Drapes can be selected for French Doors or Sliders as Decorative Drapes that just flank the doors, or Functioning Drapes that are wide enough to cover the whole span.  

If you just want some light privacy and light diffusing abilities, then Sheers could be considered. You can have the Sheers unlined, or you can add a light weight cotton lining if you want a bit more privacy. If you want more heavy duty privacy and a more light blocking capabilities, then lined drapes would be a better choice.    

Depending on your doors and the amount of wall space flanking each side of the door, if you want the drapes to sit on the wall on each side of the door without blocking any of the door, or if you have side lights and are OK with the drapes covering the sidelights for example or if you have minimal wall space next to doors, see Document How to Determine Width of Drapes you will need and How to Calculate Length of Drapery Rod

If your drapes are decorative and you do not need to close them for privacy, then the width you choose will be based on preference and budget. Some prefer full and lush looking drapes versus a single width drapes, so you can select 1 ½ widths or double width drapes. Budget is also a consideration. If the fabric is expensive, then single width may be all that your budget allows. When doors are wide, proportionately single width drapes can look skimpy. 1 ½ width or double wide are preferable.

Below are pictures showing Drapes on Doors to give you some ideas.

 DOUBLE WIDTH SHEER DRAPES

Cowtan and Tout Marina Sheer Ecru Double Wide Sheer Unlined Drapes that cover Sliding Doors and Side Lights. This fabric has been discontinued, but there are many beautiful sheer options. Rod is installed halfway between the top of the door and the bottom of the crown molding. Butterfly (Double Pinch) Pleats.

 2   1/2 WIDTH DRAPES ON FRENCH DOORS

 These 2 ½ Width Drapes are Functional in Kravet Dublin Linen in Sky. Dublin Linen comes in many colors.   The Rod is 99” long, so when the drapes are closed they will cover the Doors and the whole rod. 15 Double Pinch Pleats per panel.

 These 2 ½ Width Drapes are Functional in Kravet Dublin Linen in Sky. The Rod is 99” long. This picture shows the drapes closed covering the Doors and the whole rod. 15 Double Pinch Pleats per panel.

TRIPLE WIDTH DRAPES ON FRENCH DOORS

  Triple Wide Drapes in Cowtan & Tout Chinois Border Multi Ivory 10989 02 Silk (fabric has been discontinued). Triple Width Drapes Covers up to 120”, so these drapes were functional.

STACK BACK CHART

If you don’t want your drapes to cover the doors at all, and want them to stack on the wall on each side of the door, below is a chart. Find the full width of the span of your door and casing, and then look at the stack which is the total of both right and left. Divide that by 2 and make sure you have enough wall space on each side of your door.

Find your Door opening _____   Example (72”)

Stack Back Total for Both sides _______     Example (34”)

Divide that by 2 = 17” (you need at least 17” of wall space on each side of door)

Total Length of Rod Needed _____Example (106”)

This length as an example would require 2 ½ Width Drapes to cover door and whole rod.

       Door Opening                                Total Stack Back Both Sides            Total Rod Length

Download a free PDF of our drapery design guide for french and sliding doors here!