“The details are not the details. They make the design.” — Charles Eames
Sliding glass doors are workhorses. They open up your living space. Let in the Colorado sun. Bring the outdoors in. But when it comes to covering them, that’s where the challenge begins.
Standard blinds? Too bulky. Curtains? Not enough control. What you need is the right solution—something functional, beautiful, and made to last.
At Made in the Shade Colorado Springs, we help homeowners find the best blinds for sliding glass doors every single day. Our clients want privacy. Light control. Energy efficiency. And let’s be honest—they want it to look good, too.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to consider, what’s available, and what works best in Colorado’s high-altitude climate.
Why Sliding Glass Doors Need Special Attention
Let’s be clear—these doors aren’t like your average windows. They’re big. They’re used constantly. And they let in a lot of light (and heat or cold, depending on the season).
That means your window treatment needs to do more. It needs to:
- Move easily
- Hold up to daily use
- Insulate against outdoor temperatures
- Offer privacy on demand
- Look clean and tailored, not cluttered
Regular blinds weren’t designed for this. That’s where custom options make a huge difference.
Vertical Blinds: Still a Strong Contender
They get a bad rap. But don’t write off vertical blinds just yet.
Today’s verticals aren’t the clunky, dated panels you remember. We offer sleek fabric and vinyl options from Graber and Hunter Douglas that glide smoothly and look clean.
They’re affordable, effective, and easy to use. Perfect if you’re managing a rental property or want a quick upgrade without losing performance.
Why we like them:
- Simple side-to-side operation
- Great for wide doors
- Available in textured fabrics for a softer look
- Easy to maintain
Panel Track Blinds: Modern and Minimal
Want something sleek and modern? Go with panel tracks.
These wide fabric panels slide across a hidden track system. They look clean. Contemporary. Tailored. And they work especially well in open-concept homes or spaces with lots of glass.
We custom-fit each panel so it clears handles and hardware. We also match fabric and color to your wall tone or flooring for a seamless finish.
You can even layer sheer panels over blackout ones for day-to-night flexibility.
Why clients love them:
- Smooth gliding operation
- Works beautifully in modern spaces
- Custom fabric and color options
- Pairs well with smart home tech
Vertical Cellular Shades: Light + Insulation
Energy bills rising? Let’s talk about cellular shades.
These are made with honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air. They’re not just blinds—they’re insulation.
Vertical cellulars, like those from Alta Window Fashions, are perfect for sliding doors. They move side-to-side but offer the same energy savings you’d expect from a top-down shade.
In Colorado Springs, where we get blazing summers and brisk winters, this matters.
Why they work here:
- Excellent insulation
- Reduces heat gain and cold drafts
- Available in blackout and light-filtering styles
- Easy to operate and child-safe
Sliding Shutters: Built-In and Beautiful
Want something permanent and elegant? Sliding plantation shutters are worth a look.
They’re custom-built to your door frame and slide effortlessly on a track. And yes—they’re a little more investment up front. But many clients see them as part of their home’s structure, not just a window treatment.
They add privacy, protect furniture from UV rays, and never go out of style.
We work with Norman for our shutter lines. Their finishes hold up beautifully in Colorado’s dry climate and strong sun.
Why these impress:
- Solid, lasting materials
- Seamless integration into your trim
- Outstanding privacy and light control
- Easy cleaning—just dust and go
Smart Blinds: For the Tech-Savvy Home
Automation isn’t just cool. It’s convenient.
Motorized blinds let you control your sliding door treatments with a remote, smartphone, or smart home system. No cords. No reaching. Just tap and done.
Great for homes with tall doors or homeowners who want more accessibility and less hassle.
Ask our team about SunPro motorized blind systems. Their technology is quiet, reliable, and ideal for modern Colorado homes.
They also offer solar screens and outdoor shading systems if you want to block heat before it gets in.
Why go motorized:
- Perfect for daily use or hard-to-reach doors
- Programmable for different times of day
- Works with Alexa, Google, or app-based systems
- Clean, cordless look
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Home
Here’s the thing—there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Choosing the best blinds for sliding glass doors means factoring in:
- How often you use the door
- Whether pets or kids will interact with the blinds
- How much light or glare you want to block
- Your preferred style (modern, traditional, transitional)
- Your energy efficiency goals
- Your budget
That’s exactly why we start with a free in-home consultation.
What Happens During Your Free Consultation?
We show up with samples. Lots of them.
Our design consultant will take precise measurements of your sliding doors, check how the door opens and closes, and look at your room’s layout and lighting. Then we walk you through fabric, color, and operation options.
Want motorized blackout panels? We’ll show you how they’ll look. Not sure whether shutters or tracks are best? We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons.
You’ll see everything in your space, with your lighting. No pressure. No guesswork.
When you’re ready, we handle the order, custom fabrication, and installation. And our trained installers do it right the first time.
Benefits Our Clients Rave About
Clients in Colorado Springs consistently say the same things:
- You saved me from five trips to the hardware store
- I didn’t even know this many options existed
- This is the first time a window treatment actually fit
That’s what you get when you work with professionals who care about detail, service, and performance—not just selling blinds.
Let’s Talk Numbers (The Stats Back It Up)
If you’re on the fence, here are five reasons to take action:
- 30 percent of energy loss in homes happens through windows and doors.
- Proper window coverings reduce solar heat gain by up to 77 percent
- Smart blinds can cut heating and cooling costs by 12–15 percent annually.
- Shutters can last 20 or more years with proper care.
- Cellular shades can reduce heat loss by 40 percent in colder months.
Final Word: Don’t Guess. Let Us Help.
Covering sliding glass doors isn’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Whether you want simple verticals or custom motorized panels, we’ll help you find a smart, beautiful solution that works every day.
Schedule your free in-home consultation with Made in the Shade Colorado Springs. We’ll come to your home, bring the options to you, and help you choose the best fit for your space.
Ready to get started? Book your free in-home consultation today.
We make it easy to love your doors again.
