Vertical panel blinds for sliding glass doors

Need to cover a door but aren't in love with the look of vertical blinds? Panel track blinds are a unique window treatment that can solve the problem. Also called sliding panel blinds, these coverings are perfect for doors and large windows. They consist of a long track that holds several narrow panels of material. You can slide the panels across the window to darken the room and enjoy privacy. When you want to go outside or reveal your view, you can stack the panels on top of each other.

Sliding panels provide a sleek, modern look for larger windows and doors. They come in a variety of beautiful materials that match your décor. You can enjoy the natural look of materials like bamboo or highlight your window with fabric in a bold color. The panels you select also give you control over how much privacy and light control a room gets. Sheer panels provide filtered light, while blackout ones thoroughly darken a room.

Panel Track Blind Advantages

Should you try sliding panel blinds in your home? This type of window treatment provides some unique advantages.

  • Easy to move: If you have a sliding glass door or French door, you'll need a window treatment that can move. Panel track blinds slide horizontally, so you can walk through the door without opening the whole window treatment.
  • Matches other shades: Panel shades often match other window treatments like Roman shades or solar shades. This lets you get a cohesive look for all the windows and doors in your home.
  • Block glare: Panel shades ensure that large windows don't make it impossible to relax in your home. Depending on your needs, you can get shades that entirely block sunlight or ones that just reduce harsh glare.
  • Visual appeal: Compared to vertical blinds, panel shades look a little more streamlined. They can help your home look more upscale, and they add a touch of elegance to your décor.

How to Upgrade Sliding Panel Blinds

To get even more benefits from your panel blinds, try adding these upgrades.

  • Split stack: This option lets you divide your panels in half and slide them to either end of the window. Upgrading your blinds with this feature is ideal for wider windows. It frames your view nicely and makes it easier to reveal or cover just one part of the window.
  • Decorative valances: Adding a valance gives your window a little extra distinction. It covers any hardware and adds a bit of flair. Ordering a valance at the same time as your blinds lets you pick one in a matching color.
  • Liners: If you're picking a sheer or woven wood panel, you might want to add a liner behind the panels. This can give you better light control or more privacy.
  • Decorative edge binding: Depending on the type of panel you get, you might want to add a decorative edge binding. Choose a matching color for an elegant look or add some pizzazz with a contrasting shade.

Considerations for Panel Track Blinds

If you want to avoid any issues later on, choose your window treatment thoughtfully. Here are a few things to know about decorating with panel track blinds.

  • The guiding track at the top of the window requires extra mounting depth. If you have shallow windows, keep in mind that you'll probably need an outside mount.
  • Since these panels are very wide, they can look a little odd on petite windows. Most people prefer this style of window treatment for picture windows, sliding doors, and similar styles.
  • If you're considering fabric or woven wood panels, it's important to know that humidity can damage them. Synthetic panels work better in kitchens and bathrooms.

How to Measure and Install Sliding Panel Blinds

To get the best possible results, you'll need to carefully measure your windows before ordering. Check the panel blinds' product description to see how to measure your window and find the right mounting depth. Once you order your panel track blinds, you have a few product installation options. If you're feeling handy, you can install sliding panel blinds yourself. All you have to do is follow the easy instruction guide provided with your purchase.

If you have any questions about measuring and installing sliding panel blinds, remember that our team is here to help. You can call 800-575-8016 to get measuring and ordering advice from the design consultants at American Blinds. In no time at all, you can be enjoying the gorgeous style of panel track blinds in your own home.

For a modern window treatment to pair with larger windows or sliding doors, consider panel track or sliding panel blinds. Explore our full selection of panel track blinds, and don’t forget – you can always speak with an expert design consultant over the phone by calling 1-800-505-1905.

Panel Track Blinds Features

Panel track and sliding door blinds are a fashion-forward alternative to traditional vertical blinds. Similar to vertical blinds, panel track blinds can stack differently based on preference and style – they can stack to the left, right, or parting down the middle. Stack placement allows for a custom look while still maintaining a view.

If your panel track blinds cover a sliding glass or patio door, you’ll likely interact with them frequently. Sliding panel blinds are available in options such as wood and solar shade materials, so they’re perfect for everyday wear and tear with frequent use.

Panel Track Blinds Upgrades

Interested in upgrading your panel track blinds? Consider these optional features for further customization:

  • Custom Cornices: Panel tracks have beautiful top options to fully coordinate the window treatment with your room.
  • Stack Placement: Choose how you want to close your panel tracks: you can do either side, split down the center, and pull to both sides or close to the center.

Panel Track Considerations

  • Panel track blinds have a guided track system similar to vertical blinds, so they require more mounting depth than most blinds. Always check the minimum depth requirements for your blinds before purchasing.
  • Panel track blinds can look strange on small windows – they’re much better proportioned for large windows, sliding glass, or patio doors.

What blind is best for a sliding door?

Roller blinds are considered an ideal option for glass sliding doors because they are extremely lightweight and easy to adjust. They can easily be rolled and unrolled to different heights to allow light to filter in, and can even be motorised for maximum control.

What type of window covering is best for a sliding glass door?

Sliding Panels, also known as panel track blinds, are our top pick for sliding glass doors and wide windows. They give you sleek style, are easy to operate and are a versatile choice with hundreds of fabric options.

Are panel blinds any good?

As panel blinds feature wide and long panels, they offer coverage in a way that no other blind can. This also means that they're the ideal choice for covering, say, an entrance to a patio or doorway. By choosing left, right, or centre-stack, you can further customise them the way you want.

Can you put vertical blinds on patio doors?

Vertical blinds are efficient for sliding glass doors or patio doors because they follow the same motion pattern. If you're going to mount vertical blinds for the sliding glass doors in your home, follow these vertical blind installation tips to get started.