While sliding glass doors may be practical, many homeowners find that they are often less desirable because they can be an eyesore. Finding the right type of window treatment can enhance the entire room.

Choosing a style of window treatment for your sliding glass door should match the functionality and usage of the door. If it's used regularly then you want to make sure the window treatment doesn't become a difficult barrier to accessing the door. Also, consider the amount of light you want. Sliding glass doors can be wonderful picture frames to the outside world, but if the view isn't spectacular then maybe you'll opt to decoratively minimize it.

Standard treatment such as vertical blinds and draperies are giving way to modern, clean window treatment styles. Depending on your home decor, such things as Japanese wood and rice paper screens, called shoji, can conceal the humdrum look of a sliding glass door while adding flavor to the room. The sliding glass door kits, however, are typically not meant to withstand the outdoor environment. So, some homeowners will place the shoji door on the inside of their sliding glass door effectively, creating two doors and allowing the shoji to be seen from both sides. This can be a little cumbersome. The shoji sliding door works excellent when placed as a separation between interior rooms then no other secondary door is needed. Have a look at the kits at orientalfurniture.com

Another option, if you want a similar look to the rice paper screens, is to use a stained glass kit or wallpaper for windows. The wallpaper is easy to install and can change the look of a room as well as hide any unsightly view.

Plantation shutters are a classic, timeless, clean look for sliding glass doors. If you have limited space you may want to go with shutters that slide behind each other (bi-pass or sliding system) to access the opening of the sliding glass door as opposed to shutters that fold against each other as in a bi-fold system. Keep in mind that with the bi-pass system the louvers typically have to be closed before the shutters can be slide over each other. So light and the outside view is limited when the shutters slide over each other to be able to access the door. See examples at shutterclassic.com.

Motorized vertical blinds or soft shades are still another option that provides privacy without a closed-in feeling that can come from using heavy drapery. If the door handle protrudes, an outside mount as opposed to an inside mount is frequently used. One-way pleated drapery is also starting to make a bit of a comeback. Woven wood shades bring a unique style to sliding glass doors. Have a look at smithandnoble.com.

Swags, valances, and sheers complemented by a decorative rod add a touch of style without overwhelming a room.

Ultimately, sliding glass door window treatments can enhance the look and feel of a room. It's important to choose the treatment carefully as sliding glass doors are large openings. Using cumbersome decor that makes accessing the door difficult will only lead to greater frustration, even if the decor looks stylish and chic.

Published: May 29, 2006

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Phoebe is a writer, speaker, and author. She is the Director of Business Development for Quality Service Certification and a trainer in customer service for the real estate industry. She is a Realtor with The Guiltinan Group, a division of Prudential California Realty. Her articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, and Rancho Santa Fe Review in San Diego. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT!: 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at 858.259.3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.