How To Elevate Dated Sliding Glass Doors Without Removing The Blinds

By providing a clear and continuous view of the outdoor areas around a property, sliding glass doors can be an important and useful design aspect for a house. Able to brighten rooms by allowing natural light to come through, insulated glass doors also contribute to energy efficiency by facilitating air circulation, heat retention or reduction, and help reduce external noise. Normally designed with a contemporary and minimalistic appearance, sliding glass doors enhance the look of both interior and exterior spaces. Sometimes, however, the look of a sliding glass door becomes outdated, but there is a simple way to update the look without having to remove the blinds by replacing its hardware.

This upgrade method is ideal for circumstances where removing blinds is not possible due to the need to keep light or heat out of an area, privacy concerns, or if the property is being rented. Because sliding glass doors are very durable and can last two to three decades, design trends can change during their lifespan. This can result in a dated look, as older models may have thicker, bulkier designs or have outmoded hardware affixed to them. Updating the hardware allows the sliding glass door to better fit with the more modern elements, and this is why its vital to know what to consider when buying sliding glass doors.

A sliding glass door has several parts, including the frame, jambs, and tracks, and replacing or refreshing the hardware, such as handles and locks, is a straightforward way to refresh its look. Depending on which hardware will be replaced, it can be a relatively simple job, which only requires basic tools and a bit of DIY skill. For other parts which require dismantling and removal of the frame, it may be best done by professionals.

The simplest hardware update for a dated-looking sliding glass door are its handles because it is very visible. Replacing worn-out, faded, and out-of-style handles with those with more contemporary designs and materials can liven up its appearance easily. Some different handle designs to choose from include a traditional pull handle with a straight bar, a horizontal strap handle, or a mortise style handle. Recessed handles also offer a sleek, seamless look. For the material and finishes, options range from aluminum, stainless steel, brushed chrome, brass, or nickel. Costs for upgrading the handles can be as little as $11 to as much as $131 per piece depending on type, material, and finish. For professional removal and installation, labor charges may range from $50 to $200.

Another simple way to enhance the look of a sliding glass door without detaching the blinds is to pair it with another window treatment like curtains. This works because the curtain works in tandem with the blinds to provide a layered and textured effect that contrasts the materials and designs of each treatment, creating a more sophisticated look, as long as it is not one of the outmoded window treatment styles. A curtain rod also provides an opportunity to complement your door's hardware. Lastly, in addition to its aesthetic value, combining the window treatments comes with the added benefit of greater control and more options for natural lighting, enhanced privacy, and improved temperature insulation for the area.