02-23-2020 08:20 PM
I am not handy. I have a french door which opens out onto an enclosed back porch area. I am thinking I would like a covering such as a roman shade or something like that to hang onto the glass part of the door. My dilemma is not picking out a shade, but how on earth do you hang it? I'm not thrilled w/having to drill holes (I have no drill) or put up nails (fear of messing up). I assume the door is wood or perhaps it is aluminum, but a magnet will not stick to the frame so I know its not a metal door.
Anyone with expertise in this area out there? I've been online and I've seen a lot of different coverings - from curtains to shades to blinds - and I think I would like a bamboo shade or similar to put up so I can adjust it - open during the day - and pull it down at night.
Is this something I should attempt or have a professional do it? I do have basic tools - hammers, screw-drivers, etc... but nothing electric. Thanks.
02-23-2020 08:29 PM
02-23-2020 09:02 PM
Simple and more lightweight blinds like your Roman shades often have a small, steel triangle shape hook on each end of the blind. You can attach them to a wood door with something like an Ook hook and simple nails.
If you're going for traditional blinds with what's called a header and your door is steel you need a drill as they require brackets and likely a professional or at least a local handyman. Browse HD or Lowe's and ask if it's a DIY or get help.
I've created many a disaster on my way to success. But when you succeed, boy do you ever feel BOSS! 😉
02-23-2020 11:27 PM
@jellyBEAN You could also hang a tie tab curtain panel by using those adhesive contact hooks. They are removable without causing damage, so if you need a temporary fix I would try that option.
You can purchase at Target, Lowes, and they are called "command large sized forever classic metal hook" to attach to the glass or door.
I use them to attach wreaths to mirrors, and also attaching garland to a tile fireplace. They don't cause any damage and are strong.
02-24-2020 09:54 AM - edited 02-24-2020 10:05 AM
@jellyBEAN I have an idea that could possibly work. It all depends on why you want the covering:
1. For privacy
2. To block the light
If privacy and a level of light filtering is what you seek then I can highly recommend:
Gila Brand 36 inch wide by 78 inch high privacy control frosted tile window film.
That's the exact product name.
Here's a picture of what it looks like on a door

I bought this exact window film from Menards in the fall for two skinnier windows in my family room that face my neighbor's side door.
The roll runs 35-40 dollars and I also bought the GILA application kit.

If you watch sales or check prices around you could get the solution to your concern for $50 and under.
It is not sticky like contact paper and is very easy to put up yourself. There are even videos online that walk you through it.
There are a variety of patterns by the GILA brand (no I don't work for them).
They even have one that looks like a faux shade

02-24-2020 10:03 AM
I have a few doors that I have window coverings on. I do not want to drill holes in the metal, so I use epoxy glue. You have to mix two different formulas (sold together) and the outcome is wonderful.
My hardware stays put and has never come down or loosened.
02-24-2020 11:00 AM
@jellyBEAN I googled 'covering for a single French Door' and there were quite a few options/designs and such......might take a look 😊
02-24-2020 11:03 AM
@Bird mama I love all of those privacy window coverings!! So many designs on Amazon to pick from...and they can be moved later too....
02-24-2020 11:57 AM
@cbrite They've come a long way with privacy film over the years. I think about the privacy film on the lower bathroom window upstairs and it's probably contact paper
It was what was available and standard at the time.
I don't like the thought of putting holes in a metal door so I completely understand where Jellybean is coming from.
My front door is steel and I love that thing because the fit is absolutely perfect. The downside of the door (it was here when I bought the house) is that the glass in it has a window with diagonal muntins. I think that's what they are called.

This was back in the day when the muntin design was on the outside of either side of the glass. It's hard to paint them and they end up looking like cr*p given enough time.
The inside of the door has a curtain that is threaded through a top and bottom rod. This means that there are 4 brackets with coordinating holes on my inside of the door.
I don't want to get rid of that door - it's a non standard size. I can replace the window and will likely go with one that has blinds bedtween the glass like this
![]()
It's not too hard to do it myself. What I find more annoying is that I will have to patch the tiny holes left from the curtain rod hardware. I guess that I will be learning how to use Bondo ![]()
02-24-2020 12:18 PM
@Bird mama When I had a French door in a previous house, I used the method you show with a rod at the top and one at the bottom and a semi-sheer curtain stretched between them.