Cover Sliding Glass Doors With A Solution For Privacy And Light Control

Having sliding glass doors can be a major asset. This functional design feature lets you access your outdoor space easily, all the while providing unobstructed views. Sliding glass doors typically last up to 30 years, depending on proper maintenance and usage. However, it comes with downsides too: While natural light is a desirable benefit, too much of it can damage your furniture and overheat your home. Pair that with the fact that this type of door offers virtually zero privacy, and you might spend the next few decades feeling exposed to the neighborhood. Luckily, there are some solutions to provide both privacy and light control for your sliding doors that are significantly more affordable than swapping the glass or the entire unit — zebra shades.

While this solution might remind you of a trip to the zoo, it's actually a modern window treatment that combines blinds with a fabric shade. Unlike traditional blinds, where you have to choose between open and closed, zebra shades use a dual-layer system to give you the best of both worlds. These shades use a fabric layer with alternating sheer and solid bands, allowing you to transition between a clear view, soft light filtration, and full privacy without having to move a heavy stack of slats to the side.

Zebra shades are an excellent upgrade because they offer a clean, horizontal aesthetic that eliminates the "clacking" sound of old-fashioned vertical blinds, and pairs modern functionality with timeless style. While vertical blinds bunch up at the side, these roll up into a compact valance, giving you a 100% clear view when open, and allowing you to step through the sliding doors with ease. You can leave the shade at any height and still toggle the sheer-to-solid ratio, giving you complete control over your home's lighting and privacy at any time of day.

This contemporary window solution is an easy way to get your sliding glass doors out of being stuck in the '80s while staying within budget. The great news for this project is that zebra shades are one of the most DIY-friendly window treatments available. Most homeowners can complete the installation in about 15 to 30 minutes per window with just a few basic tools like a drill or screwdriver, a level, and a pen or pencil. Most models use "click-in" brackets — once you screw the brackets into the wall or frame, the headrail simply snaps into place. Also, unlike heavy wood blinds or bulky vertical slats, zebra shades are made of lightweight fabric, making them easy to hold up while you secure them.