Modern curtains for french doors
22 Chic French Door Curtain Ideas to Freshen Up Your Space
- Design & Décor
- Interior Decorating
Design: The Plot Binna BurraPhotography: Casa Morgan
A French door is really the best of both worlds–it provides a door with easy access to the outside and offers a large amount of window to let natural light flow in. They are often found in living spaces that have direct access to the outdoors, but they are also wonderful additions to the interior of your home.
But what happens when you swap a set of windows for a French door and still need some privacy? Though you can totally leave them bare for maximum light, you can install curtains the same way you would for windows to add a bit of privacy and give your French door a lot of texture and interest.
Whether you already have French doors you want to cover or you are considering adding a pair to your home, these lovely curtain ideas are perfect for adding privacy without taking away from your doors' beauty.
Don't Get Hung Up on Buying Curtains: Here Are 33 Types You Should Know
01 of 22
Design: Maggie Griffin Design Photography: Brian Bieder
Curtains are a great opportunity to add color or pattern to your living room, but if you have an immense number of French doors, you may want to keep your curtains simple and understated so as not to take away from the rest of your decor. Pick a neutral color in the same family as the rest of your decor so your space will feel cohesive.
02 of 22
Design: Maggie Griffin Design Photography: Brian Bieder
An open floor plan dining and kitchen space often has direct access to a patio or backyard. Here, French doors add a classic feel to the room and give the space a more traditional feel. If you have a fairly neutral room, consider a light hue to add a hint of color without overwhelming the room.
03 of 22
Design: Maggie Griffin Design Photography: Brian Bieder
You should treat your French doors as you would windows and follow the same rules for hanging curtains. To give your room a grander feel, extend your curtains all the way from the ceiling to the floor. This will give the illusion of higher ceilings and make your space feel even more open and airy.
04 of 22
Design: Studio Thomas James, IncPhotography: Costa Christ Media
If you have French doors in an area where you don't have a lot of room for curtains, consider something classic such as Roman shades. This is a great way to keep your space elevated, even if curtains or drapes don't fit your room.
05 of 22
Design: The Plot Binna BurraPhotography: Casa Morgan
We love this bathroom design that features an unexpected French door directly outside. But of course installing French doors in your bathroom means you will definitely want to consider privacy. These airy curtains are opaque enough to lend enough privacy but don't feel too heavy for a bathroom.
12 Places to Find Great Looking Curtains Online
06 of 22
The Proud Weatherboard
Linen curtains are perfect for giving your space that understated and tranquil vibe. Keep them extra long and let them kiss the floor to incorporate that easy, breezy feel.
07 of 22
Regina Sturrock Design
We love the monochromatic color scheme in this room with various shades of light, cool gray. The curtains cover both the French door and the transom windows above the doors, making the room appear larger and taller.
08 of 22
Design: Interiors by AbodePhotography: SP Photography Ltd
Struggling to find the best curtain color for your French doors? Find an accent color from your room and pull it through to the window coverings.
09 of 22
Meg Loren
When hanging a curtain rod, consider picking a finish that works well with the rest of your room. Here, a black curtain rod pairs wonderfully with the black door finish to give the whole room a seamless feel.
10 of 22
New Andrew Home
Adding French doors will bring in a lot of natural light so if you don't need a lot of privacy, consider keeping the curtains sheer. This is a great way to add a touch of privacy without limiting the amount of natural light that filters in.
11 of 22
Taylor Wimpey Crofton g
Adding curtain tiebacks is a great way to give your doors that window look and feel while still keeping the direct access to the outdoors.
12 of 22
Kate Walker Design
You can opt for curtains that standout with a lot of contrast or you can opt for a color that blends into the wall. A curtain that disappears into the wall will allow the eye to focus on the rest of the room and the French doors instead.
13 of 22
Collins Interiors
One way to add a bit of interest to your room is to pick a color that contrasts with the rest of your home decor without clashing. This can give the space depth.
14 of 22
Design: Maggie Griffin Design Photography: Brian Bieder
A busy room with a lot of textures and patterns requires a curtain that can stand on its own. Consider a curtain with tassels or pom poms for extra embellishments that lend a lot of visual interest.
15 of 22
Sash Windows London Ltd
An eye-catching hue such as mustard yellow is perfect for a French door curtain that you want to act as the focal point in the room. The silky fabric also makes a design statement as the rest of the room is kept minimal.
16 of 22
Tara Fingold Interiors
Consider a subtle pattern that offers a touch of interest without feeing too busy. Keep the color palette soft and understated and go for a classic motif that ups the elegance in any space.
17 of 22
Ioanna Lennox Design
Your French doors will feel even more elevated if you pick curtains that grace the floor ever so slightly. An extra inch or two will give your room that Parisian apartment feel, no matter how far from France you live.
18 of 22
Design Lines Signature
Sometimes finding enough room around your French doors can limit your curtain options. If you don't have a lot of wall space on either side of your French doors, pull all of the curtains to one side for an asymmetric look.
19 of 22
Terri Ricci Interiors
Any natural material, especially wood, feels substantial and should shine on its own. Opt for curtains that play well with the natural materials in your room rather than work against it.
20 of 22
Rob Stuart Interiors
An interior French door adds a classic element to any room, but you may not want to be able to see what is on the other side. Whether you have a French door as a closet door or you want to separate too windows, add a curtain to better delineate the spaces.
21 of 22
Elle Design Interiors
There's something incredibly striking and classic about an all-white room. Keep the look going with classic cool white curtains and a white framed French door.
22 of 22
Sally Rotenstreich
A heavy drape is a great way to make your French doors feel like traditional windows in a classic living room. Playing up the symmetry of the room makes the whole space feel elevated.
Here is Your Step-by-Step Guide to Hanging Curtains
16 French Door Curtain Ideas That Will Shine in Your Space
By
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 03/31/22
Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester
French doors are a beautiful architectural addition to any home. Sometimes, though, you may wish to cover their glass windows for maximal privacy and to block sunlight during harsh hours. It turns out that there are many directions in which you can go when choosing french door curtains, and we're sharing a few of our favorite options below.
-
01 of 16
A Classic Choice
@madisonsubry / Instagram
Feeling like something classic? Long beige panels adorn the french doors in this transitional style living room.
-
02 of 16
Soft Tones
Everhem
"Make sure to mount the rod well above the window," notes Haley Weidenbaum, founder of window treatment retailer Everhem. "Go at least halfway between the top of the french doors and ceiling, but if you have tall windows, it's even better to go three quarters of the way between the top of the french doors and ceiling," she advises. Soft tan curtains by Everhem play to the natural tones present in this living space.
-
03 of 16
Elegant Accent
Julian Design
Billie Marie Tharaldson of Julian Design offers a pointer when it comes to curtain installation. "Extend the rod past on the wall to keep the excess fabric off the operating french doors," she advises. "In this case, adding drapery to the door allowed for dining without the glare of the sun and added softness and elegance to polish off the room."
-
04 of 16
Gray Camouflage
Jane Beiles for Design Lines Signature
These soft gray curtains practically blend right in with the wall color—function and subtly at its finest.
-
05 of 16
Crisp White
Everhem
Not sure what curtain color to pick? You can always look toward your walls. These white Everhem drapes play to this bedroom's soothing design scheme.
-
06 of 16
Coastal Shades
Jordan Reece for Nicole Manganello
For a coastal environment, woven blinds serve as a viable alternative to heavier curtains. These can easily be rolled up high to allow maximum sunlight into this airy room.
-
07 of 16
Pattern Play
Werner Straube for Drake Interiors
Love pattern mixing? Have some fun introducing a new print into your space in curtain form. This checkered design is cheerful and charming and adds a dose of whimsy to this already colorful living space.
-
08 of 16
Artful Embellishments
Chris Bradley Photography for M. Lavender Interiors
The curtain rods on these dining room french doors are a work of art on their own. Choosing embellishments like these is one way to make a room feel more sophisticated.
-
09 of 16
Creamy and Chic
Everhem
Here, offwhite Everhem curtains blend seamlessly with this classic living room design. This "ripple fold" look is a designer favorite. "Whether it’s sheer or solid, this style is very streamlined which complements modern homes, and adds a wonderful textural element," designer Stephanie Brown says.
-
10 of 16
Breezy Bliss
Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio
Breezy white curtains add a laid back touch to this California cool abode. For french door curtains, I definitely recommend working with someone who specializes in drapery—I always do," designer Sarah Stacey advises. "That way, they can take measurements and make the drapes or shades for you. If you don't have that in your budget then you could go semi custom."
-
11 of 16
A Bit of Contrast
Nathan Shroder Photography for Roz Murphy Design
"A trick I live by is: When in doubt, go with fabric that is a little darker than your wall color," Stacey adds. We see this concept exemplified in the above space by Roz Murphy Design.
-
12 of 16
Blue and Green Beauty
Michael Hunter Photography for Kim Armstrong
Patterns are at play once again in this serene blue and green family room. The blue and white curtains covering the french door blend in with this color scheme perfectly.
-
13 of 16
Gorgeous Greige
Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway
In this primary bedroom, the french door curtains feature griege tones that match the area rug in the space, tying the room together.
-
14 of 16
Long and Luxe
LifeCreated for Living with Lolo
Curtains can be customized to fit ultra tall windows, too! These cover the french doors and the expansive window above them, allowing for maximum privacy when desired. "The best window treatments for French doors should have a slim construction," notes Alton Tucker of Stoneside Blinds and Shades. "Keep in mind that a sizable valance, headrail, or fascia at the top of the door is likely to hit the wall when you open and close the door."
-
15 of 16
Wall to Wall
Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester
These french doors span an entire living room wall, providing maximal coverage when needed. In addition to evaluating width, though, you'll want to keep curtain length top of mind. "I always like my drapery to just barely sit above the floor," Stacey notes. "I measure a few inches below the ceiling to about a quarter inch above the floor. That way the window/door is elongated."
-
16 of 16
Pop of Cheer
Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester
Patterned curtains like these are extra sweet in a game room and keep the space feeling lighthearted.
The 13 Best Places to Buy Curtains of 2023
Choosing curtains for French windows and doors - WikiStroy
Choosing curtains for French windows and doors The RMNT website wrote in detail about the features of French windows, which are usually a door with floor glazing. Of course, such a noticeable opening in the wall requires a special frame, decor. Let's find out what curtains and other design options for French windows can be. https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/windows/vybiraiem-shtory-dlia-frantsuzskikh-okon-i-dvieriei https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/windows/vybiraiem-shtory-dlia-frantsuzskikh-okon-i-dvieriei/@@download/image/5ubOr9Pi.jpg
The RMNT website wrote in detail about the features of French windows, which are usually a door with floor glazing. Of course, such a noticeable opening in the wall requires a special frame, decor. Let's find out what curtains and other design options for French windows can be.
Curtains on French windows provide privacy, serve as a decoration, block out the sun's rays, and also increase energy efficiency if they are sufficient. dense . Choosing curtains for a French window is more difficult than for a regular one:
- Firstly, they are large, you can’t hang a short curtain, you need a floor-to-ceiling curtain.
- Secondly, the doors open and the curtains should not interfere with this process.
The choice of fabrics for curtains is huge. You can choose the most neutral option so that the curtain blends into the walls and does not draw the eye. Or you can go from the opposite and choose curtains with a pattern: tropical, just floral, geometric, abstract. If there is a French window on the second floor and above, there is no house opposite, then special privacy is not required and you can get by with a light translucent curtain. Patterns can be subtle and classic, or bold and large to create a dramatic effect. It all depends on the interior of the room and the wishes of the owners.
The question, rather, is not what fabric to choose for curtains on a French window - this is a matter of taste, needs and season, but how to hang them. The simplest and most common option is a wall or ceiling cornice-beam, about the installation of which the portal Rmnt. ru previously wrote in detail . Curtains should move easily along the cornice so that you can remove them to the sides and calmly open the door or enjoy the views.
Important! Before ordering or sewing curtains for a French window, be sure to measure the length - remember that they must be on the floor. The width, of course, is also measured, the fabric needs at least one and a half times more to have beautiful folds. Lush, “palace” French curtains will require even more fabric, and in length.
To be able to leave curtains folded on the sides of the French door and to give them a more elegant look, it is advisable to use cord hangers or metal clips.
A separate and very interesting topic is curtains that are attached directly to a French door or window. Less fabric is needed, and to open access to the sun's rays, the curtain in the middle is pulled together in the shape of an hourglass. Nothing prevents opening, looks cute. Such curtains are called "Alpine" or "European country".
Can it be hung on a french door Roman blind ? Of course, it just needs to be long enough to cover the entire opening.
Warm neutral curtains will not dramatize the interior, perfectly suited to any stylistic direction.
If you hide the cornice, raise the curtains to the ceiling, then the opening will seem even higher, like the ceiling itself. One of the most effective design techniques.
If you have a French window or door, consider yourself lucky. It is beautiful, light, elegant, stylish. Of course, curtains, if desired, can be replaced with roller shutters or blinds, but, you see, the fabric frame looks more comfortable and attractive.
Decoration of a window with a balcony door with curtains - photo, recommendations
Roman blinds
An interesting solution that has a lot of advantages is Roman blinds. They give free access not only to the door, but also to the windowsill, which is especially important if you plan to use it.
Lifting curtains can be attached directly to the window frame and door sash. In this case, they do not need to be pushed back every time, like curtains, which means they will keep clean longer. In addition, the canvas will not be drawn into the doorway by a draft.
Roman Blinds - a suitable option for minimalism, loft, Scandinavian style.
Options for decorating the door leading to the balcony with Roman blinds
Roman shades + curtain
If the previous option is too austere for you, Roman blinds can be combined with light curtains. For example, decorate a window with a Roman blind, and hang a curtain draped with tiebacks opposite the door.
For a balcony door, it is convenient to use static metal holders, for which the fabric is tucked. For picking up tulle curtains, magnetic holders on a fishing line are suitable. These devices allow you to quickly free up access to the balcony and less dirty curtains.
Roman shade arrangements
Eyelet Curtains
Another way to keep your balcony door functional is to hang curtains on the eyelets. This is the name of the rings that are sewn into the upper part of the curtain and thanks to which it easily slides along the eaves.
Depending on the size and light of the room, the curtains on the eyelets can be made from thick, light and even curtain fabric. They are also combined with other types of textiles - Roman, roller blinds, tulle.
It looks like a balcony block, decorated with curtains on the grommets
Filament curtains
Filament curtains (muslin) will be a practical solution for decorating a balcony opening. They look beautiful, you can not tie them up, but go out to the balcony right through them.
Decorating the exit to the balcony with filament curtains
Light curtains
A balcony, especially if it is glazed, significantly reduces the amount of light entering the room. If this is your case, instead of thick curtains, choose light curtains. They can, like curtains, be made sliding, picked up in opposite directions, combined with Roman blinds, blinds.
Decorating a balcony block with light curtains
Asymmetric compositions
At the very beginning, we said that one of the tasks of window block design is to remove asymmetry. But it can also be beautifully played. For example, with the help of spectacular asymmetric curtains, as in the photo below. These can be curtains, picked up on one side, cloths of fabric crossing at different angles, one-sided lambrequins. It all depends on the style of the interior and the creativity of your designer.
Photo examples of asymmetric compositions for a window with a balcony door
Decoration of exit to the balcony in different rooms
In many ways, the textile frame of the balcony block depends on the room in which it is located.
In the kitchen
The balcony in the kitchen is used more often than in other rooms. Here they usually organize a storage area for dishes and vegetables, and it happens that they go to it several times a day. Therefore, practical curtains are chosen - lifting Roman and rolled, filament, on grommets, asymmetric compositions that open the door a little.
Textile decoration for a kitchen window with access to a balcony
In the bedroom
In the bedroom, the balcony door serves mainly to ventilate the room. They come out here less often, unless they equip an office or a winter garden on the balcony. Such an opening is usually decorated with curtains and tulle, but in such a way that the curtains can be easily moved apart.
Since we are relaxing in the bedroom, it is imperative to provide thick blackout curtains or blinds.
Decoration of the balcony block in the bedroom
In the living room
The balcony also performs a similar function in the living room. Curtain compositions of tulle and curtains are also used here, but richer and more luxurious.