But What Am I Going to Do With That Sliding Door?

That’s a question that we hear quite frequently in the window treatment industry. Sliding doors are quite common here on the coast and experiencing resurgence with the extra-large, multidirectional lanai sliding doors in the now popular Floridian-style floor plans. Sliding doors can be quite challenging to treat, especially when you are trying to coordinate with the coverings on your windows. Fortunately, there are some new, updated options available.

Sliding panels, also known as panel tracks, are an updated, modern alternative to draperies or vertical blinds. Inspired by the sliding Shoji panels of the Orient, these sliding panels span sliding doors or large windows to create privacy and give light control. When pushed back, the sliding panels overlap to maximize the view by stacking on one or both sides of the opening.

Made of fabric, woven wood materials or solar screen material, sliding panels hang from a track system. Since the panels can be constructed using these materials, we can often use the exact same materials on your window coverings for a coordinated, seamless look throughout your home. As a bonus, the hanging fabric panels can be easily changed, allowing you the option of seasonal décor. Just pull off the lightweight solar screen summer panels, roll them up for the season, and hang the heavier, insulating panels for the winter months.

Luminette Privacy Sheers, by Hunter Douglas, offer an elegant and versatile solution to cover sliding glass and French doors. Many of our clients tell us that they “love the look of sheer curtains,” yet worry that sheers “don’t give enough privacy at night.” Luminette Sheers are the perfect answer to these common privacy concerns.

Luminette Privacy Sheers offer the widest range of privacy and light control possibilities. Luminettes are constructed with a sheer face fabric to let in light that is attached to a soft opaque-fabric vane that can be rotated for privacy and light control. You can enjoy your view during the day with the comfort of privacy and light control at night. If a full, open view is your wish, Luminettes can be traversed similar to a drapery to leave an unobstructed view. Since they are available up to 16 feet wide and 10 feet tall, they are perfect for those oversized lanai sliding doors in modern Floridian home plans. Luminettes are available in more than 100 swatches of fabric in varying texture and color, making it simple to coordinate with your room’s décor.


Bamboo curtains are an eco-friendly and economical way to cover sliding doors. Bamboos are available in a wide range of color and pattern, resulting in a great way to bring natural textures into a room. Bamboo curtains are fabricated using woven wood bamboo material, turning it on its side, and attaching it to a track system. The track is then covered with a bamboo valance or a decorative wood valance as an accent. The bamboo can also be banded in a variety of colored tapes to add an accent as well.

Sliding glass doors offer a unique design challenge, since they serve as both doors and windows. Give them a unique window treatment that honors their versatility and makes them an integral part of your home design.

Fred Kumpel is the owner of Strickland’s Window Coverings and Carolina Closet Company. Fred has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Strickland’s Window Coverings is a window treatment design center specializing in custom blinds, shades, shutters and fabric treatments for over 70 years. Carolina Closet Company provides professionally designed and custom built organization solutions. Its complete line of home organization solutions includes unique solutions to organize closets, pantries, garages, basements, laundry rooms as well as Murphy Beds. To learn more about our company, visit www.stricklandswindowcoverings.com and www.closetsbythesea.com. Fred can be reached at [email protected] or call 910.762.0944.