Curtains and Blinds for Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors

Large full-length windows and doors are an eye-catching feature in many homes' living or entertainment spaces. Often including sliding and bifold doors, which need to be accessed daily, finding the right window solutions can be seen as a challenge, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

If you love an indoor-outdoor lifestyle where your living areas seamlessly blend into the outdoors, chances are your space has large windows and doors that help combine the two. This connection to the outdoors often comes at a cost when controlling light, privacy and temperature.

Functionality doesn’t mean sacrificing the design elements of your home you love; it just means choosing the right curtains or blinds to meet your needs.

Best options for Sliding and Bi-Fold doors

If you’re looking for a window covering solution for Sliding doors or Bi-fold doors, there are five options that can work for you.

• Linked Roller Blinds
• Panel Glide Blinds
• Vertical Blinds
• Curtains
• Motorisation Options

“When selecting curtains for sliding doors or bi-fold doors, a key consideration is to ensure that the direction in which the curtains open aligns with how the doors operate. This harmonious movement enhances the functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.”

Linked Roller Blinds

Linked roller blinds are one of the most functional solutions for walls with multiple windows, as they're sleek, modern, and stylish while also serving flexible functionality and easy maintenance.

Linked roller blinds let you easily open and close doors and windows as they join individual blinds. These are connected by an Easy-Link bracket.

The Easy-Link bracket reduces the gap of side-by-side blinds from 35mm to 19mm to match your sliding windows or bi-fold doors seamlessly.

A single control can control linked roller blinds, making the design neat and tidy and eliminating unnecessary chains cluttering your windows. If you need additional control points, we can include these for you, too.

Pros:

1. Efficient for Multiple Windows: Ideal for spaces with multiple windows, linked roller blinds offer a uniform look and the convenience of controlling several blinds at once.

2. Space-Saving Design: With a minimal gap (typically around 19mm) between each blind, they maximise window space and align neatly with window frames.

3. Customisable Control: They can be operated with a single control, reducing clutter from multiple chains or cords. Additional control points can also be added if needed.

4. Versatile and Aesthetic: Linked roller blinds come in various materials and colours, making them suitable for different decor styles. They offer a sleek and streamlined appearance.

5. Light and Privacy Control: They provide excellent control over light and privacy, as each blind can be adjusted individually.

Cons:

1. Complex Installation: The installation of linked roller blinds can be more complex than standard blinds, especially when linking multiple blinds together. However, this should be an easy job with DIYBlinds Linked roller blinds guides.

2. Limited Individual Control: While they can be operated individually, the linked mechanism might limit the flexibility compared to completely separate blinds.

3. Potential for Uneven Wear: If one blind is used more frequently than others, it can lead to uneven wear and tear over time.

4. Cost: Linked roller blinds can be more expensive than standard roller blinds, especially when custom sizes or additional control points are required.

5. Size Limitations: There may be limitations on the size of each blind within the linked system, which could be a constraint for very large windows.

Our easy-to-use linked roller blinds guide and how-to videos will help you with every step of the DIY process, from tips, to measuring and installing and technical information about linked roller blinds.

Panel Glide Blinds

Panel Glide Blinds are an innovative window treatment option, ideal for more oversized windows, sliding doors and spaces where a minimalist and contemporary design is desired.

These blinds consist of large fabric panels that glide smoothly along a track system. The panels can be stacked neatly behind each other when open, offering a clear view and maximum light, and then quickly closed for privacy and light control.

One thing to remember, however, is that when opened the panels stack to the side, requiring some wall space beside the window.

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Panel glide blinds offer a modern, sleek look, perfect for contemporary interiors. They also serve as a design statement in a room.

2. Ideal for Large Windows: These blinds are especially suitable for more oversized windows or sliding doors, where traditional blinds might be less effective.

3. Variety of Fabrics: They come in a variety of fabrics and patterns, allowing for customisation to fit any design style.

4. Ease of Operation: The sliding mechanism, when kept well maintained, runs smoothly and effortlessly making them easy to operate.

5. Functional and Effective Fabric Options: With a wide range of blockout, light filtering and sunscreen fabrics, Panel Glide Blinds offer a solution for every privacy, light control and thermal insulation need.

Cons:

1. Space Requirement: When opened, the panels stack to the side, requiring some wall space beside the window.

2. Limited Partial Opening: Unlike linked roller blinds, it's harder to partially open panel glide blinds for a bit of light while maintaining privacy.

3. Not Ideal for Small Windows: These blinds might look overwhelming on smaller windows and are less effective in smaller spaces.

4. Cost: Panel glide blinds can be more expensive than traditional blinds, especially for custom sizes and fabrics
   
   
   

Design and order your Panel Guide Blinds here

Our easy-to-use panel glide blinds guides will help you with every step of the DIY process, from tips to measuring and installing and technical information about panel glide blinds.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a suitable option for sliding and bi-fold doors, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design, which features individual slats that run along a track system, allow them to be drawn back completely giving unobstructed access to doors.

This makes them particularly effective for sliding and bi-fold doors, where ease of access and the ability to control light and privacy are essential.

Pros

1. Ease of Access: Vertical blinds can be quickly drawn to one side, offering clear access to sliding and bi-fold doors, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Light Control: They allow for adjustable light control. You can tilt the slats to various angles enabling precise control over the amount of light entering the room.

3. Versatility in Design: Available in a range of materials and colours, vertical blinds can fit various design styles and preferences.

4. Space-Efficient: When opened, vertical blinds take up less space compared to curtains, making them a good choice for smaller rooms or areas with limited space.

5. Maintenance: They are generally easy to clean and maintain, often requiring a quick wipe or dusting.

Cons

1. Aesthetic Limitations: Some may find vertical blinds less aesthetically pleasing compared to panel blinds' contemporary look or curtains' traditional warmth.

2. Durability: The slats can become damaged or dislodged with frequent use, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. Sound: They can produce noise when opened or closed or disturbed by drafts, unlike panel blinds or curtains.

4. Privacy Concerns: While closed, they offer good privacy, but if not appropriately aligned, gaps can appear between slats.

5. Light Gaps: Unlike panel blinds or curtains, which can offer more complete coverage, vertical blinds might allow small amounts of light to seep through the gaps between slats

Design and order vertical blinds here

Our easy-to-use vertical blinds guides will help you with every step of the DIY process, from tips to measuring and installing and technical information about vertical blinds.

Curtains

Curtains are an excellent choice for extra-large windows and come in a wide range of Sheer, Blockout and Dimout fabrics that can fit the largest of spaces. You can opt for centre-opening curtains so that you can easily open a door without needing to draw open your window furnishings.

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Curtains add a soft, decorative touch to any room and come in various styles, colours, and patterns. They can make a space feel more inviting and cozy.

2. Versatility in Fabrics Choices: You can select from our range of light, sheer fabrics for a breezy feel or heavier fabrics that offer differing levels of privacy and insulation from our blockout and dimout ranges.

3. Effective Light Control: With a suitable fabric, curtains can effectively block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms or media rooms.

4. Noise Reduction: Thick curtains can help dampen outside noise, which is beneficial in busy areas.

5. Energy Efficiency: In colder months, heavy curtains provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping the room warmer.

Cons:

1. Space Requirement: When drawn open, a curtain stack will take up 30% of your total width. If you want to stack your curtains off the window completely, you will need to accommodate this.

2. Maintenance: They can require more maintenance than blinds as they need to be washed or dry-cleaned periodically to keep them looking fresh.

3. Potential Obstruction: Curtains can obstruct access to sliding or bi-fold doors if not adequately tied back or secured.

4. Limited Moisture Resistance: In areas with high humidity or chances of water splashes, curtains might not be as durable as blinds.

5. Risk of Fading: Some fabrics can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight. It is essential to discuss your options if this is a concern.

Curtains are also great for older homes with slightly uneven walls or floors.

Discover our range of curtains here.

Our easy-to-use designer curtains guide and how-to videos will help you with every step of the DIY process, from tips to measuring and installing and technical information about custom designer curtains.

Motorised Curtains and Roller Blinds

By motorising your window treatments, you’ll never have to reach for a chain again.

Perfect for high windows and voids or where specific accessibility needs need to be met, they're also a fantastic option for sliding and bi-fold doorways where there is high traffic.

As we spend less time at home, consider the benefits and convenience of automating your window furnishings. When paired with a compatible wifi hub, you can set up your roller blinds, linked roller blinds, and curtains to react to weather conditions and keep your home thermally insulated on the days you can’t be home.

Another benefit of motorising your window furnishings is security - you can program your blinds to open and close so that it appears you’re home even if you’re not. Adding significant value to the home, they come in both hard-wired and non-wired automation options and you can connect them with your favourite voice assistant like Google or Alexa.

No matter the stage of your build or renovation journey, get in touch with one of our Design Consultants today to discuss what motorisation options work best for you!

Find out more about motorised curtains and blinds here.

Our easy to retrofit motorisation guides and how-to videos will help you with every step of the DIY process from tips, measuring and installing and technical information about retrofitting motorisation to your blinds.

What do I need to check for when choosing curtains and blinds for sliding and Bi-Fold doors?

Bi-fold and sliding doors have unique requirements when choosing curtains and blinds. Some of the most common considerations are:

Width

If you have an entire wall of windows, you’ll need to furnish ample space in an intelligent way. At DIY Blinds, we can make curtains and linked roller blinds that are up to 6m long.

Doors

If you choose a single blind to cover multiple windows, then it makes using doors difficult. Using a linked roller blind system allows you to control single or multiple linked roller blinds using one control.

Design

Sheer curtains allow you to show off your sliding or bi-fold doors while softening your space. With linked roller blinds, you can match the blinds to your door frames or mullions for the perfect look and fit.

Sliding and bi-fold doors are no longer an issue with DIY Blinds.

How to choose the right type of roller blind or curtain?

Now that you’ve seen our top window furnishing choices for sliding and bi-fold doors, here are our top things to consider when choosing any window furnishings.

Temperature and Light Control

Do you have a large window that gets direct sun? In summer, things are going to get HOT! If you’re looking to cool things down, look for blinds or curtains to help keep the heat out.

Blockout blinds aren’t just for keeping light out of the bedroom; they’re also great for keeping the heat out of every room of the house. Not only do blockout blinds keep the heat out, but they can also stop heat escaping through the glass during winter.

If you’re looking for blinds to dull bright lights and stop glare, sunscreen roller blinds are a great choice, stopping most of the harsh light but still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. Light-filtering roller blinds also let you see out to your yard but provide daytime privacy so people can’t see in.

Prefer the chic look of curtains? We offer blockout, dimout and sheer finishes for curtains.

Privacy

Privacy and light control go hand in hand. Block out curtains and blinds offer the most protection from the elements as well as the highest privacy.

DIY Blinds have a range of privacy options, including daytime privacy and full privacy with block out finishes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match – a popular choice, particularly for smaller windows, is to have block-out blinds with linen-look sheers over the top so you can have the best of both worlds.

Functionality

When choosing blinds or curtains for your sliding or bi-fold doors, it’s essential to consider the placement of your doors. If your doors are closer to the edge of the window, then you have a wider range of options because you can easily access the door by sliding curtains. However, with a door in the centre, you might consider having additional breaks in the curtain.

You should also consider how often you will open or close the door. A single large blind might be fine if you rarely use the door. However, high traffic areas like the door to the BBQ, clothesline or bin are going to be used more frequently and you could opt for linked blinds that let you open the door without opening the blinds.