How to Do Window Treatments for Double Front Doors

Glass and Wood Doors

• Double front doors with equally sized glass window tops and solid wood bottoms give houses an inviting country-style appearance. You can cover the window at the top with conventional cafe curtains threaded on a decorative rod that can be manually opened and closed or tied back with sashes or other types of ties. Traditional curtains on track rods are typically too bulky for doors and detract from their overall appearance. Shades or blinds that coordinate with the walls and floors in the doorway foyer provide optimum privacy on door windows, but secure panels prevent peeking outside or letting in light as desired.

Wood Doors with Top Glass Windows

• Doors with small windows at the top generally have no window treatments, to make looking outside easy and convenient. To add a privacy option, install a small rod above the interior windows and hang short valances that barely reach the bottom of the windows.

Fully Paned Glass Double Doors

• Also commonly referred to as French doors, this type of double-door setup is typically reserved for a patio entrances or as a room separator, although it makes a striking impression on the front of a house. If the glass extends fully from floor to ceiling, floor-length draperies hung on a simple rod look good on both the interior and exterior of the doors and, like short curtains, can be tied back to let in light. Translucent or semi-opaque blinds or shades also complement double front doors with full-length windows.

Side Panel Glass Double Doors

• Double front doors made of solid wood frequently have vertical glass windows on either side of the doorway to bring natural light into the interior hallway leading to the door. Since they are the only source of natural light in the area and difficult to hang draperies in, sheer or semi-sheer panels are good window treatment options.

Doors with Overhead Glass Windows

• Horizontal glass windows in the wall above the double front doors are attractive and let in minimal light. They are conventionally left uncovered to allow maximum illumination, but they can be covered with sheer or lightweight decorative materials that complement the home’s interior design. You can also hang a valance over the glass.