French doors are a stunning architectural feature, bringing light and elegance into any room. But while they’re beautiful, they also present a unique challenge: how to balance that lovely natural light with privacy and style. That’s where wooden venetian blinds for French doors come in, offering the perfect blend of classic aesthetics, precise light control, and much-needed privacy.
While true wooden venetian blinds are a classic, many homeowners opt for faux wood alternatives for French doors. Why? Because faux wood offers the same timeless appeal but with enhanced durability and moisture resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to humidity. We’ve rounded up some of the best options that either mimic the charm of wood or offer similar functionality and style for your beloved French doors. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Wooden (or Faux Wood) Venetian Blinds for French Doors?
When it comes to French door window treatments, you need something that looks great, performs well, and stands up to daily use. Here’s why wooden or faux wood venetian blinds are a fantastic choice:
- Timeless Style: They add a touch of classic elegance that complements a wide range of interior designs, from traditional to modern.
- Precision Light Control: Unlike curtains that only open or close, venetian blinds allow you to tilt the slats, giving you complete command over the amount of light entering your room. This means you can brighten a space without sacrificing all your privacy.
- Enhanced Privacy: When fully closed, these blinds offer excellent privacy, blocking unwanted views from outside.
- Durability: Faux wood blinds, in particular, are incredibly resilient. They resist warping, cracking, and fading, making them perfect for doors that might experience temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight.
- Energy Efficiency: Their insulating properties can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, potentially reducing your energy bills.
- Easy Maintenance: A simple wipe-down is usually all it takes to keep them looking fresh and clean.
Top 5 Wooden Venetian Blinds (and Alternatives) for French Doors Reviewed
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best blinds and door window coverings that will transform your French doors.
ARLO BLINDS Faux Wood Blinds with Crown Valance
These ARLO BLINDS offer the sophisticated look of wood without the maintenance, making them an excellent choice for any door, especially French doors. What truly makes them stand out is the stylish 3-1/4 inch crown valance, which beautifully conceals the headrail and hardware, giving your windows a trim, polished finish. Plus, their cordless design is a huge win for homes with kids and pets, offering both safety and ease of use.
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Key Features:
- Stylish 3-1/4 inch crown valance with side-covers for a polished look.
- Durable 2-inch faux wood slats made of PVC, resistant to moisture, warping, and staining.
- Cordless lift design, certified “Best for Kids!” for enhanced safety.
- Easy wand tilt control for privacy and light management.
- Includes hold-down brackets for doors to prevent movement.
- Simple installation with all necessary hardware included.
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Pros:
- Excellent durability and moisture resistance.
- Child and pet-safe cordless operation.
- Elegant crown valance adds a high-end finish.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Specific hold-down brackets included for door applications.
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Cons:
- Faux wood (not natural wood, if that’s a preference).
- Requires careful measuring for inside mounts to ensure a perfect fit.
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User Impressions: Customers love the premium look these blinds give their rooms, often commenting on how the valance makes them appear custom-made. The cordless feature is frequently praised for convenience and safety, and many users appreciate their sturdiness and ease of cleaning.
- See it on Amazon here
CALYX INTERIORS Faux Wood Blinds with Classic Valance
Calyx Interiors brings a touch of classic sophistication to your French doors with these faux wood blinds. Their main selling point is the combination of robust construction and a strong emphasis on safety. These blinds are “WCMA ‘Best for Kids’ certified,” ensuring peace of mind for families, while the durable PVC slats promise long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance. The 2 1/2″ Classic Valance adds a clean, timeless finish that complements any décor.
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Key Features:
- Durable 2-inch faux wood slats made of high-quality PVC.
- WCMA ‘Best for Kids’ certified for child and pet safety.
- Cordless lift and wand tilt system for easy operation and light control.
- Classic 2 1/2″ valance for a neat, finished appearance.
- Resistant to warping and easy to clean.
- All necessary hardware for inside or outside mounting included.
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Pros:
- Certified safe for homes with children and pets.
- High-quality, durable construction.
- Cordless design enhances aesthetics and functionality.
- Easy to install with included hardware.
- Simple to maintain and keep clean.
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Cons:
- Very precise inside mount measuring instructions, which may require extra care.
- Like other faux wood, not actual timber.
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User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the sturdy quality and the smooth cordless operation. The “Best for Kids” certification is a significant draw for parents, who also appreciate how easy these blinds are to install and keep looking good.
- See it on Amazon here
Muamar French Door Curtains Privacy Door Blind
While not traditional slat-based blinds, the Muamar French Door Curtains offer a unique “blinds-style” look with the softness and privacy of fabric. These aren’t wooden venetian blinds for French doors, but they provide an elegant alternative, especially for those seeking high-level privacy and ease of installation. Made from luxurious velvet, they feel incredibly soft and provide substantial room darkening, all while attaching effortlessly with a simple adhesive strip (Velcro).
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Key Features:
- Elegant “blinds style” appearance, providing a high-end, tailored look.
- Made from 100% polyester velvet fabric: silky, soft, and wrinkle-resistant.
- Excellent blackout capability (80%~95%, darker colors work better).
- Superb tailoring ensures a neat hang without wrinkles or tilting.
- Extremely easy installation with included adhesive strips (Velcro) – no tools needed.
- Machine washable for easy care.
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Pros:
- Soft, luxurious velvet material.
- Very high level of privacy and light blocking.
- Incredibly easy, tool-free installation.
- Elegant, tailored look.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
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Cons:
- Not true venetian blinds (no adjustable slats).
- Fabric material, not wood or faux wood.
- Comes as a single panel, so two may be needed for a pair of French doors.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the softness of the velvet and how effectively these curtains block light and provide privacy. The simple velcro installation is a consistent favorite, making them a popular choice for quick and easy door window solutions.
- See it on Amazon here
Faux Wood Blinds 2 Inch Cordless, Mini Faux Wood Blinds
These faux wood blinds are all about practical elegance and energy efficiency. Designed to deliver unbeatable sun protection and privacy, they stand out for their innovative energy-saving design, which helps regulate indoor temperatures year-round. Beyond their functional benefits, their cordless operation and custom-tailored fit options make them a versatile and appealing choice for any space, including your French doors.
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Key Features:
- 2-inch wide faux wood slats providing excellent light block and privacy.
- Energy-efficient design helps insulate rooms, reducing heating/cooling costs.
- Versatile and moisture-resistant, suitable for various environments (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.).
- Smooth cordless lift system for effortless operation.
- Wand tilt control for easy light and privacy adjustment.
- Available in custom sizes (15–75” W × 25–100” H) for a perfect fit.
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Pros:
- Significant energy savings potential.
- Highly durable and resistant to moisture and fading.
- Cordless design for safety and a clean look.
- Custom sizing ensures a professional, tailored fit.
- Easy to clean and low maintenance.
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Cons:
- Faux wood, not natural wood.
- While versatile, ensure specific measurement for French doors for best fit.
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User Impressions: Users are particularly impressed with the energy efficiency, noting a noticeable difference in room temperature. The cordless feature is highly praised for its smooth operation and safety, and many appreciate the option for custom sizing, leading to a truly seamless integration into their homes.
- See it on Amazon here
HOMEIDEAS Cream Blackout French Door Curtain, Privacy Door
Like the Muamar curtains, the HOMEIDEAS French Door Curtains offer a soft, elegant solution that serves a similar purpose to wooden venetian blinds for French doors – privacy and light control – but in a fabric format. Their primary appeal lies in their exceptional blackout capability and unbelievably simple installation. Made from a thick, high-quality polyester fabric, these curtains are soft, luxurious, and block an impressive amount of light, all without the need for tools or curtain rods thanks to their adhesive strip hanging system.
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Key Features:
- Made from high-quality 230GSM polyester fabric, silky, soft, and wrinkle-resistant.
- Innovative triple weaving technology provides 85%-95% blackout ability.
- Extremely easy hanging with included adhesive strip – no tools or rods required.
- Protects furniture and rugs from UV rays.
- Available in multiple colors and sizes to match any decor.
- Easy to care for: machine washable and tumble dry low.
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Pros:
- Superior blackout and privacy capabilities.
- Remarkably easy, tool-free installation.
- Soft, durable, and chemical-smell-free fabric.
- Wide range of colors and sizes for versatile application.
- Simple to clean and maintain.
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Cons:
- These are curtains, not traditional slat blinds.
- Fabric material, not wood or faux wood.
- Comes as a single panel, so two may be needed for a standard pair of French doors.
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User Impressions: Customers consistently highlight the ease of installation and the impressive blackout performance. The soft feel of the fabric and the variety of colors are also frequently mentioned as positives, making these a popular choice for enhancing privacy and style.
- See it on Amazon here
Buying Guide: What to Consider for Your French Door Blinds
Choosing the right wooden venetian blinds for French doors (or faux wood alternatives) involves a few key considerations to ensure you get the perfect fit and function:
- Material: Decide between real wood for natural warmth and faux wood for durability, moisture resistance, and easier maintenance. Faux wood is often favored for French doors due to higher traffic and potential exposure to humidity.
- Measurement Accuracy: This is crucial! French doors often have limited space around the glass. Measure carefully for either an inside mount (within the window frame) or an outside mount (on the trim or wall outside the frame). Pay attention to any deductions made by manufacturers.
- Cordless Operation: For French doors, cordless blinds are highly recommended. They eliminate dangling cords, making them safer for children and pets, and provide a cleaner, uncluttered look that won’t interfere with door operation.
- Hold-Down Brackets: If you’re going with traditional blinds, look for options that include hold-down brackets. These attach the bottom of the blind to the door, preventing it from swinging when the door is opened or closed.
- Light Control & Privacy Needs: Consider how much light you want to block and how much privacy you need. Venetian blinds are great for versatility, while blackout curtains (like some reviewed) offer maximum darkness.
- Installation: Evaluate if you prefer a DIY-friendly option (like the adhesive strip curtains) or are comfortable with standard blind installation involving drills and screws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can you put blinds directly on French doors?
A1: Absolutely! Many blinds are specifically designed for French doors. The best options are typically inside-mounted to avoid interfering with the door handles and feature hold-down brackets to keep them from swinging.
Q2: Are faux wood blinds good for French doors?
A2: Yes, faux wood blinds are an excellent choice for French doors. They offer the classic aesthetic of real wood but are much more durable, resistant to warping, moisture, and UV damage, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or doors exposed to sunlight.
Q3: How do you keep blinds from swinging on French doors?
A3: The most effective way is to use hold-down brackets. These small brackets attach to the bottom of the door and secure the bottom rail of the blind, keeping it firmly in place even when the door swings open or closed. Inside mounts also help minimize movement.
Q4: What type of blinds are best for French doors?
A4: Cordless venetian blinds (especially faux wood) are often considered the best. They offer precise light control, privacy, safety, and durability. Roller blinds or cellular shades can also be good options, especially if mounted inside the frame.
Q5: How do I measure for French door blinds?
A5: For an inside mount (most common for French doors), measure the exact width and height of the window glass opening. For an outside mount, measure the width and height of the area you want the blind to cover, usually extending slightly beyond the window trim. Always check the manufacturer’s specific measuring instructions.
Q6: Do French door blinds block out all light?
A6: Most venetian blinds, even when fully closed, will allow a small amount of light to filter through the slat gaps. If complete blackout is essential, consider products specifically designed for blackout (like some of the fabric curtains reviewed) or pair your blinds with blackout liners or curtains.
Q7: Are cordless blinds safe for homes with children and pets?
A7: Yes! Cordless blinds are significantly safer for homes with children and pets compared to corded options. Many are certified “Best for Kids,” meaning they meet stringent safety standards to prevent entanglement hazards.
Q8: How do I clean wooden or faux wood venetian blinds?
A8: Cleaning is quite simple. For light dust, use a feather duster or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. For deeper cleaning, wipe the slats with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, then dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wooden venetian blinds for French doors (or their fantastic faux wood and fabric alternatives) can significantly enhance your home’s style, privacy, and light control. Whether you prioritize the timeless look of wood, the durability of faux wood, or the soft blackout capabilities of a modern door curtain, there’s a perfect solution out there for your French doors. Consider your specific needs for light, privacy, safety, and maintenance, and you’ll be sure to find a choice that perfectly complements your space.