How to Measure for Shades for Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Window treatments are the perfect way to add spice and glamour to what could otherwise be a rather plain and ordinary room. One very distinct benefit of owning a sliding glass door is that it presents you with a perfect framework for a treatment that can keep out unwanted light while expressing your own personal style and flare. 

1. Choose your window treatment. Different shade options are roller shades, cellular shades, roman shades, solar shades, woven and ordinary window shades. Each type has its pros and cons in terms of ease of cleaning, price and privacy. How a shade opens will affect how many of each item you are required to purchase in order to cover your door.


2. Pick your mounting method. You have the option of hanging your shades completely outside the door, creating a focal design point for your treatment or you can hang them inside the door for a more tradition look. The types of these mounts are called inside or outside and you will need to measure differently for each type. Shades are typically considered to be ‘inside mounting’ but these can be difficult to use if your doors have large or custom hardware. Blinds are typically considered ‘outside mounts’.


3. Measure for your inside mount. Measure the width of your window from the inside edge beginning on the right hand side of your door all the way to the left hand side of the door. Your measuring tape should be touching each side of the frame. You will do this at top, bottom and center of the window, writing down your measurements as you go. You want to make sure to write down the width of the window first, then the height. Title each one of the measurements to avoid confusion. If installing an ‘inside mount’ then use the narrowest measurement and round the figure down 1/8 of an inch. This keeps the shade over the area to be covered only, permitting no overlap of the frame or wall. If installing an ‘outside mount’ then pull your measuring tape to where you wish the very edges of your blinds or shades to be so that they cover the sides of your window. Vertical blinds will require more space to either side of the door whereas shade should only need an extra 2 inches or so.


4. Figure out which side gets the cord. A household will tend to use one side of a sliding door more often than the other. Determine where the best point for the cord or twist rob for your blinds will be located, making sure to keep it well away from the opening door.