Do-It-Yourself Curtains for Slider Doors

Design Considerations

• Choice of treatment depends on where the slider doors are located and from which side they are opened. This determines whether there will be a pair of curtains that open from the center and stack on both sides or one curtain that is pulled from one side and stacked on the other. Fabric choices are based on how much light should be admitted, how much privacy is desired, whether insulating properties are desired, and what colors will blend with or accent room decor. Mounting systems can be single or multiple, depending on number of layers desired and whether ceiling mounts or above-door mounting is needed.

Curtain Construction

• Sewing curtains involves straight seams and is easy to do once you decide on curtain style and mounting hardware, take door measurements and make fabric choices. The mounting system will determine what treatment is given to the curtain top. For rods, the curtain can be hung via a pocket or casing the rod slides through or by rings sewn to the curtain edge or by grommets inserted into the top hem. Each of these needs a different top -- or header -- construction. General guidelines are to allow 5 inches for bottom hems, 2 inches for side hems, and 1/2- to 1-inch seams for joining panels lengthwise to make continuous curtain widths. Add one-half inch to hem measurements for the initial hem fold.

Taking Measurements

• Measure the length from the rod or other mounting system to the floor using a steel carpenter's measuring tape. Subtract an inch from this measurement to allow the curtain to clear the floor. Measure the width of the mounting system, which should allow a few inches overhang on each side of the door. Sometimes doors will be installed flush with an adjoining wall so an overhang on one side will be eliminated. Multiply the width measurement by a standard one and one-half for graceful coverage of the door. Multiply by two or three if greater fullness is desired. Determine how many fabric lengths are needed for the curtains by measuring fabric width and dividing into the total width. If there is to be a center draw, use half the total width measurement for one of the pair of curtains needed. Factor in the seam and hem allowances.

Mounting Systems

• Many kinds of drapery or curtain rods are available for above-door mounting. Commonest are decorative wooded and metal rods or poles suspended from brackets. Ceiling mounts are used where space isn't available for above-door mounts or where several layers of curtains are desired. Ceiling-mounted systems are ideal for wide sliding glass doors, where rods would have to have occasional central supporting brackets that would interfere with curtain draw.

Fabrics

• Choose heavier fabrics like velvet, linen or home decor fabric for light exclusion and insulation. Line the curtains to enhance these qualities. Thermal linings exclude light and noise and help keep out heat and cold. Lightly woven fabrics like voiles and polyester sheers admit light but still provide some privacy. Multiple layers of curtains -- for example, a layer of sheers topped by lined heavier curtains -- allow light admittance when the heavier curtains are stacked to the side. Consider whether curtains will be washed or cleaned professionally. Cottons and most linens can be washed at home, and washable fabrics should be laundered before making them into curtains to avoid shrinkage. Woolens, silks, velvets and many synthetics need professional cleaning. Color and pattern are very important and should blend or accent room decor already in place. Use actual swatches to evaluate light transmittance, fabric texture and how colors look with other room decor before purchasing fabric.