Vertical blinds were a big hit in the 1980s and 1990s. With their practical design and straight lines, they became a common choice for covering tall windows and sliding glass doors. However, according to renowned HGTV designer Nate Berkus, that trend is now outdated.
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If you’re looking for a modern and sophisticated way to cover sliding glass doors, Nate Berkus has a better solution: curtains with a layered look and elegant finish.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Berkus states that fabric vertical blinds are outdated. He recommends: “Consider installing curtains with a rod mounted close to the ceiling, using panels that frame the door if there’s space on the sides. If there isn’t, the curtain can be stacked to one side.”
How to Install Curtains to Enhance Glass Doors
According to Berkus, the key is the height of the rod. “Mount the rod as high as possible. This draws the eye upward and visually enlarges the space,” he explains in an Instagram post. He emphasizes that curtains mounted just above the window frame cut off the view and reduce the sense of openness. For those who want to add more depth and coziness to a room, he suggests layering curtains using a double rod with fabric layers — such as a main curtain and a layer of voile or sheer fabric.
Nate Berkus’ Favorite Curtains: Style, Drape, and Simplicity
When choosing the ideal curtain style, Berkus recommends inverted pleats or soft folds for a flowing drape. He also highlights that curtains should be full and preferably touch the floor, hovering lightly about 0.25 inches above it — creating a clean and sophisticated look. As for hardware, Berkus prefers discreet options like simple rings and thin rods. For those looking to save or personalize their decor, he suggests creating DIY curtain rods using alternative materials with creativity.
Light Curtains to Brighten Rooms with Dark Walls
In addition to offering more elegance than old vertical blinds, curtain panels can also transform the room’s lighting. In another Instagram post, Nate Berkus shares his preference for linen curtains in light tones — such as ivory or off-white — from floor to ceiling, especially when contrasted with dark walls. “What you notice is no longer the darkness of the room, but the contrast,” he says. He also recommends tones like bone and chalk as great options to soften dark spaces without losing sophistication.
With these tips from Nate Berkus, replacing vertical blinds with well-placed curtains can completely refresh your living room or bedroom with sliding glass doors — elevating the space with style, practicality, and brightness.
Source: House Digest. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
