keep it out when you don't.

For a more formal or up-scale space, Hunter Douglas offers a Luminette. This product combines the advantages of the vertical blind but has a sheer fabric on either side of the slats. You are able to tilt the inner fabric slats to the degree of privacy desired while appreciating the elegance of sheers. Opening them completely, a minimal stacking space is used.


Wooden blinds add a warm tone to a room design.

To function the Averte, you simply and easily slide the leading wood edge. No cords!

Both the Averte and Luminette can be motorized so that with the touch of a remote control or IPad you are able to control the light coming in your sliding or French doors with the touch of a finger.

Maryann Fisher is owner of Decorating Den Interiors, Chambersburg. Contact her at mafisher@decoratingden.com, or call 717-263-4808.

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