I'm glad you asked this question. We've been wondering the same thing about how to deal w/ covering 2 sets of french doors. We don't have bears peaking in to worry about but do have serious S. Florida eastern A.M. sun to contend with. I know it's not too pretty, but I'm considering using the ODL built-in enclosed blinds which you can add after-market o such doors. Would probably still want to soften with some kind of valance or curtain. Perhaps we should look for advice on decorating forum as well?

Here a link to them on Home Depot's website:
http://reviews.homedepot.com/1999/100086786/reviews.htm

We had a drape made that is on a large rod with rings so it can move back and forth real easy. It also has a plastic rod so you don't have to touch the drape but does not show because it is on the outside and somewhat hidden. (hope that made sense) We had it lined and made out of the same fabric as the valance above the sink.

Or FR has a 36" full window plus a 72" slider (9' of windows/doors). Right now, we have curtains we pull in front of them when we want privacy but fully open otherwise.

Previously, we had sheers on the door/windows like this. The pieces that draw the sheers together in the middle matched the curtains (rarely used with this setup):

It gives you some privacy but still lets in a lot of light without obstructing the view totally. For more privacy, all you have to do is remove the center piece and the sheers cover the entire viewing area.

Center piece could also be the same color as the sheers.

I wish I had actual pictures! I really like this look and am considering going back to it when we redo the FR sometime in the next year.

Idrive,

WE have the same thing- old verticals got donated to Value Village- and I have nothing in their place. New window is so much better than old single paned than we don't need coverings.

But, I did see something in the Sear's catalogue that would be neat if you absolutely HAVE to put something up-

They're called Panel-track verticals, and if I was to use them- I'd make them wide enough to stack up off the sliders when not in use.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sears panel-track verticals

This is a very good question, and a real problem that I've been having. I now have a 6'slider in my DR and a 10' slider right next to it in my LR. I need some kind a blind/shade in order to keep the heat from the sun out for the A/C in the summer. I currently have vertical blinds.

After much thought and research, I've decided to put up verticals again. This time I'll be getting the Levolor verticals in a cabin pattern. It sort of looks like wood with a soft two tone. I'm hoping it will make it less contempory looking. We'll see.

Good luck in your quest.

Barb

You can put plantation shutters on a french door.

We have french doors and opted for panel curtains. They mostly hang to the side, but we can close them when we need more privacy.

We also have window tint on our windows to keep out some of the heat and prevent sun damage. It is also "security film" so that the window doesn't shatter if broken. My husband took a baseball bat to it and broke the bat but not the window. Ours is by 3M.

We replaced our sliding door with french doors and are very happy we did. We always had some issues with our slider before the remodel.

We went with 3/8" celluar translucent vertical shades which works perfectly.

Here is a picture:

I'm going to use a patio drape on my kitchen slider. When I planned the kitchen I allowed extra space to the left of the slider for "stack back".

Vertiglide by Hunter Douglas is a great solution for a doorwall. I just wish it was cheaper.

For those of you with French doors, how do let the breeze in without letting the bugs in???