Drape Ideas for Large Doors

Design

• Drapes designed for window coverings could work well over doors. In fact, you can choose to use the same fabric and the same length for both doors and windows to create a unified look for your space. Using colors that work well with your furniture, wall paint and other fabrics would also help tie the room together. For example, if your color scheme is blue and yellow, choose a fabric with those colors.

Thickness

• Drape fabrics come in several thicknesses. The various thicknesses have different insulation, soundproofing and light-blocking levels. Match your fabric type to your needs. Sheer drapes let the light in, so you have a bright space. However, they don't offer much insulation or privacy. Opaque, uninsulated drapes allow some light into the room and prevent people from having a look into your home. For maximum privacy, choose insulated drapes. They keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they don't let much light in.

Hardware

• Drapes hung over doors tend to open and close more frequently, as compared to those hung over windows. When choosing your drapery rod, go for the one that will allow your drapes to slide smoothly, allowing you to easily open and close the drapes. If you will keep the drapes open a lot, consider adding hardware to hold back the drapes so you don't have to push them aside every time you want to pass through the door.

Hanging

• Drapes often come in panels that you can hang on either end of the rod. If your door opens on one side, hang the drapes so they stack at the other end of the door opening. This keeps the drapes from blocking your way and allows you to access the door more easily. If you have double doors that open in the middle, you could hang the drapes so they stack at both ends and allow you to pass through in the middle.