How to Hang Curtains on French Doors With Ease
French doors are a sought-after feature for home dwellers. Although these statement doors are beautiful, they’re also notoriously hard to style.
If you’re looking to dress up your French doors, curtains are a perfect choice. Curtains add an extra dash of style and privacy control.
Today, we’ll show you how to hang curtains on French doors for a look that’s sure to wow.
What Are French Doors?
First, a little background on French doors and their purpose.
A French door is a single door or pair of doors made primarily of solid glass or glass panes. These doors bring light in, so they’re energy-efficient and functional. And when installed and insulated correctly, French doors also protect against heat and cold just as well as solid doors.
Should You Hang Curtains On French Doors?
Many people love French doors for their wide-open look and invitation to the outdoors. However, French doors don’t offer much privacy. We strongly recommend hanging curtains on French doors, so you have the option of displaying the doors or shielding the panes from public view.
There are some considerations when it comes to hanging curtains on French doors, but overall it’s a great way to ensure privacy and additional light control.
Read more: 5 Easy Ways to Hang Curtains Without Drilling
How to Hang Curtains On French Doors: Tips and Considerations
When choosing curtains for French doors, the right style, size, and hardware can make a big difference. Follow these do’s and don’ts to get a polished, functional look:
DO use full-length curtains that extend all the way to the floor for a clean, elegant look and full coverage.
DO consider grommet or tab top curtains for smooth, easy operation—ideal if you’ll be opening and closing them frequently.
DON’T use curtain rods that are too short. Your rods should be long enough to keep curtains clear of the door when open.
DON’T skimp on curtain width. Curtains should fully cover the doors when closed. Use the following fullness guidelines based on your desired aesthetic:
- Standard fullness: 2x the width of the window
- Deluxe fullness: 2.5x the width of the window
- Maximum fullness: 3x the width of the window
DON’T hang curtains that match the exact width of your French doors (e.g., 45" curtains for a 45" window). This leaves gaps and results in a tight, unfinished appearance when closed.
Tip: How to Measure for Curtain Rods
Determine how many French doors you have and how they’re positioned to choose the correct rod length and curtain panel size. Here’s how to approach different setups:
1. Single or Double Standalone French Doors
Install a curtain rod wide enough to fully cover each door when closed. Follow the fullness rules above to select appropriately sized curtain panels.
2. Double French Doors Close Together
Use a single curtain rod that spans the full width of both doors.
- Choose curtain panels wide enough to cover both doors when closed.
- Be sure to install center support brackets for added stability if using an extra-long rod.
3. French Doors Separated by a Wall
Treat each door like its own window.
- Install individual curtain rods and panels on each door.
- This allows each curtain to function independently while maintaining visual consistency.
How to Measure Curtains for French Doors
Measuring and installing curtains over French doors isn’t much different than hanging them over regular windows.
For tips on how to measure curtains for French doors with precision and accuracy, check out: How to Measure for Curtains the Right Way.
We know that hanging curtains the traditional way can be unnecessarily stressful and time-consuming. The task often requires multiple people and countless do-overs to hang curtains that are stable and neatly aligned.
The good news? There’s a faster, frustration-free way to hang your French door curtains. Kwik-Hang curtain rod brackets install in seconds—just tap them into the top of your door trim. No measuring, no drilling, no wall damage. They keep your curtain rods perfectly aligned and securely in place, so you can skip the tools and get straight to styling.
6 French Door Curtain Ideas
Need some style ideas on how to hang curtains on your French doors? Here’s some inspiration using a variety of techniques.
1. French Doors With Curtain Tiebacks
Keep things neat and polished with curtain tiebacks or holdbacks. They’re a simple way to frame your French doors and let in plenty of light—while adding a touch of charm.
2. French Doors With Shades and Curtains
Double up on function and style by pairing curtains with shades. Use the shades for light control and privacy, while keeping the curtains open for a layered, decorative look.
3. French Doors With Curtains and Sheers
Create an airy, elegant vibe by layering sheer panels behind heavier curtains. Sheers offer light filtering and soft privacy—perfect for bedrooms or cozy living spaces.
Use Kwik-Hang’s double curtain rod brackets to layer effortlessly without extra hardware or hassle.
4. French Doors With Sheers in Between
Got a set of double French doors? Add a single sheer panel between the doors for a breezy, romantic look that still allows light to flow through. This minimalist approach works especially well in bright, open rooms.
5. French Doors With Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains
For a dramatic, room-heightening effect, install curtains just below the ceiling and let them fall to the floor. This creates a luxe, custom look that makes your French doors—and the whole space—feel grander.
6. French Doors With Café Curtains
If full-length panels aren’t your style, consider café curtains mounted halfway up the glass with a tension rod. These provide light privacy while keeping things casual and charming—great for kitchens or breakfast nooks.
Read more: Curtain Style Guide: 15 Types of Curtains for Your Home
How to Hang Curtains on French Doors Without Drilling Holes
To hang curtains on French doors without causing any damage, try Kwik-Hang’s no-drill curtain rod brackets and holdbacks.
Kwik-Hang has revolutionized the curtain-hanging process by turning a time-consuming hassle into a simple installation process. Just position the brackets to your French door trim, tap into place and that’s it — it doesn’t damage walls or require drilling or measuring.
Kwik-Hang is affordable, reliable and makes it easy to hang curtains over French doors without the use of drills, nails or screws. Try Kwik-Hang today!
