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2023's Ultimate Guide to French Door Blinds: Top Picks
Since French door blinds can add both privacy and light control to your space, they are a popular choice among homeowners. The sheer variety of styles and materials can be overwhelming, so to make your shopping experience easier, we've put together this guide featuring the top picks for French door blinds on the market today.
From classic Roman shades to innovative solar roller shades with spacer blocks, our list has something for every budget!
Factors to Consider When Choosing French Door Blinds
Before we jump into our list, let's first discuss the things you should consider when deciding on the perfect window treatment. The first things you should consider are location and purpose.
If your French door is in a high-traffic area, consider choosing a durable, low-maintenance option like faux wood or aluminum Venetian blinds. If you need extra privacy, roller shades and custom Roman shades might be the right choice. And if you’re looking for something sleek and modern with clean lines that won't obstruct the view of your gorgeous French doors, then stick to solar roller shades made from top-down fabrics.
You should also keep in mind the decor, colour, and opacity of your French door window treatment. Simple whites and grays are timeless and offer a lot of versatility, but if you want to make more of a statement bold colours or unique textures can be the way to go.
Depending on the size or shape of the opening, you may also need to consider handle placement when choosing blinds for windows and doors – you can choose between traditional pull cords, loops, and even motorized options with remote control!
Best French Door Blinds for Your Home
Now that you know some of the key factors to consider when shopping for French door blinds, let's jump into 2023's top picks! Whether you're looking for custom blinds or stylish vertical blinds, this guide has something perfect for every budget.
Roller Blinds
To have your door entirely shielded from view, opt for roller blinds. This popular option offers full coverage in one clean sweep and is extremely easy to operate with an attached wand. Available in a variety of materials and colours, these blinds provide the perfect balance between privacy and light control without sacrificing style or functionality.
Roller blinds are suitable for any type of window handle, so they are perfect for French doors with high-traffic areas. However, they may not be the ideal choice if you’re looking for something with a unique texture or textile look.
Roman Shades
Roman shades bring a classic elegance and sophistication that works within any design style. Whether you prefer the tailored look of flat Romans or the relaxed lines of teardrop models, these shades can be made to compliment existing decor while providing extra comfort, light control and insulation when needed.
Roman shades are available in both opaque materials and sheer fabrics for some versatility as well. Keep in mind that Roman Shades may cause difficulty running alongside window handles at certain sizes as they cannot be adjusted like other blind types.
You also need to be aware that Roman shades made of fabric may easily be stained and may need to be dry cleaned occasionally.
GET CUSTOM ROMAN SHADES THAT FIT YOUR EXACT NEEDS
Cellular Shades
Lightweight and airy, cellular shades provide excellent insulation while filtering a soft amount of light through the honeycomb structure. They are available in both single- and double-cell options with varying opacity levels to give you the perfect balance between privacy and visibility. With their modern look and sleek design, these designer blinds come in various sizes, materials and colours so you can tailor them to match your individual style.
Cellular shades also have additional advantages: they’re easy to raise or lower as needed for optimal flexibility. Cellular shades also an extra layer of protection against heat loss or gain when properly closed. However, like Roman shades, cellular shades may not be ideal alongside window handles at certain sizes since they cannot be adjusted without removing from the track system.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are a practical and affordable way to offer light control in wide windows without compromising on style. Whether you prefer bold graphics or neutral colours, their sleek design allows them to easily blend with existing decor for an effortless look that’s perfect for both homes and commercial spaces.
Popularized by the large expanses of corporate offices, vertical blinds operate via an easy-to-use cord pull system so they can be adjusted throughout the day as needed. With their slim profile and simple maintenance requirements, these shades make a great addition to any room while conserving energy needs due to their improved insulation value when used correctly.
In some areas, however, there may be limits on how long your vertical will go up because of building regulations so always double-check this before making a purchase.
Sheer Shades
This type of shade has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its combination of transparent fabric panels and angled louvres. Their unique design gives the benefits of natural light while offering a contemporary look that is easy to adapt to any room style. The graduated louvres, interesting textures and choice fabrics create an alluring ambiance of beauty plus they provide excellent insulation as well as full privacy when closed.
Just remember that since sheer shades rely on multiple angular parts fitting together being intact you may want to stay away from them if you tend toward hard usage. In addition, because they are delicate it is best not to clean these blinds with water or detergents so choose carefully!
Woven Wood Shades
Woven wood shades add a unique look and texture to any space. Made from natural materials like bamboo, grasses, reeds and wood bark, these custom-made pieces are truly one of a kind. Their beautiful blend of organic textures helps create an inviting atmosphere while providing excellent light filtering options when preferred. Great for energy conservation on sunny days as well as improved temperature control during cold nights they can even be paired with either lining or blackout backings to maximize the performance value depending on your needs.
Easy maintenance requirements make them versatile yet sturdy enough for longer use than some other types might provide so they could certainly be considered if you’re looking for something special but still practical that will last in the long run!
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds are an economical and dependable way to manage light in any room. With their sleek metallic look, these cordless shades offer a low-maintenance solution you can count on for years without having to worry about replacing them. Plus their resistance to scratches and stains makes them perfect for commercial settings where hard usage is the norm!
Easy installation is also possible due to pre-lubricated slats that glide quickly into place while adjustable tilt wands allow precise control of illumination so even kitchens or bathrooms with frequent humidity exposure won’t be a problem either.
One downside to aluminum blinds is they can be quite noisy when opened or closed so keep this in mind if sound control from outside sources is a priority.
Plantation Shutters
If you're looking for a classic look with timeless appeal, plantation shutters might just be the answer! These hinged panels are made from wood or PVC and can be quickly operated via a tilt control rod on the side to slightly adjust light when necessary.
This minimalistic style is perfect for creating an area of privacy but still letting your space feel more open which makes them ideal for both residential and commercial properties alike. But you should note that their upkeep does require regular dusting or cleaning depending on the material used, so be prepared for that extra chore if you choose these shutters.
Mini Blinds
Ideal for small spaces, mini blinds are a reliable and affordable way to manage light without taking up too much wall area. These metal cords with 2" deep slats come in many colours or finishes so you can customize the look of your room while still maintaining practicality. With just some occasional dusting they should last quite a long time so installation is usually pretty straightforward with no necessary mounting hardware.
All these features combined make these tiny window treatments well worth considering as an excellent option for any project. It's only that mini blinds are limited in their tilt ability but as long as you don’t need too much illumination variance, their durability and price point make them a great choice for any budget.
How to Choose French Door Blinds
Now that the choices have been laid down, let's have a brief reminder of the things you need to consider when choosing French door blinds. First, you should consider durability when you think of the location and purpose of your blinds. Are they going to get a lot of wear and tear from daily movement or are they just for decoration? The fabrics and materials used in French door blinds vary, so take into account what strength you will need.
Next, think about privacy. Do you want complete blackout ability with your window treatments or is some filtered light fine? You can find options like opaque sheers which provide a soft glow from the outside or movable fabrics that let you decide how much light comes through during the day based on your preference for any given space.
To make the selection process even easier, you can also note the measurements or seek professional help when measuring your doors before you even start looking at potential options. This will make sure that the ones you choose fit perfectly and truly deliver the function and style you desire.
What Blinds Are Not Recommended for French Doors?
Corded shades, mini-blinds, and horizontal blinds may not be the best options for French doors. These types of blinds may not be able to provide the coverage and adjustment needed, such as from side-to-side or up and down, due to their design. Additionally, these styles can block sunlight and are difficult to adjust with larger glass panes, which are a typical feature of French doors.
Instead, you can opt for a blind, such as vertical and cellular shades, that can provide a greater range of motion. Furthermore, considering decorative shutters are also an option for French doors if your goal is to add charm & character to the windows or block out noise from outside.
Elevate Your French Doors With Factory Direct Blinds
If you're looking for a way to enhance the look and function of your French door, Factory Direct Blinds has what you need! With options like vertical and cellular shades providing adjustable motion, blackout material or sheer sheers fabric for light diffusion capabilities, our custom window treatments are sure to fit any style.
See our collection of budget blinds, faux wood blinds, cellular shades, and more! Shop now with confidence knowing that we back each product with our satisfaction guarantee.
CHECK OUT OUR ENTIRE COLLECTION OF WINDOW BLINDS AND SHADES
FAQs
What kind of blinds are good for French doors?
Vertical and cellular shades are ideal for French doors as they provide adjustable motion, blackout capabilities, and style.
What blinds are best for patio doors?
Vertical and cellular shades are also designed to fit patio doors, providing adjustable light levels while adding a touch of charm. Also, consider decorative shutters as they offer great noise reduction benefits too!
Do you put blinds or curtains on French doors?
You can install both curtains and blinds on French doors. It really depends on your preference and the look you're trying to achieve in the space. For example, curtains can give a more traditional and elegant look, while blinds offer adjustable light levels with blackout material or sheer sheers fabric.
Can you have blinds on French doors?
Yes, you can install blinds on French doors. Choose from vertical and cellular shades for adjustable motion, as well as blackout material or sheer sheers fabric for light diffusion. Decorative shutters are also an excellent option if you want to add charm & character to the windows.
