Ditch Flimsy Vertical Blinds! This Smart Alternative For Sliding Glass Doors Looks So Upscale

If you have sliding glass doors in your home, you may know all too well the annoyance of battling vertical blinds every time you want to step outside or bring light into the room. They always seem to tangle and rattle when the smallest amount of wind comes through, and the cords and slats are super flimsy. But thankfully, there is a modern alternative to vertical blinds for sliding glass doors that looks great — smart drapery. In a world where everything is smart, from your ceiling fans to your fridges, it makes sense that the world of glass door coverings catches up. But is smart drapery just a fad, or a real solution to vertical blinds? 

Thankfully, smart drapery won't shout at you, telling you that the sun is shining and you need to go outside and seize the day. No, their smartness is not like that. Instead, it refers to the way that they use quiet motors that run the curtains along the tracks. You control them in various ways, from remotes to phone apps to voice commands. Okay, we know that your curtains listening to you does seem very Philip K. Dick, but honestly, it's really convenient, especially for people who are less able-bodied. There are types of smart drapery that you can put on a timer as well, scheduling to open and close at certain times. If you always forget to open the blinds on your sliding doors before you go to work, leaving your beloved houseplants to languish in the dark, smart drapery is a fantastic solution. Furthermore, smart drapery looks sleek. The tracks stay hidden, and there are so many options for fabric and color, so you can find the perfect drapery that fits your aesthetic.

The benefits of smart drapery definitely feel that they are more than just another smart home fad. However, when you are buying smart drapery, there are a few things to consider to make sure you get the right setup for your needs and home. Firstly, you need to think about their smartness. If you already have a smart home setup or want to make your house a smart home, have a look at what smart drapery brands work with your system (or the system you want to get). This means that you can bring everything together to control your home in one place. You should also consider how you want to control the smart drapery. You don't have to have a smart home system, as you can use your voice, apps, or a remote control. If you tend to lose remote controls down the sofa (we've all been there), you may want to go for a voice or app.

You also need to think about whether you want a motor retrofit device or motorized tracks and rods. Motor retrofit smart drapery gets attached to your existing rod and is easy to install. Motorized tracks and rods, on the other hand, have a dedicated track that is installed in your home, usually by an expert. Although more expensive, this usually means the movement is smoother, and heavier fabrics are supported. Another thing to consider is whether you want your smart drapery to be battery-powered, hardwired, or 110V. If you have a plug nearby, a 110V option may suit you. However, hardwired models tend to be more reliable and appear more seamless. You may need to get these types installed for you, though.

Thankfully, smart drapery is really versatile, and there are loads of different options when it comes to fabric. When choosing curtains for sliding glass doors, you need to make sure that you are avoiding problems and are picking a fabric that suits your aesthetic and your needs. If you want to prioritize blocking light and privacy, opting for an opaque fabric such as velvet, cotton, or silk is a good idea. For light-filtering drapery, go for chiffon or voile. Warmth and heat may be something to consider, too. If you live in a chilly climate, using heavier fabrics, such as velvet, can keep the warmth in.

Make sure the colors and style of your smart drapery match the room. For cute, cottage vibes, a gingham pattern may suit you, whereas damask drapery can feel elegant and classical. You can go block color, too, of course, and the color wheel can help you choose the best curtains for your space. The weight of the fabric matters when it comes to smart drapery. A heavier fabric means that you will need to have a stronger motor. You should also opt for pinch, pleat, or ripple folds in your curtains, as these tend to move better on the automatic tracks than other types.

By reflecting on style, logistics, and type, you will be able to bring the right smart drapery into your home and say goodbye to vertical blinds for good!