Window Treatment for French Doors to Add Style and Privacy

By Blake Lockwood | Curated by Blake Lockwood | Reviewed by Blake Lockwood

Blake Lockwood, the seasoned interior designer behind Decor Snob, has made a name for himself with over 30 years of industry experience. As a member of esteemed associations such as the NCIDQ, CIDA, NAAB, and CCIDC, he upholds high standards in his work.  His content is always people-first, reliable, and engaging.

Window Treatment Ideas for French Doors

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

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.

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

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.

subtle cream shades on the French doors in this entryway

The subtle cream shades on the French doors in this entryway do not take away from the height of the doors.

simple cream roman shade

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

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

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

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

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.

walnut wooden shutters

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

Dark wood contrasts with the white French doors.

Sliding French Door Curtains

floor to ceiling solid cream coverings over the French Doors

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

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.

extra-wide thermal blackout curtain can be used on French doors or sliding doors

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.

vertical and horizontal shades give the room a more interesting 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

draped coverings on the French doors

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.

deep red drapery covering the French doors

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

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

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

tieback for this blackout style

Blackout With Darkening Shades

Blackout With Darkening Shades For French Doors

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.

sheer French door panels

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

Window films can be added to French doors to add style and privacy while still letting in light.

Sliding Panels

natural woven fabric on the floor to ceiling sliding panel

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

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

French door shades that are enclosed within the glass can be operated remotely so you have complete control of privacy and light.

Fingertip controls make adjusting these blinds a breeze

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)

Wood blinds add warmth

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
Photo: PARKLAND® Wood Blinds
Photo: Maurizio Pellizzoni Ltd
Photo: Ivy Lane Living
Photo: Sarah Barnard Design
Photo: Nor-Son, Inc.
Photo: Chicology Standard Cord Lift Roman Shades Window Blind
Photo: Dayna Katlin Interiors
Photo: ALICE BLACK INTERIORS
Photo: Chalet
Photo: Abda Custom Window Fashions
Photo: Budget Blinds of Concord and Hanover
Photo: PARKLAND® Wood Blinds
Photo: Michael Smith Architects
Photo: Tamara Magel Studio
Photo: Warm Home Designs Extra Wide, Extra Long 110" x 96" Metallic White 100% Blackout Insulated Thermal Patio Door Panel, Room Breaker, French Door or Sliding Door Curtains. JE White 110 x 96
Photo: Silhouette® Window Shadings
Photo: Marvin
Photo: Robert Burg Design
Photo: WAVERLY French Door Curtain-Donnington 26" x 68" Tie Up Light Filtering Single Panel Drapes for Patio, Living Room and Bedroom, Cornflower
Photo: PARASOL Outdoor Curtains for Patio-Key Largo 26" x 68" Thermal Insulated Darkening Single Panel Drape Blinds Backyard, White
Photo: DriftAway Tree Branch Door Curtain Sidelight Curtain Thermal Rod Pocket Room Darkening Privacy Front Door Panel Single Curtain with Bonus Adjustable Tieback
Photo: DriftAway Bella Door Curtain Sidelight Curtain Thermal Rod Pocket Room Darkening Privacy French Panel Single Curtain with Bonus Adjustable Tieback 52 Inch by 72 Inch plus 1.5 Inch Header Aqua and Gray
Photo: DriftAway Floral Delight Door Curtain Room Darkening Privacy French Door Panel for Patio Sliding Window Single Rod Pocket Curtain with Bonus Matching Tieback 52 Inch by72 Inch plus1.5 Inch Header Gray
Photo: jinchan Sheer French Door Curtains Moroccan Tile Embroidered Sheer French Door Curtain 1 Panel 72" L, Grey
Photo: Artscape Chateau Sidelight Window Film 12" x 83"
Photo: Tan French Door Curtain
Photo: Duette® Honeycomb Shades
Photo: ODL Enclosed Blinds Color Collection
Photo: ODL Light-Touch® Enclosed Blinds
Photo: ODL Add-on Blinds for Raised & Flush Frame Door Glass

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