Finding The Best Curtains For Entry Doors
Last Update: April 2025
Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. We make custom curtains for all homes. I've helped people find perfect curtains for over 10 years now. Entry door curtains can make your home look better. They also add privacy and control light.
Let's explore some of the best kinds of curtains for dressing up your doorway.
Key Takeaways
| Main Section | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Why Your Entry Door Needs Curtains | Entry door curtains serve multiple purposes beyond decoration - they provide privacy, control light, and improve energy efficiency. Choose curtains based on your specific needs (privacy, light control, style) to enhance both function and appearance of your entryway. |
| Sheer Curtains | Sheer curtains offer a perfect balance of light filtration and minimal privacy for doors not facing busy areas. These budget-friendly options (starting at $26.99) allow natural light to brighten your entryway while adding a soft, elegant touch. |
| Lined Curtains | Lined curtains provide better privacy, improved durability, and enhanced light control compared to single-layer options. Invest in lined curtains for doors with direct sunlight exposure to protect your flooring and furniture from fading. |
| Blackout Curtains | Blackout curtains block 99% of light and provide complete privacy while also reducing energy costs and outside noise. Use these multi-functional curtains for entry doors facing busy streets or receiving intense direct sunlight to maximize home comfort and security. |
| Café Curtains | Café curtains cover only the bottom half of doors, providing privacy where needed while allowing light through the top. This style works perfectly for doors with high windows when you want a balance between openness and privacy. |
| Tiered Curtains | Tiered curtains add visual interest with their layered design, perfect for making tall doors look more proportional. Mix colors or patterns between tiers to create a custom look that enhances your entryway's style. |
| How To Measure For Curtains | Accurate measurements determine whether your curtains look professional or awkward - add 4-6 inches to width for proper fullness and 2 inches to height if floor-length is desired. Measure the door frame rather than just the glass panels to ensure complete coverage for privacy and light control. |
| Choosing Based On Privacy Needs | Match your curtain opacity to your specific privacy requirements based on door location and neighborhood visibility. Doors facing public areas need heavier fabrics or blackout options, while backyard-facing doors can use lighter materials. |
| Light Control Considerations | Identify when and from which direction sunlight hits your door to choose appropriate light-filtering options. East-facing doors need morning sun protection, west-facing need afternoon coverage - choose your fabric density accordingly. |
| Matching Your Home's Style | Select curtains that complement your existing décor style - modern homes pair best with solid colors, while traditional homes benefit from classic patterns. Consider your door's color and surrounding walls when selecting curtain shades for a cohesive look. |
| Seasonal Curtain Tips | Switch to lighter, breathable fabrics in summer to reflect heat while allowing airflow. In winter, install thermal curtains to block drafts and keep warm air inside, reducing heating costs. |
| Hanging Your Curtains | Select the right hardware based on your door type - tension rods for inside frames, mounted rods for above doors, and magnetic options for metal doors. Ensure level installation by measuring carefully and using appropriate anchors for your wall type. |
| Why Choose Dolcewe | Dolcewe offers custom-sized door curtains in over 100 fabric choices starting at just $26.99 with free shipping on larger orders. Our 10+ years of experience ensures quality craftsmanship and perfect fit for any entry door size or style. |
Why Your Entry Door Needs Curtains
Your front door is the first thing guests see. Good curtains do more than look nice. They keep nosy people from looking in your home. They block sunlight when it gets too bright. They can even help save money on your energy bills.
When you pick curtains for your entry door, think about:
- How much privacy you need
- How much light you want to let in
- What colors match your home
- The right size for your door
Let me help you find the perfect curtains for your entry door!
Types of Entry Door Curtains
Sheer Curtains
These breezy window curtains are made from lightweight see-through fabrics like gauze or net.
These curtains work well if:
- You want some privacy but still want light
- Your door doesn't face a busy street
- You like a bright, open feeling
At Dolcewe, our sheer door panels start at $26.99. They come in many colors to match your home.
Lined Curtains
This type of curtains for doors has an extra layer of fabric sewn onto the back for extra coziness.
The lining can be made from all kinds of materials like felt, flannel, or blackout fabric.
Good stuff:
-
More privacy and light-blocking than sheer
-
Come in different lining materials to match your needs
-
Keep your home warmer in winter
Not-so-good stuff:
-
Can get real heavy and poofy
Would lined curtains work for your entry door? They're great for doors that get lots of sun!
Blackout Curtains
Do you want total privacy and light control? Blackout curtains are your best choice!
| Benefits of Blackout Curtains | How They Help You |
|---|---|
| Block 99% of light | Keep your home cool and protect furniture |
| Full privacy | No one can see inside, day or night |
| Energy saving | Keep heat in winter, cool air in summer |
| Noise reduction | Makes your entry quieter |
Our blackout door curtains at Dolcewe fit any size door. They're perfect for doors that face busy streets.
Our blackout room darkening curtains with grommet headers can be used as stylish sidelight curtains while effectively blocking light around entry doors.
At Dolcewe, we offer dozens of multi-layer french door curtains. So you have use them as sheer curtains during the day and use as blackout ones at night.
Café Curtains
Café curtains cover only the bottom half of your door. They let light in from the top. These are great for doors with windows up high.
They give you privacy where you need it most. The top stays open for light and to see who's there.
Not-so-good stuff:
-
Don't work on all door shapes
-
Might leave you a bit too exposed!
Tiered Curtains
Tiered curtains have two layers that hang one above the other. They look fancy and add style to your entry.
They work well for tall doors. You can mix colors or keep them the same. The choice is yours!
Not-so-good stuff:
-
Harder to hang up
-
More effort to style
Choosing the Perfect Entry Curtains: A 5-Step Guide
Finding entry curtains tailored to your exact needs and style doesn't have to be tricky. Just follow these steps:
Here are the updated step-by-step recommendations for selecting the right entry curtains.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional suggestions:
Step 1: Define the Door's Main Purpose
Identify which family members use the entry door and for what reasons most often. Do kids use it frequently? Adults entering from the garage? Formal dining guests? Understanding the demographics and use cases will inform functional needs.
Note the door's exposure to elements like sunlight, rainfall, cold winds. West-facing doors see hot evening light. North entries face cold blasts. Accounting for solar and temperature nuances ensures appropriate fabric choices.
Photograph the door from both interior and exterior angles. The photos will reveal architectural factors like overhang coverage, vision obstructions, aesthetic synergies for me to suggest tailored options.
Step 2: Decide on Light and Privacy Levels
Consider what rooms the entry door connects to and their lighting needs. For home office doors, blackout fabrics prevent outdoor light glare. Living room entryways often prioritize natural light diffusion.
Survey neighbors' sight lines into the door area. Nearby two-story houses may be able to peer directly in during bright afternoons or glowy evenings. Strategic privacy levels prevent unwanted eyes.
Install removable liner layers or dual curtain panels on doors needing seasonal light modulation. Summer heat benefits from blackout insulation. While wintertime craves every stray sunlight beam.
Step 3: Match Fabric to Decor
-
Take photos of your existing space - furniture, floors, artwork etc. This shows the color scheme and styles that new curtains should complement.
-
For traditional interior designs, consider classically patterned fabrics like floral or plaid. Or elegant solid colors like navy, gray green, or ivory.
-
For modern, minimalist rooms, stick to solid-colored linen-cotton blends in muted neutrals like cream, light gray or tan.
-
For a cozy cottage or farmhouse feel, try checks, stripes or small calico prints in reds, buffalo plaids and barnyard hues.
-
Send me your interior photos and I can recommend specific curtain color/pattern pairings.
Step 4: Take Precise Measurements
-
Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Measure width from each side's outermost point the curtains will span.
-
For height, measure from the top of the door trim down to where you want curtains to fall. Add at least 2 extra inches for optimal hanging clearance.
-
Take photos of measurements next to tape measure for easy reference.
Step 5: Install with Suitable Hardware
-
Sturdy curtain rods extending 6-12 inches past window frame edges provide optimal hanging stability, sweeping visual impact and stackback clearance when opened fully.
-
Clear acrylic mountings blend discreetly on doors with trim molding details to preserve architectural aesthetics. Or iron scaffolds with ornate shapes accent the entry's form for a striking amalgamation of metalwork and fabrics.
-
Match hardware finishes to existing fixtures like door handles, light frames and entryway vents. Uniform metals and color tones tie spaces together.
Seasonal Tips For Entry Door Curtains
Summer Door Curtain Tips
In summer, you want to keep hot air out. Light-colored curtains reflect heat better than dark ones.
You might want to switch to lighter curtains in summer. Or use blackout curtains to keep your home cool.
Does your entry get too hot in summer? The right curtains can help fix that!
Winter Door Curtain Ideas
Cold drafts can come through your door in winter. Thick curtains help block those drafts.
Thermal curtains have special linings that keep warm air in. They can help lower your heating bills too.
Can you feel cold air near your entry door? Thermal curtains might help!
How To Hang Your Entry Door Curtains
Picking The Right Hardware
Good rods keep your curtains hanging right. You have a few choices:
- Tension rods fit inside the door frame
- Mounted rods attach above the door
- Magnetic rods work on metal doors
At Dolcewe, we sell rods that match all our curtains. They come in five colors to match your home.
Simple Hanging Steps
Hanging curtains is easy! Just follow these steps:
- Mark where your rod will go
- Check that your marks are level
- Put up your brackets
- Slide curtains onto the rod
- Place rod on brackets
Need help? Just contact us.
How To Care For Your Entry Door Curtains
Clean curtains last longer. Most curtains need cleaning every 3-6 months.
Check the tag before washing. Many curtains can go in the washer on gentle cycle.
You can vacuum curtains between washings. Use the brush part on low power.
Have you cleaned your curtains lately? It makes them look fresh again!
Fixing Common Problems
Entry door curtains face some special problems. Here are some fixes:
| Problem | Simple Solution |
|---|---|
| Sun fading | Choose fade-proof fabrics |
| Drafts coming in | Use thicker curtains |
| Getting dirty fast | Pick darker colors |
| Small hanging space | Try tension rods |
Shop The Best Entry Curtains Online at Doclewe
After learning all about picking perfect entry curtains, discover thousands of affordably priced options custom-sized for your door at Doclewe.com.
Browse beautiful curtains available in:
-
Hundreds of on-trend fabrics and colors
-
Loads of stylish patterns and prints
-
Different opacities and liner choices
-
Various standard plus extended length sizes
Or provide your exact measurements for made-to-fit precision tailored to every unique entry.
Prices start at just $26.99 for custom sizes drapes. And currently enjoy free shipping on orders above $199.
Need help picking the perfect curtains? Contact us! I'm James, and my team can help you find great curtains.
Visit Dolcewe.com today to see all our entry door curtains. Your perfect curtains are just a click away!
