I took a look at the Bali. I like these too because they aren't as narrow as the traditional vertical blind. I think I'll check these out also. Plus the pricing seems pretty good as well. As for etching/sandblasting - I want to be able to see my garden/outdoors clearly when the treatments are open - not hide it. Part of my design of the room is that when you enter the front door of the home you can see directly through to the kitchen, into the backyard and see the small garden outside. It would be a shame to block that view in any small way. But it is an interesting way to handle things in some other home I bet. And as for the JeldWin door - this is a brand new patio door just purchased - the kitchen was a gut rehab and no sliding door existed prior. I considered that brand/style but I had also bought all new windows for the house and wanted the patio door to match the rest of them from the exterior. It sure would have been the perfect solution.

I have verticals and they are extremely practical. The only downside is when closed, they present usually a bland wall of color. What I love about them is when they are open they take up so little wall space. Mine are mostly open when I am awake and closed during the night when I can't see them anyway. What makes them most dated I think is the mounting hardware--the track and what covers it. Lots of ways to update that. Verticals are so easy to deal with and update with new blinds if some get damaged or you want a new color. That said, I'm thinking about covering my dining room sliders with roll up bamboo blinds. They also get out of the way easily, they roll UP instead of next to the doors so take up space in a different location. The only reason I'm ditching my verticals in the dining room is we eat in there in the winter and entertain and at night we like the slider windows covered over. The windows are a big black hole on one whole wall otherwise. With the verticals closed they are a big wall of blah blue which is the color of my current blinds. So am looking for something that looks nice when closed. Really updated patterns for verticals nowdays are hard to come by. I looked. My dining room is small so the sliders take up almost one whole side of the room.

I would definitely use curtains. They can be kept completely out of the way when using the door, they come in many fabrics and prices, and they can be washable. You could use grommet top panels on a decorative rod. They are very kid and pet friendly. In addition....I abhor roller shades...:)

If you're still looking for options on your patio I'd suggest an Averte (woven drapery). It has a lot of texture, is available in multiple color options, you can add a liner for additional privacy and has a tighter stack so it doesn't take up as much room. Call your local Budget Blinds for additional information.