Cover Sliding Glass Doors With Solutions That Won't Block Out Light

Sliding glass doors are a mainstay in many homes, and there are a lot of benefits that come with this type of door. One of the biggest benefits is the fact that they let in so much natural light, as they offer floor-to-ceiling-sized openings for sunlight to stream through. While there is much to love about the ample light coming in from these sliding doors and the visibility they offer, their see-through design can make them less than ideal for privacy. Rather than installing heavy drapes to limit visibility, however, you can explore the various options for covering your sliding glass doors without blocking natural light.

If you're looking for privacy curtains that let in light and add effortless style to your home and sliding glass doors, there are many options. You can employ the help of blurring materials that go directly onto the glass, such as window film or frosted spray paint; these solutions work well because they adhere to the surface, but do obscure a clear view outside. For solutions that physically cover the windows, you can choose light-filtering linen Roman shades or bamboo roller shades, or you can go with something straightforward and simple like sheer curtains or even a room divider positioned in front of your sliding glass doors. 

Bamboo roller shades are a natural way to cover your sliding glass doors. They are a stylish type of window treatment that's replacing woven blinds, crafted with simple materials and are a good option for people who like to embrace a boho or coastal feel in their space. The brown color of bamboo roller shades makes them warm and highly compatible with natural decor schemes, too. You'll notice that while the bamboo blinds let light filter through them, they do make a clear view of the outside unrealistic unless you pull them up.

Linen Roman shades can add classiness to your home without cutting daylight too much. While Roman shades made from heavier materials will have more of a blackout effect, linen ones provide privacy that allows light to filter through. Although you may have seen Roman shades most commonly covering windows, you can certainly cover sliding glass doors with this simple alternative to curtains and vertical blinds. 

Translucent roller shades are a reliable way to cover your sliding glass doors. They work similarly to bamboo shades but offer a clearer view through, which can be ideal if you like to see what's going on outside. This type of covering can bring a good balance of privacy to your home while also allowing natural light to stream through — you'll likely notice some energy savings if you roll these down during the heat of the day, too.

These SCHOTTIS Pleated shades ($4.99) from IKEA are an economical option for covering your sliding glass doors; they are also superb at allowing light to come through. They measure a few inches shorter than standard sliding glass doors, so they may hover off the ground slightly; if you're considering this solution, take measurements first to ensure you'll be happy with the finished product. This renter-friendly option adheres to your doorframe without any hardware. If two sets are too wide for your sliding glass door, the SCHOTTIS blinds can be cut down.

While a room divider is often used to separate a room or give a sliver of privacy to someone sleeping on the couch, this object can also be paired with your sliding glass door for an unconventional solution. Positioning one a couple feet away from your sliding glass doors can be an effective way to block visibility without cutting out light. It's also easy to remove if you don't want a permanent covering. Opting for rattan or slatted room dividers will let more daylight stream through freely – you can try out IKEA's TOLKNING ($179.99) or NAMMARO ($119.99).

Sheer curtains are the original sliding glass door coverage option. They provide just the right amount of privacy alongside some timelessness and whimsy for an effortless solution. When pairing curtains with a sliding glass door, it's important to properly measure for the space, as well as accommodate for the length of the curtain rod. Add an extra 6 inches minimum to either end of the curtain rod so that the sheer curtains can be fully drawn back without blocking the door. 

Frosted spray paint is an easy and economical solution to covering your sliding glass doors. It won't block out any significant amount of light, but it will provide impressive privacy from the outside. You'll want to spray the inside of the glass door, since this will give it the best longevity from the elements. Of course, spray painting indoors is a health hazard, so it's important to remove the sliding glass door from the tracks and spray it outside where ventilation abounds. If your style changes, the spray paint can be removed.

For a solution that will stick to your sliding glass doors but won't adhere as stubbornly as spray paint, you can opt for window film. You can purchase it at many major retailers for an affordable price, such as the Symple Stuff Frosted Privacy Non-Wall Damaging Window Decal ($31.99 on Wayfair). While application is straightforward, it's best to clean the glass thoroughly prior to installing it, as well as to work slowly when affixing the film to the glass to prevent bubbles. Also, remember to measure twice and cut once for the correct size.