27 Stylish Sliding Glass Door Coverings That Combine Beauty With Functionality

Sliding glass doors connect your interior spaces to the outdoors, but they often present unique decorating challenges.

Finding the right covering solution balances privacy needs with your desire to maintain the view and natural light.

Today’s market offers countless innovative options beyond basic vertical blinds.

Modern solutions combine style with practical features like energy efficiency, light control, and ease of operation.

Whether you’re struggling with glare, temperature control, or simply wanting to enhance your home’s aesthetic, these 27 sliding door covering ideas will transform your glass doors from problematic to perfect.

1: Floor-to-Ceiling Sheer Curtains

Create a softly diffused light effect with ceiling-height sheer curtains that filter sunshine while maintaining views.

Their lightweight, flowing nature adds elegant movement to static spaces.

Mount curtain rods several inches above the door frame to create the illusion of greater height.

Choose fabrics with subtle texture for added dimension without sacrificing the ethereal quality.

2: Sliding Barn Door Panels

Install decorative wooden barn doors that slide parallel to your glass doors for a dramatic statement.

These create complete privacy when closed while adding rustic character to contemporary spaces.

Select finishes that complement your existing decor, from weathered wood to sleek painted surfaces.

This solution works especially well for seldom-used doors or when you want options beyond traditional coverings.

3: Modern Vertical Cellular Shades

Upgrade from old-school vertical blinds to contemporary cellular shades specifically designed for sliding doors.

These energy-efficient options reduce heat transfer while providing smooth operation.

The honeycomb structure traps air, creating excellent insulation against both heat and cold.

Select light-filtering options for daytime privacy or room-darkening versions for media rooms.

4: Layered Panel Curtains

Create dimension with multiple fabric panels that slide independently along a tracking system.

This Japanese-inspired approach allows countless configuration options from fully open to completely closed.

Choose complementary colors or patterns that create visual interest when panels overlap.

The sliding nature makes these ideal for frequently used doors where traditional curtains might become cumbersome.

5: Two-Tone Roman Shades

Install individual roman shades for each glass panel in contrasting or complementary colors.

This approach offers flexibility to cover just one section while leaving others exposed.

The clean lines of roman shades provide a tailored appearance even when fully lowered.

Select cordless options for enhanced safety and a cleaner aesthetic.

6: Macramé Curtain Panels

Embrace boho style with handcrafted macramé panels that filter light through their intricate knotting patterns.

These create artistic shadows while maintaining airflow and partial visibility.

The natural cotton texture adds warmth to contemporary spaces dominated by glass and metal.

Choose designs with tighter knotting at eye level for enhanced privacy where needed.

7: Motorized Roller Shades

Invest in smart home technology with motorized roller shades that operate by remote control or smartphone app.

These sleek options disappear completely when raised to maximize your view.

Program timers to automatically adjust based on sunrise/sunset or your daily routine.

Select solar-powered models to eliminate the need for electrical wiring while enhancing energy efficiency.

8: Plantation Shutters

Install classic plantation shutters with adjustable louvers for customizable light control and timeless elegance.

Their bifold design allows them to fold completely away from the door when not needed.

The robust construction provides excellent insulation and security enhancement.

Choose waterproof composite materials for doors leading to pools or outdoor kitchens.

9: Bamboo Woven Shades

Add natural texture with bamboo or woven wood shades that filter light while adding organic character.

Their earthy appearance works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional homes.

The natural material provides privacy while still allowing diffused light to penetrate. Pair with simple side panels for enhanced light blocking when desired.

10: Sliding Shoji Screens

Embrace Asian-inspired design with translucent shoji screens that slide along tracks parallel to your glass doors.

These provide diffused light while adding architectural interest.

The lightweight wood frame with paper or acrylic inserts creates gentle light filtration.

Choose traditional designs or contemporary interpretations based on your existing decor style.

11: Exterior Solar Screens

Mount retractable solar screens on the exterior of your sliding glass doors to block UV rays before they enter your home.

These provide daytime privacy while preserving outward visibility.

The specialized mesh fabric reduces glare and heat gain while protecting flooring and furniture from sun damage.

Select motorized options for convenient operation from inside your home.

12: Frosted Glass Film

Apply adhesive frosted film directly to your glass panels for permanent privacy without blocking light.

Modern options include subtle patterns, gradients, or completely customizable designs.

The easy-to-install solution requires no hardware and maintains the full functionality of your doors.

Choose temporary versions for rental properties or seasonal privacy needs.

13: Wave Fold Drapery

Install contemporary wave fold drapery that creates continuous, flowing curves rather than traditional pleats.

The sleek tracking system allows smooth operation across wide doorways.

The fabric maintains consistent folds whether open or closed for a perpetually polished appearance.

Select ripple-fold hardware specifically designed for the weight and movement requirements of door applications.

14: Outdoor Curtains on Inside Track

Mount weather-resistant curtains designed for patios on interior tracking systems for a unique twist.

These durable fabrics withstand sun exposure while offering excellent privacy.

The specialized materials resist fading and moisture damage better than traditional indoor fabrics.

Choose neutral colors that complement both your interior and exterior color schemes.

15: Beaded Curtains

Revive this retro favorite with modern interpretations featuring wooden, glass, or acrylic beads.

These create gentle visual separation while maintaining airflow and partial visibility.

The movement and gentle sound add sensory dimension to your home.

Select neutral tones for sophisticated spaces or bold colors for playful, bohemian environments.

16: Bi-Fold Window Panels

Install hinged fabric panels that fold accordion-style when opened.

These space-saving solutions provide complete coverage without the floor-sweeping bulk of traditional curtains.

The structured fabric panels maintain their shape for a crisp, tailored appearance.

Choose light-filtering or blackout options depending on your privacy and light control needs.

17: Horizontal Sheer Shadings

Combine the best features of blinds and shades with horizontal sheer shadings that feature fabric vanes suspended between sheer panels.

These offer precise light control with elegant aesthetics.

The innovative design diffuses harsh sunlight while maintaining outward visibility.

Select motorized options for convenient control of difficult-to-reach doors.

18: Matchstick Roll-Up Blinds

Add natural texture with bamboo or reed roll-up blinds that filter light while providing visual privacy. Their organic appearance adds warmth to contemporary spaces.

The lightweight construction makes these easy to raise and lower manually. Pair with side curtain panels for enhanced light blocking when needed.

19: Sliding Track Panels

Install fabric panels that glide along a ceiling-mounted track system, allowing them to stack neatly when open.

This contemporary approach works beautifully for wide door expanses.

The clean lines create a modern aesthetic while solving practical coverage challenges.

Choose solar fabrics for enhanced temperature control and UV protection.

20: Decorative Window Film

Apply specialized window film featuring stained glass patterns, etched designs, or artistic motifs.

This hardware-free solution provides privacy while transforming ordinary glass into decorative features.

The peel-and-stick application makes this ideal for renters or frequently changing design preferences.

Choose transparent colored films to cast beautiful light patterns across your floors.

21: Patterned Roller Shades

Select roller shades featuring bold patterns or artistic prints that serve as both window covering and design statement.

These space-saving options disappear completely when raised.

The clean lines maintain a contemporary aesthetic even when fully lowered.

Choose solar fabrics with decorative patterns for dual functionality.

22: Sheer Vertical Blinds

Update traditional vertical blinds with contemporary sheer fabric vanes that diffuse light while maintaining visibility.

These combine practicality with a softer aesthetic than standard plastic blinds.

The vertical orientation perfectly accommodates the sliding functionality of the doors.

Select curved vanes for enhanced light control and a more contemporary appearance.

23: Café Curtains

Install half-height curtains that provide privacy at eye level while leaving the upper portion uncovered for light.

This unexpected approach works beautifully for doors in dining areas.

The partial coverage creates interest while solving practical privacy concerns. Choose fabrics with excellent drape that won’t impede door operation.

24: Sliding Honeycomb Shades

Install specialized honeycomb shades designed specifically for sliding doors with side-to-side operation.

These energy-efficient options provide excellent insulation and noise reduction.

The cellular structure traps air, creating a thermal barrier against heat and cold. Select light-filtering or blackout options depending on your needs.

25: Draped Valance with Side Panels

Create architectural interest with a structured valance accompanied by stationary side panels that frame your doors without impeding operation.

This solution adds softness while maintaining functionality.

The combination creates a finished, designer look while preserving easy access. Choose substantial fabrics with excellent drape for the most polished appearance.

26: Woven Wood Sliding Panels

Install natural woven wood panels that slide along a track system, combining organic texture with practical operation.

These add warmth and character to contemporary spaces.

The natural variations in color and texture create visual interest even when panels are closed. Choose liner options for enhanced privacy and light control.

27: Indoor Shutters on Tracks

Mount interior shutters on sliding tracks that allow them to completely clear the doorway when open.

These combine the beauty of traditional shutters with sliding door practicality.

The substantial construction provides excellent insulation and security enhancement.

Choose bifold configurations for larger door expanses where space might be limited.

Conclusion

Your sliding glass door deserves a covering that enhances both function and style.

Consider your specific privacy, light, and aesthetic needs when selecting from these innovative options to transform your doors into designer focal points.