Privacy Window Treatments for Full-Length Glass Entry Doors

Shades

• Shades allow you to choose how covered your door is. Mount this treatment directly to the door and above the window, sizing it so that it covers the entire length of glass. Prevent the shade from moving when opening the door by installing a hold-down bracket below the window which will keep the shade in place when lowered. As an alternative, install a top-down shade on the lower portion of the window, leaving some glass exposed near the top. This lets in light and keeps the door looking fresh, all while providing privacy.

Panels

• Classic curtain panels, commonly adorning the average window, also work on a door with a full-length window, providing privacy and preventing the entryway from looking too stark. Mount the panel directly to the door to keep it fully functional, sizing the width of the panel so that it doesn’t impede use of the handle. Keep the panel loose for a soft effect, or give the window more structure by tying the panel off around the lower third. For full privacy, install a panel mounted on rods secured with brackets at top and bottom. Let in more light by cinching the panel in at the center with decorative ribbon.

Blinds

• Blinds provide total privacy while still giving you the option to let in a decent amount of light. Mount the blinds directly to the door, not the door frame, to keep the entrance functional. Size them so they fit perfectly over the window yet inside the window’s frame. With blinds, whether aluminum, vinyl or wood, hold-down brackets at the bottom are essential. Shades and curtain panels are light and make little noise when you open and close the door; on the other hand, blinds clatter.

Privacy Film

• A specialty film applied directly to the glass gives you the benefits of a door with a full-length window without compromising your privacy. Depending on the product, the film may be frosted, textured or with a finish similar to a one-way mirror. Clean the door thoroughly before you install the film and take your time; bubbles are easy to appear if you try to work too quickly. For the best results, have a professional install the film.