What Type of Curtains or Drapes Do You Use for a French Door?

French door treatments should not distract the eye from the beauty of the doors themselves.

Selecting the right fabric for your French door curtains or drapes depends on where the doors are positioned. If your doors are in your bedroom and lead outdoors, you'll want to choose a fabric that is thick enough to give you privacy. For doors that lead from one room to another, a sheer fabric may be best.

Measurements and Materials

Standard French door window coverings are 72 by 84 inches and have top and bottom rod pockets. Purchase two sets of sash rods. Sash rods are typically 1 to 2 inches wide. Be sure that the draperies or curtains you purchase are compatible with the rods you purchase.

Polyester Sheers

A popular treatment is the polyester sheer voile. This treatment will not give you complete privacy but will diffuse sunlight to protect carpet and furniture. The sheer voile is machine washable and comes in the standard size of 72 by 84 inches including the top and bottom rod pockets. You can add a cinch or tie in the center of each panel for an hourglass effect.

Cotton Panel Draperies

Draperies offer a lot more privacy because they completely cover the window and are thick enough to prevent anyone from seeing inside. There are 100 percent cotton draperies made for French doors. These draperies include the top and bottom pockets so that they may be attached to the door. This fabric is washable.

Two-Panel Treatments

Another option is to use a sheer curtain for the back piece and a thicker drapery with a cinch over the sheer. This will allow an illusion of light coming through and yet will provide privacy. Measure the width of the window and purchase enough sheer to be two to four times the width. One drapery panel per window and one cinch for the center is typically enough for standard French doors.

Resources

• French Door Curtain Company