The beauty of french doors and sidelights can be accentuated by the use of appropriate window treatments.
French Door Curtain Fabric Types
Transparent, light-weight fabrics such as voile, batiste, net or lace enhance the windows of french doors. Voile is a plain-weave, light-weight, transparent fabric made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibers. Batiste is light-weight, sheer and very soft, made from cotton, synthetic or mixed fibers. White and ivory are standard colors, but pastel shades are also available.
Lace adds elegance to the look of any window. A motif that blends well with the room décor can be selected, such as delicate floral patterns or geometric Art Deco motifs. Lace is made of cotton, linen and synthetic materials.
Several types of net are used for french door panel curtains. Dotted Swiss features small dots, sometimes of contrasting colors, imbedded on the fine net. Point d’ Esprit includes small dots over the surface of the fabric to create a snowflake effect.
Ready-Made Curtains
Ready-made french door curtain panels and sidelights come in a variety of fabrics in standard lengths and widths. Sidelights are narrower than french doors, and thus standard widths are also narrower. french door curtains feature rod-pockets at both the top and the bottom so that the panel can be mounted close to the window, enhancing visual appeal and keeping the panel in place. Tie-backs can be used for a decorative touch to accentuate the window and allow more light. Tie-backs can be of the same material or contrasting material or color to complement décor.
How to Measure
Determining the correct length and width of the French door curtain depends on the placement of rods in relation to the sash. French door curtain rods can be fitted within the window sash so that the curtain is near the glass, or can be mounted outside the sash on the frame. Curtain width should be two to three times the width of the window. Length of ready-made curtains usually includes the rod-pocket. The curtain area above the rod pocket, the head, is usually not included in the measurement.
French Door Curtain Rods
Tension rods, wire and narrow rods of brass or painted metal mounted on brackets are commonly used. Tension rods require no nails, but are mounted within the sash and remain in place by a spring imbedded inside the rod.
Whether the door is to an entryway, a patio or the interior, installing attractive french curtain panels that gently filters light will enhance the ambience of any room.
