I put panels to either side of my bedroom sliding door. We very seldom open the door as well; however, we did extend the rod about 15" to either side so that the panels stacked back to either side of trim so on those rare occasions when we do want to access the sliding door, the panels were not in front. The suggestion of a tie back is a good one if you do require more frequent access since I noticed if there is any wind, then the drapes will blow out the open sliding door and I have to be mindful of that when I close it. All and all, though, I much prefer the more balanced, symmetrical look of two panels; whether formal or informal.

To answer the person asking why I need them for privacy. I need them because I live on a saltwater canal where over 4-5 neighbors can be looking in at night, and also in my neighborhood many people walk by my house at night with their dogs etc. I don't want people looking right into my master bedroom. My decor is contemporary so I want a clean look, thats why I'm not a huge fan of an outside mounted rod with drapes. The plantation shutters are interesting but won't go with my decor and are very expensive. Shoji screen isn't an option for me. My main goal is to have as much convenience as possible. I want to be able to see out perfectly during the day and basically have complete privacy at night, while having a clean look, and easy functionality to use the sliding glass doors. I was going to get roller shades, but that means at night when I have them down, I will need to roll them up just to be able to use the sliding glass door. However that still may be an option. Seems like cellular roller shades and or the vertiglide may be the best choice here for me, unless there are other suggestions. I have heard of sleek panels that provide night privacy on a track that you can move to the side that look contemporary, I just don't know where to find them.

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 don't see privacy or sun exposure as an issue judging by the photos so why not just leave them bare? I think the windows look great as is. Such a nice open feeling. Otherwise there is no reason a rod can't extend the full length of the glass for curtains, even with the sliders. We have them across our sliders and our French Doors and not a problem.