Choosing patio curtains for your patio door can sometimes be a difficult decision because, unlike other curtains in the home, they need to allow easy entry and exit. They might also need to control light and provide privacy as well as being attractive, which can make the style choice even more difficult.
When privacy is not an option, patio curtains can be purely decorative rather than functional and you can choose from some lovely transparent fabrics to filter the light. Beautiful voile panels look lovely hung across a patio door, swirling in the breeze when the door is partially open during summer evenings. Sheer lace panels can also look very attractive if you prefer a more feminine decorative scheme in your room. Sheer panels can be cinched in using decorative tie backs, or left in a diaphanous cloud of fabric.
Outdoor patio curtains are a great idea for providing some privacy and light control for your outdoor patio area. Outdoor curtains for patio areas should be made from durable, washable and light resistant fabric. However, this does not mean that you need end up with some curtains that are plain and unattractive. There are plenty of bright, fun designs to choose from that will brighten up your outside eating area.
French window style patio doors can enjoy more traditional curtain styles as they open and shut differently to sliding patio doors. For a luxurious feel, try hanging curtains that are much longer than they need to be. When the curtains are pulled back using tie backs, it will cause swathes of fabric to pool around the bottom of the curtain. If you use a heavy silk or similar fabric, this will look fabulously decadent.
For tall, period style French windows, curtains hung much higher than the window and finished off with a pelmet valance will look very elegant. This is very much in the style of an chateau or stately home.
Curtains for sliding patio doors will need to be hung over the door. A curtain pole might look attractive, but if your patio door is drafty and you have bought some thick, heavy drapes to control this, a cheap plastic curtain track will do a better job of keeping the curtains closer to the glass and therefore preventing the drafts from creeping in. A valance is an effective way of hiding any unattractive curtain tracks if required. Sheer patio panel curtains can be hung from tension rods directly above the door as they are very light weight.
For all curtains hung on patio doors, tie backs are essential to prevent the curtain from attracting dirt and grime caused by people traipsing in and out of the room. They are also useful for keeping the curtain out of the way when the doors are left open during the summer.
Although some people choose not to fit curtains across patio doors, particularly those in flats and apartments at higher levels where privacy is not a problem, an attractive patio curtain can really enhance the decorative scheme in a room and should definitely be considered.