Sliding Panels Can Do More Than Just Cover Windows
For sleek style, versatility, and modern charm, nothing beats panel blinds—also called vertical panel track blinds, sliding panel track blinds, or, most commonly, sliding panels. They work in nearly any room and are especially effective for covering wide windows and sliding glass doors. They bring what feels like a new look to the world of window treatments—a look that combines Scadinavian and Japanese influences with a touch of modern minimalism. Sliding panels really are window treatment superstars.
On top of their versatility and good looks, sliding panels offer an incredible range of fabrics. In fact, Bali sliding panels share fabrics with Bali’s roller, solar, Roman, and natural shades collections. Because of this huge selection of available fabrics, you can precisely customize your sliding panels to provide the perfect amount of privacy and light control. If you’re looking for a window treatment that can add a little extra flair to your home, you need to consider sliding panels. Let’s learn what makes sliding panels so special.
What Are Panel Blinds?
Panel blinds, or sliding panels, are like vertical blinds in that they are mounted along a sliding headrail—the track. These two window treatments also share excellent durability and easy operation. Where they differ is size. A vertical blind louver might be three to four inches wide, but a sliding panel can be five times as wide or more, depending on the dimensions of the window.
Panel blinds, or sliding panels, are like vertical blinds in that they are mounted along a sliding headrail—the track. These two window treatments also share excellent durability and easy operation. Where they differ is size. A vertical blind louver might be three to four inches wide, but a sliding panel can be five times as wide or more, depending on the dimensions of the window.
Those wider panels do several things. The wide panels have a very modern look and are at home in modern and minimalist design schemes. The wide panels also work very well on wide windows and sliding glass doors—so well that many people prefer the look of sliding panels to vertical blinds. And lastly, those large panels are unlike any other window treatment—and if you’re trying to create a look for your home that is unique, sliding panels might help you achieve that goal.
Are Panel Blinds Good for Sliding Glass Doors?
IFor many designers, sliding panels are the ideal solution for sliding glass doors. The wide panels offer a spacing that looks proportional to the dimensions of the typical sliding glass door. The wide panels are designed to cover large spans with ease. And like vertical blinds—the most common solution for sliding glass doors—sliding panels can be opened and closed using a simple wand. The panels move smoothly along the track and stack neatly. And a set of sliding panels are lighter than heavy drapery—another common solution for sliding glass doors. So, for a simple, sleek window treatment for your sliding glass door, sliding panels are a great choice.
Sliding Panels Offer So Many Advantages
We’ve talked about the unique look of sliding panels and the modern look they convey. They offer outstanding privacy and light control—which you can customize precisely by selecting from hundreds of available fabric choices. And they are incredible easy to use.
But there’s another important advantage of sliding panels: their ability to really showcase a beautiful fabric. The wide panels allow patterns and textures to be displayed in a way that narrow louvers or even drapery cannot. If you find a Bali fabric that really speaks to your personal style, you might want to consider a set of sliding panels to showcase it so you can coordinate your room décor around this favorite color or pattern.
And there are two last very practical reasons to consider sliding panels: they are easy to install and are a more affordable alternative to drapery. Add up all the advantages of sliding panels and you have a window treatment solution that should be your first consideration—and not simply an interesting alternative.
How Do You Measure Panel Blinds?
Measuring your window for sliding panels is easy and involves one decision and three measurements. The decision is whether to install your panel track as an inside mount or an outside mount. An inside mount places your panel track inside the window casing—and this is the preferred method for many. But panel blinds can also be installed as outside mount—meaning the track will be installed outside the casing directly to the wall or molding.
For inside mount, you must measure the depth of the window casing, the width of the window, and the height of the window. For outside mount, you will measure the how high you want your headrail to be and how wide you want the sliding panels to cover. Bali will use these simple measurements to build a set of sliding panels that fits your window perfectly. Find complete information for measuring your windows for sliding panels.
Style & Customization: Hundreds of Options
One of the best reasons to choose sliding panels for your home is the potential to find the perfect solution. That precision stems from the fact that you can choose from hundreds of fabrics from Bali’s solar, roller, Roman, and natural shade fabric collections: the wide sliding panels are ideal for showcasing the beauty and texture of the woven natural shade fabrics. And the modern solar shade fabrics produce a clean sophistication when mounted as sliding panels. Roller shade fabrics give you countless options, and matching Roman shade fabrics look fantastic as sliding panels. You can also customize your valance in a matching fabric to create a finished look.
The wide range of fabrics offers one very practical advantage: customizing your light control and privacy level. The amount of sun protection you receive—and the amount of privacy you enjoy—is determined by the fabric you choose. With hundreds of fabric options, you’ll be able to find a fabric that gives you everything you need. Choose from light filtering fabrics that bring in softened light—or opt for blackout fabrics that shut out the sun and create an ideal environment for sleep. You have abundant choices—and that gives you the ability to find a fabric that you really love.
How Do You Install Panel Blinds?
Installing your sliding panels is almost as easy as measuring for them. You begin by installing your brackets and headrail clips using a drill and screwdriver. Once the brackets and clips are installed, you’ll simply snap your headrail into place. After that, install each of the panels on the headrail. If you’re installing a valance, you’ll snap that onto the headrail. That’s it.
Sound simple? It is. Sliding panels are a simple but effective way to cover your wide windows and sliding glass doors. Most people with some knowledge of hand tools will have no problem doing the installation. Installing the sliding panels yourself will save you a lot of money. Plus, it’ll give you the confidence to conquer the next DIY task that comes your way. Learn more about how easy it is to install Bali window treatments.
It’s Time to Transform Your Space with Panel Blinds
Sliding panels have it all. They have a fresh, modern look. They do a great job covering wide windows and sliding glass doors. They come in hundreds of different fabrics—and they’re relatively affordable. So, if you’re looking to add a bit of modern flair to your home or just seeking something other than the typical set of vertical blinds to cover your sliding glass door, sliding panels are the answer. Learn more about sliding panels.
FAQs
How do I clean panel blinds?
The best way to clean a sliding panel is with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. You can also use a feather duster. Make a point of cleaning your sliding panels once a month and you’ll enjoy years of worry-free use.
Are panel blinds trending in 2025?
People are discovering the versatility and modern style of sliding panels. Their modern flair and unique look work well in contemporary interiors. People aren’t only using them on their windows and sliding glass doors—sliding panels are showing up as room dividers and even serving in place of closet doors. There’s a simplicity to sliding panels that lends itself to pared down designs. Whenever you’re in a minimalist space, keep an eye out for sliding panels—they’re very much at home in a smartly simplified design environment.
What sizes are available?
Bali will take the measurements you provide and build a set of sliding panels that match your window perfectly. The finished panel sizes will vary, but together they will perfectly fit the window you’re covering—both functionally and aesthetically. There’s a good chance your set of sliding panels will be one of your favorite things in your home.
