How to dress patio doors

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 12 December 2023 Updated: 19 September 2024

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters, Blinds, Buying guides

Patio door considerations

Before diving into the specifics of blinds and shutters, let's first consider the key factors to keep in mind when choosing window coverings for patio doors:

Size
The size and style of your patio doors will influence your choice. The sliding glass doors themselves have unique requirements themselves, with additional factors depending on the setting and surrounding areas.
Light control
Determine how much natural light you want to allow into your space. Do you want to maintain a view even when closed, or do you need higher levels of flexible light control.
Privacy
Consider your level of desired privacy, both during the day and at night. Your choice of window coverings should offer the right balance between visibility and seclusion.
Traffic and usage
Evaluate the frequency of use of your patio doors. Heavy foot traffic doors may require more durable and easily operable products.
Interior décor
Ensure that your choice of blinds or shutters complements your interior décor and enhances the overall aesthetics of your home.

Grey living room with wooden floor and grey rug, grey sofa with cushions in browns and coppers, glass circular coffee table, copper soft chair and floor to ceiling windows and doors in white tracked shutters, partially open.

Both blinds and shutters provide excellent privacy control. Blinds can be adjusted to offer varying levels of seclusion, while shutters allow you to angle the louvres to let in light while maintaining privacy.

Large bathroom with floor to ceiling glass windows and doors to far side, large windows to right and pale beige marble to floor and walls, with copper bath and walk-in shower and windows and doors dressed in pale oatmeal duette blinds.

With both blinds and shutters, you can precisely control the amount of natural light entering your space. Blinds can be raised or lowered to let in light while some blinds specialise in diffusing the light, and wood venetian blinds can additionally be tilted. With shutters you angle the louvres to direct light where you want it, protecting your furniture and flooring from harmful UV rays.

Large lounge diner with two sets of multiple door-window combinations dressed in white tracked shutters, one set partially open. Contemporary couch to one end, contemporary dining table and chairs at other.

Both options are designed for easy use with patio doors. Blinds can be effortlessly raised for an unobstructed view or exit and entrance, especially if you opt for electric Roman blinds or Roller blinds, while shutters can be easily adjusted to control light and privacy or folded completely back for easy access.

Grey living room with wood parquet floor, grey rugs, brown sofa, and windows and door dressed in light grey duette blinds lowered halfway with views of a pool outside.

Blinds and shutters both come in a variety of styles and materials. Blinds offer a wide range of colours and textures to match your décor, while plantation shutters add a timeless elegance that complements various interior styles.

Close up in living room with brown sofa in front of patio doors dressed in white shutters, partially open.

Both blinds and shutters offer insulation properties that help regulate indoor temperatures. Depending on the material, blinds can provide effective insulation, and wooden shutters can help improve the energy efficiency of your room.

Close up of bedroom with standing mirror in front of windows and doors dressed in beige-grey duette blinds at varying heights.

Shutters are particularly known for their durability, built to withstand daily use, making them a practical choice for frequently accessed patio doors. While blinds are also durable, shutters offer an added level of sturdiness and longevity.