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.
How to Hang Curtains On French Doors: Tips and Considerations
Refer to these do’s and don’t when choosing curtains for your French doors:
DO use full-length curtains over your French doors. For maximum coverage, you want to make sure your curtains extend to the floor.
DON’T skimp on curtain width. Make sure your curtains completely cover the doors when they’re closed. The fullness you choose depends on the look you want to achieve.
Here’s how to determine curtain size for French doors:
- Standard curtain fullness: two times the window width
- Deluxe curtain fullness: two and a half times the window width
- Maximum curtain fullness: three times the window width
Never hang curtains that are exactly as wide as your window (like a 45-inch window with a 45-inch curtain). Window coverage will be incomplete, and pulling the curtains closed creates a severe, unfinished appearance.
DO consider choosing grommet or tab top curtains for smooth operation since you’ll likely be opening and closing the curtains often.
DON’T make your curtain rod too short. Make sure your curtain rods are long enough to keep curtains out of the way of your doors.
Read: How to Measure for Curtain Rods
Take note of how many French doors you have and how close they are to each other, so you can determine the curtain rod length and curtain panel width you need.
These types of French doors are the most common:
A single or double standalone French door
Be sure to install curtain rods and curtains that fully cover each door (see width guidelines above).
A set of double French doors close together
For multiple French doors close together, install a curtain rod that extends the full width of all doors.
Curtains will be pulled to the side and must be wide enough to cover all windows when closed.
You’ll also need an extra long curtain rod. When using long curtain rods, be sure to add center curtain rod support brackets for additional reinforcement.
Two or more French doors separated by a wall
Treat each French door as a separate window. Install curtain rods and curtains that cover each door individually and function independently.
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.
Luckily, there’s a better way to hang curtains using Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod brackets. The brackets align to the trim of your French door, with no measuring required.
See Kwik-Hang in action and learn more about the patented technology.
4 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
Use holdbacks or tie backs to keep curtains neatly (and stylishly) in place while displaying the beauty of your French doors.
2. French doors with shades and curtains
Combine shades and curtains for a bold, beautiful statement. You can use shades to block light while keeping the curtains open for a decorative touch.
3. French doors with curtains and sheers
Add an elegant touch to a bedroom or living room by layering curtains and sheers. Closed sheers provide some privacy while still letting light come through.
Pro-tip: Layer curtains easily with Kwik-Hang’s double curtain rod brackets.
4. French doors with sheers in between
For sets of double French doors, this look is a winner! Create a light and breezy look by adding single sheers in between each door.
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!
