marti8a- We have 2 sets of aluminum clad, low e, argon filled sliders and a set of the same outward opening french doors, all by Eagle (now owned by Andersen, but independent when we purchased them 8 years ago). They all operate easily, close securely and have no air infiltration, we are in NNY and have wind, cold and snow and have never had a problem. While I like the look of french doors better, we chose sliders in two our of three locations because we wanted screens on the doors, we don't have or want A/C, so screens are on the doors are a must for us. The one french door we have will someday open onto a small sunroom/conservatory (hopefully), that's why we chose a set of french doors in that area. Eagle, as well as the other well known manufacturers, have lots of options on the interior; primed, painted, stained, different wood species, hardware options, etc. We rented a house with vinyl sliders when we were building and I would not recommend them at all, they didn't work well, ice built up in the channels and the cold air poured in seemingly from the entire opening. I strongly prefer the wood interior and aluminum clad exterior, but overall I would get the best ones you can afford, good doors and windows pay for themselves in the form of lower energy costs. Good luck- sandyponder

If you don't need the drapery panel to close all the way, you could use 2 short rods, one on either side, and hang the panels that way. Or, if you need the drapery to close all the way, you would need a an H-rail rod, pictured below.Hang the rod at the crown, with 2 "center" supports, one on either side of the arched window and the ends. The type of bracket shown allows the drapery panels to move freely with no obstructions.

I love using a decorative traverse rod and flanking the sides with drapes that can be drawn closed for privacy when needed..when open look gorgeous flanking the sides...remove blinds from the French doors and enjoy your view!

Hey There: Bottom-up Top-down blinds and shades in a light filtering fabric get you exactly what you need. The fabric allows for light coming in and the versatile function allows you to move the shade to any position of the door. It installs easy do the door panel and passes behind your door handle. Check us out at www.fenstermann.com or call/video chat with us at 619.665.9446