When it comes to sliding glass doors, it can be a challenge to find a convenient way to cover them. After being in the window covering industry for over 15 years, here are my favorites listed in order.

#1 Choice – Smart Drape (Approx. $500 – $750)

This is a brand new product and I am so excited for it! There are so many benefits to the smart drape.

Pros:

1. You can tilt the wand to change it from light filtering to privacy.
2. You can actually walk through the vanes when the shade is closed
3. If your kids get it dirty, you can detach the vane and wash it in the laundry!
4. If it gets damaged, you can replace one single vane instead of the entire thing.
5. The top rail is made to coordinate with the barn door modern look.
6. It looks A-mazing! With over 30 fabric choices for the look you want.
7. The look of high end drapery and the functionality of a vertical.

Cons:

1. This is the second highest priced option but for good reason! This is awesome.
2. That’s it! No other bad things about this product!

#2 Choice – Roller shade (Approximately $300 – $450)

Pros:

1. When it is rolled up, nobody even knows it is there because it is completely out of the way.
2. Maintenance is so easy! You just wipe it down with a microfiber rag or vacuum occasionally. With it being up out of the way most of the time, it does not get very dirty – even after years!
3. Basically this is indestructible.
4. A clean, simple, modern look.
5. There are many fabric options to choose from.

Cons:

1. It is either open or shut. There is no in-between. You cannot walk through this while it is down like you can with the smart drape. I mean you could…but that would be weird!
2. There is no such thing as a fabric that you can see through during the day but no one can see you through it at night. You can either see through the fabric during the day AND at night or you can choose a fabric that you cannot see through during the day OR night. Will someone invent this please?

#3 Choice – Honeycomb vertical (Approximately $500 – $700)

Pros:

1. It is very easy to operate and can stack to either side when not in use.
2. It opens horizontally – the same direction as the sliding glass door so you can leave it half open or half closed during the day and still use one side of the door.
3. There are many fabric options to choose from.
4. The stack on the side is small if you want to have the whole window open.

Cons:

1. The track system only comes in 3 colors and is not as visually attractive.
2. Cleaning isn’t as easy as the other products.
3. If it gets damaged, you have to replace the whole thing.
4. If you are going to spend this much – Smart drape is the better value.

#4 Choice – Sliding Bypass Shutter (Approximately $1300- $1700)

Pros:

1. Very beautiful with a stunning and classic look. This will make a big impression and be a focal point of the home.
2. With horizontal slats, you still have a fair amount of privacy without having to close it up all the way.
3. Easy to clean.

Cons:

1. Most expensive option.
2. Unless you have room on the wall next to the door, you will always have half of your window with a shutter covering it.
3. It can seem a bit bulky if you have furniture next to it or small spaces to get around.
4. You can’t have the whole window completely open with nothing covering it.

#5 Choice – PVC Vertical

Ok really – is this even a choice anymore? Please don’t EVER choose this option – LIKE EVER. It is better to leave it open and risk a peeping tom!! Hang up a sheet with ducktape if you must – just don’t get a PVC vertical ok?