patio door curtain rods
Andrew Henderson
Updated on May 15, 2026
Installation tip: Hang patio door curtains an inch above the floor to keep them clean and out of the way. Avoid pocket-style curtains for patio doors. While pocket-style curtains are a popular choice for many windows, they don’t open and close easily. Use grommet-style or pinch pleat curtains for smoother operation.
How long is a curtain rod for a patio door?
For frames up to 50”, add 10” and an additional 2” for every 10” of frame width. Those are the basics on how to measure, but visualize a curtain rod that long and make sure it looks good to you before ordering. It should match what you envisioned for your sliding glass door.
Where do you hang a curtain rod on a sliding glass door?
Typically a curtain rod is mounted 3-6 inches above the height of the sliding glass door, but again, its actual height is pretty much determined by the length of the curtain or drape. It is also important to determine the width of the curtain rod to make sure that it is centered properly over the sliding glass door.
Can you put curtains on sliding glass doors?
Curtains for Sliding Doors and Windows
Rather than try to come up with a window treatment idea for both, dress them as one. Extend a drapery rod across the entire bank and pick curtains that suit your style—it’s that easy! Just make sure you have enough fabric to allow the curtains to close completely.
Should patio door curtains touch the floor?
Yes, They should! The length of the curtain determines the height of the curtain rod. Therefore, even if you buy curtains that are 84 inches long, if the curtains hang from the rod without rings, the rod must be approximately 84 inches from the floor to enable the curtain to touch the floor and avoid the awkward look.
How do you install curtains on a French door?
How to Hang Curtain Panels on French Doors
Measure the height and width of the French door windows. Purchase a sash rod kit for each French door. Slide a curtain panel onto one of the sash rods. Ask an assistant to hold the brackets and curtain panels against the French door where you want them positioned.
What size rod is needed for patio door?
Since you’ll need 4 inches on each side, you should find a rod that’s 8 inches longer than the width of the door. The door is 72 inches wide, so that means you’ll need an 80-inch curtain rod.
How wide should patio door curtains be?
To determine the proper width of the curtain panel, measure the width of the door frame from outer edge to outer edge; then add these additional distances for stack-back: To a door 60 inches wide, add 5 inches for a curtain panel 65 inches wide. To a door 72 inches wide, add 8 inches for a curtain panel 80 inches wide.
What are C rings for curtains?
C-rings allow one-way draw curtains to be used on longer rods requiring a center support bracket(s). These rings are a great choice for covering large windows or sliding glass doors. Iron curtain rod rings are available in pewter, rustica, oil rubbed bronze or matte black.
Do you need middle bracket on curtain rod?
Center Support Brackets
If your curtains cover a lengthy window span, you’ll need a functional support bracket in the center to prevent the rod from bowing. Most rods require support brackets every 30 to 36 inches. So if your window is longer than 60 inches across, you’ll need two center support brackets.
How high should a curtain rod be above a sliding door?
Make it about 8-12″ above the door. If you ever add crown molding you will be happy that you have it lower. Also add some more detail and thickness to your curtains. It will help make the room feel warm and inviting!
How far should a curtain rod extend past window?
As a general rule, drapes will be open during the day, so make sure the curtain rod extends at least four inches on each side of the window’s inside frame. To create the illusion of a wider window, extend the rod up to 10 inches beyond the window’s frame.
What can I put on my sliding glass doors for privacy?
Here are some recommendations from Budget Blinds:
Vertical Blinds. Generally, the “go to” window covering for a sliding door is a vertical blind. Vertical Cellular Shades. A great solution for your large sliding glass door would be a vertical cellular shade. Sliding Panel Track Blinds. Plantation Shutters. Drapery.
How can I make my sliding door look better?
Give your sliding glass door an upgrade with practical, attractive plantation shutters or panel tracks. Both options look and work better than traditional, boring vinyl blinds and will quickly pay off by adding value to your home. Sunburst Shutters makes covering a sliding glass door easy.
How do you hide a sliding glass door?
One of the most common questions we receive is how to cover a patio door or sliding glass door.
5 Ways to Cover Patio Doors
Woven or Natural Vertical Draperies. Vertical Sheers. honeycomb shades. shutters. bi-fold shutters.bypass shutters.sliding panels.
What is the proper height to hang curtains?
A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.
How far off the ground should curtains be?
The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.
How far below the window should curtains hang?
While fashion once dictated a “flood level” bottom line for curtains—one that hung just past the window sill, short enough that it would not get wet in a flood—today, style calls for curtains to either hang down to within ½-inch of the floor or even puddle slightly.