How to Cover a Sliding Glass Door and Window

Select curtains for your window and door. For doors select full length curtains that hang to the floor, but make sure they don't pool on the floor. For windows choose full length curtains that hang to the floor for formal rooms, like living rooms or dining rooms. Half length curtains that hang just past the window sill by 3 to 4 inches work well in casual rooms, like a family room or a kid's room. In utility rooms, curtains should just touch the window sill, such as kitchens and laundry rooms. For a romantic and extravagant look curtains can be long enough to pool on the floor, although this works best in bedrooms.

Choose a fabric that is right for your room and needs as well. Light fabric, like lace or sheer cotton or polyester, lets more light in and gives the room an airy, open feel, while still providing a measure of privacy. Heavier fabrics, like wool and canvas, block out more light and provide greater privacy. If you want to hang curtains for insulation purposes select insulated curtains.

Select where you want to hang the curtains over the door and the window. Measure past the top of the door frame and window by about 2 to 3 inches and mark the place with the pencil. This is where you'll hang the hardware. Measure across to the other side of the window and door 2 to 3 inches past the window or door frame, keeping the tape measure in a straight line, and mark that as the other place to hang the hardware. If the hardware has a spot to hang in the middle of the door or curtain, find the middle and mark that off as well. The hardware should be installed about 2 to 3 inches beyond the ends of the window and door frame and 2 to 4 inches higher than the window and door frame.

Hold the curtain hardware up to the areas you marked off with the pencil. Place the screws into the holes and use the drill to secure them in place. Repeat this process with all the curtain hardware.

Slip the curtains onto the curtain rods.

Place the rods over the curtain hardware. Tighten the screws on each piece of hardware to hold the curtain rod in place. Repeat this process with all the hardware on both curtain rods.