Cannot Pull Curtains All to the Left Over the Sliding Glass Door Because of a Bracket in the Middle

Vertical Blinds

• Vertical blinds are strips of plastic or other stiff material that hang down from a track mounted across the top of the door. Each strip can rotate 90 degrees to either block the view or allow you to see through the door. A wand or other control rotates all the strips in unison. The individual strips can also slide down the length of the track, bunching together at one end to allow free passage through the door.

Honeycomb Shades

• Honeycomb shades not only block light but also increase the R-value of the door. Sliding glass doors are a problem area for heat loss, but honeycomb shades incorporate air spaces inside the folds of the shade to insulate the interior space when closed. The shades are available in both horizontal and vertical sliding styles. Shades that slide to the side make it easier to use the door; ones that slide up and down must be mounted far enough above the top of the door to prevent impeded access when raised.

Curtains

• Curtains can still work on a sliding door but must be mounted on a sturdy curtain rod that does not require a center bracket. Mount heavy-duty end brackets on either side of the door and choose a solid rod of the correct length. Hanging the curtains on the rod with rings or curtain hooks will make it much easier to slide the heavy curtains to one end of the door, allowing easy access. A valance over the door is useful for hiding utilitarian rods, rings and brackets.

Shoji Screen

• If the door does not see much use, consider placing a Japanese Shoji screen in front of it to partially block the light and keep out prying eyes. Shoji screens are paper screens mounted in a light, geometric wood frame, used in Japanese homes to define interior spaces. The paper subtly filters outdoor light for a pleasing ambiance, and the wood frame adds an interesting decorative touch to the room.