Today Dee writes:
I need new window treatments for my french doors. What’s up there now is a cheap set of mini blinds and I hate them. But the problem is I don’t know what else to get to replace them. Please help!
Dee, don’t worry. You do have other options for window treatments for french doors. Mini blinds are popular because they are inexpensive but also because they have a low profile depth wise. So as long as you keep this in mind, finding new window treatments for your french doors will be a snap. You can choose from roller shades, cellular shades or 1″ faux wood blinds. Let’s examine each style.
Roller shades – Roller shades are perfect because the bulk of the shade is at the top of the window. This means you aren’t going to have to worry about clearance with the handles. Consider going with a style that has a valance or a cassette valance if you are looking for a more formal or finished look. Roller shades come in many colors, patterns and fabrics so you’ll have a lot of choice depending on what style you are going for. One thing to be careful of though is going with a real delicate fabric. You want something heartier because the shade fabric will be very close to the door knob. So it will be subjected to dirty hands and should be able to withstand an accidental grab or two. If you have little kids in the house, I’d recommend going with one that feels less like fabric and more like vinyl or canvas. Solar shades can also be used on french doors, they just offer more sun control than light blocking or privacy.
Cellular shades – Cellular shades are also pretty slim depth wise so they have been popular on french doors and shallow window casings. One nice option available with cellular shades is the cordless top down/bottom up feature. This feature will allow you to use hold down brackets on the bottom rail of the shade to keep it from banging around as the door is open and closed. But it will also give you the benefit of being able to open and close the cellular shade by moving the top part only. And because the whole thing is cordless, you won’t have an cords hanging down and getting in the way of the door knobs.
1″ wood or faux wood blinds – If you like the versatility of a blind but don’t like mini blinds consider 1″ wood or faux wood blinds. The individual slats are thicker than their vinyl or aluminum counterparts so they don’t bend as easily. Plus the slats are flat instead of curved so it makes cleaning much easier. No more feeling like you are moving the dirt around instead of picking it up. These blinds can also be used with hold down brackets to hold the bottom rail in place. This will keep the blind from hitting the door and making a loud noise every time the door is open or shut. And then for light or privacy control, you can tilt the slats open or closed. The 1″ size is not available in every type and color of faux and wood blinds but most companies will have a selection of the most popular colors.
No matter which of these great styles you chose, they will all work great and look great on french doors. And most important of all, they are not mini blinds!
Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!
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