skip to main content

Home Decorating

window treatment for metal door w/window

15 years ago

Ok, this is not a very glamorous problem or dilemma but still not sure what to do :) While we are living temporarily in our shop until our house is built we have 3 metal doors that have the windows in them; about 21"W X 35"H in each door. What can you get to cover them (besides garbage sacks:)?? One would think there would be something since you would have to drill or screw into the metal door.....Any ideas would be appreciated!

TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

justgotabme
15 years ago
Magnetic curtain rods and kitchen window tiers. Or make your own curtains from an opened pillow case using the hem as the casing. If you don't sew or your machine isn't handy you can use fusable tape to hem them.
Wal Mart carries this type of rod for under fifteen dollars.
suero
15 years ago
You can get curtains on rods that fasten to the top and bottom of the window frame. Or you may be able to fit tension rods between the sides of the window frame and not drill into the door. Other options involve drilling into the door. You can get miniblinds that you can fasten on top and anchor on bottom. You could do shutters (expensive). You can get a window shade.
Related Discussions
What type of window treatments would you use on these door/windows?
Q
Comments (6)
The primary reason for window treatments would be for privacy at night. Any treatment would be opened during the daytime. This is our family room and we spend a lot of time in there. It is the back of the house, but our neighbors are not far and with the lights on, you would be able to see us walking around, watching tv, etc. The other reason would be to add some color or design to an empty wall. There's no room to hang anything decorative except for using the door and window as a base for design.
...See More
Window treatments - commercial glass door with sidelight by 2 windows?
Q
Comments (2)
I agree. I was thinking something with clean lines (no curtains). Would you do a shade on the door itself and a separate one for the adjacent sidelight? Or would you do a single shade across the door/sidelight opening (and you would have to raise it to use the door)?
...See More
Window treatments for sliding door + 2 windows in Master Bedroom
Q
Comments (1)
You have such a nice view I can see why you would want to retain it during the day. I'd mount one rod from wall to wall, and use drapery panels. One panel on each end and wider panels in the middle around the sliders so you can pull them closed. Use a lightweight lined fabric so you can get teh fullness you need without taking up too much space. Don't use shutters. They block a LOT of light even when open, and you would never have a clear view outdoors.
...See More
Help with window treatment ideas for sliding door & half moon window
Q
Comments (7)
Looking at your setup from that second angle suggests you’d have proper clearance on the left but now I wonder about the right side The space on the right is limited by the protruding fireplace “trim” (the mini “hood” above the fireplace opening and the detail below the opening). To see what might work you could purchase a 96” or 104” drapery panel, (whatever appropriate length) hold it up at height rod would be, and see if it hangs ok. Does it look squished, left to right by the fireplace? Does it hang freely? A heavier fabric panel will take up more soace, especially if it’s lined. Maybe a cotton canvas but no lining, or a blackout panel would fit. To help you decide about adequate space, consider the function of the slider. Do you open it a lot? Is that outdoor space a spot you use all the time, or does the door stay primarily closed and youre not going theough that door much. The right panel could hang partially over the door handle (door seldom opened) or it could hang so it fuly clears the door handle (use door all the time). Alternatively, you could mount a shade over the arched window that is long enogh to cover the sliders when shade is let down. (Prob requires a custom made at this length). Whether a shade or drapery, the slider door handle and limited width and height of space will inform your decision as Im sure you already know. Either woud work, but neither are ”perfect”. But perfect is seldom needed. The pros have great advice; maybe they‘ll weigh in
...See More
kelpmermaid
15 years ago
Or possibly some type of film that will let in light but obscure direct views. I've seen it at Bed Bath & Beyond, but I think there are other versions available at Home Depot and online.
dilly_dally
15 years ago
Since you say living with these windowed doors is only short term temporary, go with the cheapest solution: RediShades. No hardware or complicated installation.

I got mine on sale at HD for $1.79 each. They don't leave any sticky glue behind when you decide to remove them. You can get them in paper (cheapest) or plastic, light filtering or room darkening, ect.

Here is a link that might be useful: RediShades
creekylis
15 years ago
If you want something sturdier, functional, and not too expensive, check into magnetic roller shades. We had one on our back french door at our old house and it blended in well and worked great for privacy at night.

Not sure if this is the same brand we had, but it looks similar at least.

Here is a link that might be useful: Magnetic Roller Shade

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES How to Get Your Window Treatment Right

Here's the lingo to know to get the draperies you really want

WINDOWS Awkward Windows and Doors? We've Got You Covered

By The Inman Company

Arched windows, French doors and sidelights get their due with treatments that keep their beauty out in the open

DECORATING GUIDES Your Guide to Window Treatments

By Karen Egly-Thompson

The right window treatments can provide privacy, light control and safety — or just better style

WINDOWS Treatments for Large or Oddly Shaped Windows

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the sun filtering and privacy you need even with those awkward windows, using panels, shutters, shades and more

WINDOW TREATMENTS Bedroom Window Treatments to Block the Light

Sleep tight with curtains, shades and more designed to keep out bright rays while letting stylishness in

DECORATING GUIDES The Art of the Window: Drapery Solutions for Difficult Types and Shapes

By Jess McBride

Stymied by how to hang draperies on a nonstandard window? Check out these tips for dressing 10 tricky window styles

WINDOW TREATMENTS How to Cover Windows Above a Radiator

By Laura Gaskill

Explore the window treatments — and window treatment combinations — that can work in this space

WINDOW TREATMENTS 13 Ways to Dress Wide Windows

By Love Your Room LLC

Make the most of your wall of glass with window treatments that balance privacy and light

WINDOWS Steel-Framed Windows Leap Forward Into Modern Designs

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

With a mild-mannered profile but super strength, steel-framed windows are champions of design freedom

WINDOW TREATMENTS Easy Green: 9 Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows and Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Block drafts to boost both warmth and energy savings with these inexpensive but effective insulating strategies

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

What color for sofa and love seat?

22

Need advice please on a shoe string budget

16

Need inspiration for my fireplace wall

14

Tips for choosing best white window shade color

12

Help with layout for foyer and dining room

15