Best Valances For Sliding Glass Doors

Instead of blocking the doors with expensive Shoji screens or mounting boring vertical blinds, installing valances is the best solution sliding glass doors. Valances cover only the upper portion of the doors, and provide a frame when combined with window treatments such as curtains or blinds. Sliding glass doors usually lead to a yard with gardens, lawns, patios, or natural outside views, so covering them up would end up blocking a fantastic view. Because valances only cover the top portion of the doors, they never block the entire window, yet they give a finished look to the doors. They are also ideal because they eliminate the standard hardware drapes and curtains require.

There are numerous valance options you can use for your sliding glass doors. For example, wooden valances are perfectly suited to fit in with a Tuscan or country style interior design theme. With fabric valances, you can find colors or patterns in a variety of interesting materials such as satin, voile or silk to coordinate with your décor scheme. The best thing about using valances to frame your sliding glass doors is that they are mounted outside of the frame, allowing access, while providing space to add sheers, privacy curtains and alternative window treatments. With a wide variety of valance types available, one will be appropriate for decorating your sliding glass doors. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Pleated Valances

This classic valance style is undoubtedly the most popular type of treatments used for sliding doors. While they are similar to flat valances, they have inverted pleats at the top. Depending on your tastes, they can have any number of pleats, and are well-suited for most home décor schemes, lending a sophisticated look your room. Bold prints and contrasting curtains are ideal choices for box pleated valances.

Flat Valances

Flat valances are the simplest valances in terms of construction and style, and can be tailored to fit nearly any interior decor. Constructed of a narrow rectangular panel of fabric, it is mounted on the top of the sliding glass doors. For the most visual appeal, combine a plain fabric color for the valances and a complimentary pattern for the curtains. Flat valances featuring fabrics with large prints or stripes look best with contrasting plain curtains. Flat valances have a number of interesting edge finishes, including contrasting trims and scalloped edges. Flat valances are typically installed over smaller sliding doors to add a clean, uncluttered look to the windows.

Gathered Valances

By virtue of their design, gathered valances hide your curtain rods inside their upper pocket, so the only hardware visible will be the curtain finials. They can lend a relaxed and casual look to your interior design, and work well with a variety of décor styles, including rustic and country themes. Because they are mounted outside the door frame, they do not interfere with door access, providing a design element that is ideal for sliding glass doors. Gathered valances look best on larger sliding glass doors. Stick with solid colors or muted patterns; otherwise, the gathers will look fussy and busy.

Choosing the perfect valance for your sliding glass doors is very important – the right valance will frame your doors without blocking the view, while also adding a major design punch to your overall decorating theme.