If you like the functionality of the vertical blinds, then you might want to look at hunter douglas luminettes which have vanes built in for light control and privacy. They also make vertiglide which is like a honey comb that closes horizontally instead of vertically. Otherwise you can do a drape with or without a valance for privacy at night.

I am having the same problem as I only bought the expensive Hunter Douglas Soft Vertical Blinds due to being afraid my dogs would ruin the Luminettes that I really wanted. Now I am thinking of using Sheers on a rod that can easily be washed and if that doesn't work out, I I will see what others suggest. I really hate how the curved vertical blinds I bought in 2006 that block the light on the sides so light from that window does not go into my open family room. They do not insulate and are only pretty when closed. I love the Luminettes and if I did not have little dogs, that is what I would have gone with as they are very expensive to clean. My kitchen and family room would be so much brighter if I removed the expensive blinds that match the wall color so well and are really pretty but they were not the right choice.

I have two 6 foot sliders separated slightly by an eighteen inch section of wall. Each patio door has its own (white) 5% roller solar-shade on a continuous loop chain. It's a very modern contemporary look which I love. The shades provide privacy during the day, while blocking the intense rays of the sun, but still allow my view to be preserved when they are down. They provide limited privacy at night from a distance.

I have two 6-ft. sliders, but not next to one another (one in dining room, one in master bedroom). I used to have vertical blinds, which may be very practical, but I really hated the look. You may want something more finished looking, but I use off-white cotton panels now. They are light but provide pretty good privacy and mute a very bright sun. If you use tab backs or some form of ring, they can be pulled off to the side and take up very little space. I like the casual look.

Like linelle, I used white cotton linen panels on a number of sliders we have in our Florida house. All the sliders open to the pool area, so I wanted a very casual look, although I think you could use most any material to create the feel you desire.

I don't have a great photo, but hopefully this will give you an idea.

Jujubean71, thank you so much for the picture! I would like that for myself! I love how high you put the linen panels. I love your light and airy beautiful rooms and the view!

Linelle and Theresa2, any pictures since both of your ideas are very good also?

Disclaimer: Morning mess, no staging. :)

Ikea panels. Love love love them!!! $25 for the two of them!! White linen, good weight. I have 9-ft. ceilings which vault in the two rooms I've got this type of panel. They come about 96" long, which means you can wash them first to shrink a bit and then still have plenty to hang them high-ish. I adore these panels and they're a steal. Oh yeah, they have multiple hanging options. I like to be able to move them completely off to the side, so I just ran the rod through tabs at the back.

When I took these pics, the morning sun was pouring in. I closed them slightly and you can see they let light in but also provide privacy if you need it.

These are Pottery Barn (more expensive) panels in my bedroom. I used rings and curtain hooks on the back.

Thanks, lynn.

Here are more panel ideas from houzz.

Here is a link that might be useful: panels for sliding doors