The best blinds for French doors
- Joanna Koberstein
- Consultant
In short
Blinds can look sleek on French doors, but they need to clear the handles and not block the doors. The trick is to mount them to the window section within the door itself, so they move with it. Roman and honeycomb blinds are the best fit (honeycomb is slim and insulating, roman is customisable and elegant). Roller or vertical blinds can cover the whole door if mounted clear of the handles, while shutters are usually not practical.
French doors create a lovely indoor-outdoor flow and always feel elegant. Curtains are a common way to control light and privacy on them, but blinds can be a sleek option, especially in modern rooms. The key is choosing and mounting them so they do not get in the door's way.
Table of contents
How to mount blinds on French doors
French doors are a little trickier than sliding doors because the blind cannot get in the way of the door opening. The best way to avoid that is to attach the blind to the window section within the French door itself, rather than the surrounding frame. Mounted this way, it still blocks light and gives privacy, but moves seamlessly with the door and never blocks the handles.
Roman blinds
A customisable, graceful choice. Roman blinds let you pick a fabric to suit, create a smooth look when lowered, and emphasise the door's detailing while protecting against UV and glare. They are best in the lounge or kitchen where total darkness is not needed, though you can add a blockout lining for bedrooms.
Honeycomb blinds
A more modern look that still suits many styles. Honeycomb blinds have good insulating properties and a very slim profile, can be made to small proportions for narrow doors, and offer dual opening for plenty of light and privacy control.
Roller and vertical options
If you would rather cover the whole door than mount within it, roller blinds and vertical blinds are stylish, economical choices, as long as you mind the handles. Install a roller above the frame so it rolls up clear of inward-opening doors; it also pairs well with a sheer curtain in bedrooms. For verticals, leave enough room to the side for the slats to stack without catching the doors, which suits French doors used more like full-length windows. Our guide on using blinds with curtains has more pairing ideas.
Are shutters a good option?
Usually not. While shutters are beautiful, they are heavier than other options and need clear space for the panels to swing, which most French door handles get in the way of. They can occasionally work, but consider the weight and door function carefully first.
Not sure which blind suits your French doors? Request a free in-home consultation and a consultant will bring samples and make sure you get the perfect fit.
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Guides
Choosing the right blinds for your home
Not sure which blinds will suit your home? From blind types and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
What blinds are best for French doors?
Roman and honeycomb blinds are usually the best fit. Mounted to the window section within the door, they move with the door and clear the handles. Roman blinds are customisable and elegant; honeycomb blinds are slim, insulating and suit narrow doors with dual opening for light control.
Should blinds attach to the door or the frame?
Attach them to the window frame within the French door itself, not the surrounding wall frame. That way they still block light and give privacy, but move seamlessly with the doors and never block the handles or access.
Can you cover a whole French door with one blind?
Yes, with a roller or vertical blind, but mind the door handles. Mount a roller above the frame so it rolls up clear of inward-opening doors, and for verticals leave enough space to the side for the slats to stack without catching the doors.
Are shutters a good option for French doors?
Usually not. Shutters are heavier and need clear space for the panels to swing, which most French door handles get in the way of. They can work occasionally, but weigh up the door weight and function carefully first.
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