The Simple Curtain Swap That Makes Sliding Glass Doors Look Bigger

Sliding glass doors are such a massive help when it comes to opening up a room and making it feel larger. These large sliding glass panels allow so much light in, blending outdoor and indoor spaces beautifully to create something that feels modern, sleek, and bright. And because they're sliding, they don't use up any room on the floor to open and close. But as any homeowner knows, a window is only as good as the window treatment it's paired with. Luckily, there's a simple swap that can make sliding glass doors look bigger: long curtains that touch the floor.

Curtains shouldn't be an afterthought. With sliding doors, window treatment ideas and solutions are absolutely key. You need curtains to protect your privacy at night, especially if your glass door is facing any curious neighbors or busy areas. You also need them to prevent light from pouring in, especially in bedrooms or guest rooms. And even if your sliding door is in the living room and facing a private backyard, curtains can make a room feel cozy and warm, and who wouldn't want that? But during the day, curtains need to beautifully blend into the space without taking away from the grandeur and openness of the sliding glass door. 

This is why, when considering what length curtain you should use for a sliding glass door, you should go long. When curtains touch the floor, they make a room feel more spacious by drawing your attention up and blending into the room seamlessly. Ideally, you'll want the the bottom of the curtain to barely touch the floor, covering the entire sliding door. This approach is commonly referred to as letting the curtains "kiss the floor."

This "kissing the floor" method is all about precise measurements. First, measure your sliding glass door's height. Typically, curtain rods are installed 4 to 6 inches above the frame of a sliding door, meaning you'll need to add that much to the length of the curtain you're purchasing. If, however, a curtain rod is already installed above the door, use that height as a reference. Here, precision is key. So let's say you measured the curtain rod to be 80 inches from the floor: either pick a curtain that's exactly 80 inches long, or go slightly shorter (by an inch, maximum). 

The other element to consider here is curtain material. If the sliding glass doors are in a room that doesn't need complete darkness and is facing a private outdoor space, a simple voile is enough. It's delicate and can give you a bit separation from the outside while still letting light in. If the sliding doors are in a bedroom or movie room where you need complete darkness and privacy, consider blackout curtains made of fabrics like polyester. And if you'd like privacy without light blockage, consider lightweight but opaque fabrics like cotton or linen.

If there is equal room on both sides of the sliding door, you can opt for a two-panel split curtain. This has the benefit of adding symmetry to the room, and it also lets you create a small gap in the middle if you want to let just a little bit of light in. If you don't have the room for it, you can use the same method with just a single panel and gather it all on one side when it's open.