French doors are a popular choice for both interior and exterior doors because of their beauty and versatility. But because of their unique design, finding the right window treatments for French doors can be a bit of a challenge. Do you need privacy? Light or temperature control? A combination of both? The right answer depends on your budget, style, and needs. To help you make the best decision for your home and get the most out of your French doors, we’ve compiled a list of the five best window treatments for French doors and the benefits of each.
The Best Window Treatments for French Doors
Roman Shades
Roman shades are a classic choice for French doors. Made from a single piece of fabric that folds up as it is raised, Roman shades work well with French doors because they provide privacy while still allowing some natural light to enter through your French doors. Roman shades are also versatile, available in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, which makes finding a style that matches your décor easy. And since they can be lowered all the way to the bottom of the door, they’re also a good choice if you’re looking for privacy.
Shutters
Shutters are a dependable, durable, and elegant window treatment that can work well with French doors. Shutters boast the ability to provide both excellent privacy and light control. Shutters can be made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum, and like Roman shades, they come in a variety of colors and styles to match any décor. Shutters can be installed either inside or outside the door frame, and they can be opened to allow natural light into the room or closed for complete privacy (they’re also helpful in reducing glare). They’re also easy to maintain.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds are a timeless source of warm, natural beauty that insulate well and go with virtually any decor. Like other kinds of blinds, wood blinds are easy to adjust and control — by angling the blind slats up or down, you can make adjustments to light and privacy throughout the day. If your French doors are in a room or area with high humidity, wood blinds may not be the right choice for you. Thankfully, faux wood blinds are another popular window treatment suitable for French doors.
Curtains
Curtains are an affordable, versatile, and fun way to dress up your French doors. Curtains provide good light control and glare reduction and also come in a wide range of fabrics, colors, patterns, and lengths (and can range from sheer to blackout, depending on your light and privacy needs). One advantage curtains have over shutters is that they’re often less expensive; however, they may not provide as much privacy or light control as shutters do. But the affordability of curtains means that it’s easy to change them up throughout the year as needed. Whether you need a simple style refresh or you want to transition from light summer curtains to heavier insulating winter curtains in the winter, curtains make it simple to adapt your look throughout the year.
Cellular Shades
If you have exterior-facing French doors, cellular shades are a smart window treatment to consider. Cellular shades are powerful insulators, helping to cut your energy costs by keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. And cellular shades are versatile, offered in a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns, as well as in a range of opacity (depending on the amount of privacy and light you prefer).
_____
The best window treatments for French doors are the ones that work in your space, meeting your precise style, budget, and privacy needs. And whether you’re looking for dependable, beautiful, high-quality French doors, or are searching for the best window treatments to use with your existing French doors, you can trust the experts at American Window Company to help. We offer a vast assortment of customizable window treatment options for French doors, windows, and more. When you’re ready to get started, contact American Window Company for more information.