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Best Blinds for Doors

Tips for finding the right blinds for windows on doors
BY BLINDSTER | 

Whether you're outfitting a new home with window treatments or replacing your existing ones, don't forget to order blinds for your doors with windows. Both standard-sized doors and large sliding glass doors can let in large amounts of light and put your family's privacy at risk if they aren't covered. Thankfully, there's no shortage of blinds that will get the job done and improve the appearance of any room where they're installed.

Before you place your order, it's important to remember that ordering blinds for doors is a slightly different process than ordering blinds for windows. First, you'll need to make sure the blinds are able to be made in the size you'll need to cover your door. Secondly, you'll need to make sure that your measurements are as accurate as possible to ensure a good fit and protect against light leaks throughout the length of the shades. Finally, you should verify that your blinds are the right style and color for your home, and ordering samples is the perfect way to get peace of mind before placing your order.

Ready to find the perfect blinds for your doors? Use the information and recommendations below to help you make your choice:

For French Doors:

For standard doors with windows, you'll want to pick something that is available with hold down brackets – these are optional components that install into the bottom rail of the blind and then attach to the door in order to hold you blind in place while the door opens and closes.

Beyond that, think about how much privacy and light control you want to have. Remember that blinds and shades cannot be raised once the hold down brackets are installed, so horizontal blinds provide great flexibility since their slats can be rotated open or closed.

Faux Wood Blinds:

Available with a white and a variety of off-white and stain colors, these blinds are designed to replicate the look and feel of real wood blinds. And because faux wood blinds have a high durability rating due to the engineered materials used during their manufacturing process, they can withstand exposure to sunlight, humidity and the rough treatment that can come from being installed on a door.  

Cellular Shades:

These versatile shades are best known for their insulating properties, shielding indoor temps against outside heat or cold. Cellular shades are available in either light filtering for light dampening with full privacy, or blackout for complete light blocking. You'll want to install the hold down brackets to attach the bottom of the shade to the door to prevent swaying and potential damage to the shade or your door.  

Just remember, you won't be able to raise the shade, so you'll lose your view out the door. So cellular shades are better suited to applications where privacy is more a concern than visibility outside.

Aluminum Blinds:

A great choice for homeowners who are looking for a door covering that's practical, sleek, and inexpensive, our aluminum blinds utilize classic 1" slats and a baked enamel finish that makes them highly resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking. These budget-friendly blinds are a good choice for utility doors or of course if you have aluminum blinds throughout your home that coordinate. Eliminate glare from your doors and get the peace of mind you and your family deserve—all at an affordable price.

For sliding patio doors:

Blindster vertical blind

Patio doors typically move side to side, so the best option is usually to get a window treatment that does that same. That allows you to partially draw the blind when needed to pass through the door, without having to fully open the blind – just open a few feet to create an opening and easily close them up again when you're back inside. Vertical blinds are the tried and true option in this case.

Blinds and shades that raise up and down can be installed on sliding doors, but this usually isn't recommended.  You'll have to fully raise the blinds every time you want to use the door, and if you install a single large blind to cover the door it can cause undue wear and tear on the cords. If you go this route, order a 2on1 headrail blind to split the blind into two operable sections, or install two side by side blinds. Otherwise, we recommend the following:

Faux Wood Vertical Blinds:

If you need to cover a large door or pair of doors, vertical blinds may be the best option for you. And if you're looking for vertical blinds that are affordable, easy to clean, moisture resistant, and built to last, our Faux Wood Vertical Blinds are your best option. Built with the same composite materials used in many of our other faux wood blinds, these window and door coverings require minimal maintenance, and they also ship with self-aligning wheeled carriers and self-lubricating acetyl parts, meaning you get years of hassle-free operation. 

This is a great choice if you have horizontal wood or faux wood blinds in the rest of your windows as they provide a coordinating look.

Fabric Vertical Blinds:

Traditional PVC and faux wood vertical blinds aren't everyone's cup of tea when it comes to covering their doors, and if that's true for you, our Fabric Vertical Blinds may be just what you're looking for. Designed to be a mixture between traditional vertical blinds and drapes/curtains, these window coverings are built with a light-filtering fabric that lets soft, diffused light into your home while still protecting your privacy.  

Best of all, these blinds use sewn-in weights to hold them in place, making them ideal for patio doors that are frequently left open. And if you're looking for additional light blocking and stability, be sure to select the optional PVC backing before you place your order.