I saw these a while ago and thought about how to use them on my "old" windows. They do not need any screws, tape, ect. If they aren't the right finish, some spray paint to match might work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Twist and hold

Meant to add that a small piece of felt inside the connections would keep from scratching or leaving a mark on the door.

I have had the same situation in one home, reluctant to drill into the doors but, it had to be done so I put some nice rods on them. In the last place we built I had no neighbors behind me for miles and I didnt need blinds or curtains in the public rooms so they were left alone so we could see the beautiful old oaks. If not for that I wouldnt have hesitated to install sheers again. If you need privacy and want curtains you will have to drill holes, just get some nice rods that will compliment the decor. I have installed the small orb toned rods and it looked really nice bc the door handles were the same. Your other option is to hang curtains over the door and extend to just past the door so they are mounted to the wall and pull over the doors for privacy, but thats a pain when you need to get to the door you need to pull the curtains away. Or you could frost the glass for privacy but installing rods for permanent sheers is a better option, top and bottom rods, and theres some beautiful ones out there. I think you will have to bite the bullet and drill if the magnetic rods wont work. The rods if chosen to your liking can compliment the doors and curtains or some can be covered by the curtain so they are not even visible. Heres some pics of styles of curtains on a site I saved because we may be replacing a window with a french door in a bedroom.

Here is a link that might be useful: french door styles and curtains

It looks like the Twist & Hold brackets require a corner to push against. My doors have a flat surface, so I'm thinking they won't work for me.

Have you guys seen the new Command self-sticking hooks? I may contact the manufacturer and see if they're strong enough to do the job.

hammerslammer,
Hope you didnt mind my post. It wasnt what you wanted to hear, you were looking for any alternative. I just remembered feeling as you do and once I got over the feeling of dread of putting rods on a new lovely french door set, I realized it was the nicest and most effective way to treat them. I still think its also the most elegant solution. Something more temporary is pretty useless, likely to fall off, doesnt do them due justice, and curtains are going to cover up any holes anyway. I just wanted to share that I felt the same way once and if you use the right tools or have a service do it, it will come out fine and not damage the doors.

Pollyanna,

I appreciated your post very much, I'm just really apprehensive about taking a drill to these high dollar doors. :)Thanks again.

Have you seen the blinds that attach to the doors using the existing screws around the window? It not the same look as sheers at all, but if you were just looking for something for privacy they might fit the bill.

When I installed them, I had the raised window edges so I just took the screws out, but the blind frame up and installed the longer screws back into the same holes.

The Command hooks are really strong. I would think they'd easily handle your sheers.

Here is a link that might be useful: ODL enclosed blinds

On our old French doors, we had vertical blinds that we could pull aside. No, not aesthetic, but functional. There are also panels you can buy that slide. You'd hang them on a rod over the doors. I've seen those on JCP, but they are more translucent than opaque. I don't know how much privacy you need. So, maybe you want to consider those.

We had to replace the doors and got the blinds between the glass.

What about using swing arm rods? Install them on the trim next to the door and just swing open or closed as needed. Not for heavy curtains but work well for sheers or semi sheers. Very French and perfect for your French doors. See Amazon.

This thread is 8yrs old but I used Command strips but ended up using Gorilla Glue tape instead. My vinyl windows slide side to side so there's no room for tension type rods. Also my windows are vertical right at the ceiling so no room for any other type of rod. My sheers are a lightweight patterned style and are perfect for just enough privacy on my lanai.