I don't know anything about textiles. I just want to bump up.

Thanks for the bump. I'm still very torn on what to do. I know the custom panels would be made to exactly fit my space so that is definitely a plus.

Why can't you just buy the RH curtains to try out and, if you don't like them, return them and go custom? Maybe others wash theirs, but I've had solid linen curtains in our den for many years, and never washed them. About once a year, I remove them and refresh in the dryer.

Another issue - RH curtains are 108" and the custom ones they recommend making is 106" I think. So definitely not easily to switch back and forth without moving four curtain rods!

I think the decorator recommended hanging them at 6 or 8 inches above the frame of the sliding.

they would both be dry clean only.

A few friends have suggested they prefer the space without curtains at all. Any thoughts on that?

I'm not a decorator, and I see why you're doing it, but I really don't like the look of the short rods with no rods across the doors. Otherwise, I like the curtains though.

Can't you get samples of the fabrics and see which you like better? I know RH will send free samples, and I've gotten Robert Allen samples on various sites for a few dollars each.

I agree with Butternut. I didn't reply when you first posted as I also don't care for the short rods. Even though you don't plan to close the panels, I think full rods over each window would look much better. You could also go without, as I prefer that look over the one with the short rods.

Yes I have samples of the fabric. Both are fine. But the rod thing is a totally different issue. That would mean one very long rod and that wall is about 25 feet so the rod would have to be almost that long - yikes!

All this feedback is super helpful. I think I've decided that I shouldn't do this right now. Too many uncertainties and opinions clouding my brain.

I'll throw another one into the mix -- and I'm not sure how the pricing would compare, but Rough Linen does curtain panels. The stock ones are 96" long, but she does custom sizes. They would be pure linen and could be washed or dry cleaned -- but they could shrink a bit if washed too warm or put in the dryer (linen air dries very well).

From what I could find in photos and what I would expect of the viscoise, it would seem that fabric would have a bit of a sheen to it. DIfferent look and definitely different care -- viscoise tends to change texture and coclor when wet.

I'm glad you're holding off because I'm a no window treatment person myself, unless needed for privacy. I think you need some art around the windows, not curtains.

I can understand your desire to put something up--- I have 3 sliders sortof in a row and I really wanted something to help soften the look- esp at night!!

but, until you are comfortable and sure of the look you want, it is definitely best to hold off!!!

Yes, I'm glad I held back. It feels like the right decision. Now I am thinking that if I ever decide to do curtains, it should be one big long rod, and sheers hung in between each panel (that could actually slide over, if I so desired). But still I don't even know if that's the right decision or leaving empty. It still feels "unfinished" to me in a way. I'm not sure if small artwork would help alleviate that feeling in me? If I decide to try the sheer route, I can tape sheers up in between the panels and see how I like it. Sigh. These decisions are so big because if you don't like it, too bad! A big custom rod at 25 feet is probably at least $1,000, and then add curtains on top of that, so it's no easy decision! I do really appreciate all the feedback though, and am glad to put this project on the back burner for now!

In rethinking this based on feedback, if we did curtains, perhaps we would do something more gauzy (like sheer linens, no lining) with one solid silver rod all the way across, like this mock-up in photoshop? (so curtains would be approximately 120" instead of 108")

What if you forget curtains and paint that wall an accent color? There is so little of actual wall there. The color would not need to be bold. Just different from the rest.

I'm not sure if you need a custom rod that's 25'. I also like the look of one continuous rod rather than the short rods in your earlier post. But you could save a lot of money by installing 3 rods and covering where they attach to the wall behind the panels.

i like that idea/look better! ... didn't like all the curtains in a row mounted halfway between the ceiling and the frame.

I have sheer open weave linen panels on mine and like the look a lot! (tho mine are mounted within the door frame itself, not above- you would just have to be sure you like the look of the wall and frame in addition to the window behind the fabric...)

I'd save myself the expense of custom linen drapes and rods and dry cleaning and put that money toward French doors.

I love the look of french doors, but is there a way to keep bugs out (and our cat in) when you want airflow? That's really the problem for me - we open those doors all the time for a breeze. And if you have a french door open, it takes quite a bit of space on either side to open which would either cut into our patio space or our family room space, I assume? But maybe something I'm not familiar with? Plus we have expensive external solar shades that might be a problem with that scenario as well?