How to Install Window Coverings For French Doors

Sometimes it can be difficult figuring out what to put on your French doors. Installing window treatments can be tricky for some folks, especially if you don't know what you are doing. A few easy steps can help what seems to be a challenging task. These can make you a pro at it! Because most doors are made of solid wood or steel, people tend to forgo trying to put any window treatments on the door. Whether you are wanting to install shades, basic wood or metal blinds, this article will teach you how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brackets
• Bracket Clips
• Nails
• Rods
• Ladder
• Hammer
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Shades
• Blinds

1. Determine if you want to install a shade, wood or metal blind. Determine the purpose of the blinds. There are various type of wood blinds that can help with privacy and light control. It is not unheard of for a window treatment to have more than one use. The first priority is to make sure you are choosing the right window treatment that will meet all your needs and requirements.

2. Measure your window frame around the window, making sure that you don't obstruct the movement of the door handle.

3. 
    

   Start your measurement at least two inches above the door window. You want to make room for the head rail mechanism. Then follow your measurement down to the bottom the window. Allow about one inch below the window to secure the blind. The side measurements just need to be about an inch over the frame of the door window. Again, clearing any obstruction from the door handle.

4. 
    

   Position the mount brackets outside the window frame about two inches above the door window. This will allow room for the head rail mechanism of the window treatment, clearing all obstructions. The brackets need to be aligned and level with one another. The shade should be able to move freely between the brackets. Be sure to allow 1/8" of additional space between the brackets, so the mechanism will rotate freely.

5. Install what is called "hold-down" brackets. These brackets will secure the bottom of the blind and keep it from flopping around when you open and close the doors. Most blinds will come with hold-down brackets. Install the brackets according to the instructions, making sure that they are aligned at both ends evenly.

6. If the doors are made of a solid wood and you don't want to drill holes into your door frame, than an alternative of installing drapes that will cover the door for privacy, and can be pulled back during the day to allow light into the room, can be one option. The other options would be to have your windows tinted, or replace them with a stain glass window.

Tips & Warnings

• There is usually only one type of mount that will work, and that is an outside mount.
• Don't rush through this process. Take your time to ensure a great job is done!