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[CAMOGIRL]

Hmmm, do not have sliding  glass door - but, I think I would use a nice round rod with some size to it with some nice decorative finials - and I would put the curtains on the side that does not open, so you could push them back to the side and the window - leaving it up to you how much direct light you want in at any given time. I do not think a valance is necessary with a real pretty heavy looking rod. Oh, and you could also, if you did not want to actually use the  rod pocket shrirred onto the pole - then use those rings with the attached clips. That is also a pretty look. Just remember when using them, it adds a bit more to the length of the panel. Happy drape decorating! 

[Tyak]

I have plantation shutters on every window except some small ones that are 9 ft off the floor and on those I have nothing except sunscreens on the exterior.   Got my plantation shutters a year after we moved into this house, the previous owners had blinds and I hated them.  After 15 years, the shutters look as good as the day they were installed.  Mine are polywood and have a wood grain look to them.  Living in the desert SW,  they're exposed to daily hot sun and often temps of 115* during the summer months  Expensive yes but, they'll  be here after I'm gone.

[stevieb]

Use what you like and what works for you without worrying about what might or might not be passe... For years, wallpaper was considered passe and now it's making a comeback... Likewise, so many other fashions for both us and our homes... 

Personally, I like plantation shutters but I use blinds with both curtains and valences, as well as on their own... Some sort of fabric softens the look of blinds, shades or shutters, though I'd be less inclined to use curtains with shutters.

[AuntG]

While I don't have a flair for decorating, I like wooden blinds.  I like verticals from a practical standpoint but apparently they are out of style.