Retractable Screen Door

Updated on April 28, 2009
A.G. asks from San Jose, CA
13 answers

We have just installed a retractable screen door. Wondering if any other moms have this type of door and what kinds of “things” you can put on the door so people don’t walk into it. The door is so transparent, I have already walked into it and so has my son. I was thinking of putting some bright colored tape, but was looking for something a little less tacky. It has to be something flexible, since the door rolls into the side slot.

Thanks in advance!!!

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Thank you Moms!! These are some great ideas. I'll have to try them out!!

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M.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Someone I know used a beaded earring with a soft back. To expand on this you could thread beads and attach.

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C.A.

answers from San Francisco on

I use to work at a window and door replacement company and we sold those. They use to give stickers away with them to put on the screens. I don't really know how you can do that tactfully, but that's what they offered.
Best of luck!

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C.S.

answers from Sacramento on

A.,
Thanks for asking this great question. Our door is in the garage because someone walked through it once too many times. :)
I'm looking forward to trying some of these ideas, when I can get my husband to put the screen back.
Good luck!
C.

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J.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Get a (teeth) floss threader, then cut tiny 1/2 inch or so pieces of yarn. Thread them through. They are big enough that you don't have to tie them and yet they stick in place. Plus they roll with the screen when it retracts. Yo can chose your colors too. Put them at kid height too. SInce they are bright, you don't need too many.

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E.D.

answers from Modesto on

embroidery floss comes in every color you might possibly like and is great for sewing designs on your screen (if you are feeling crafty), flowers, snails, stars, names, or just make little streamers of color.

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K.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A., We have had the same type of door for 7 years now; since my son was 2. We have always just used various stickers. When my son was 3 they were Spiderman stickers.
Rather than buying a bunch of tiny ones I just bought a few larger ones so it didnt look as busy. Even though my family is now used to the door and no longer walks thru it I still use something as guests have been known to walk thru it. Right now its just a big flower. Stickers dont last forever but they dont interfere with the door, are cheap, and can be easily changed. I love our door and get so many compliments on it.

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A.M.

answers from Sacramento on

How about getting some embroidery yarn and creating a small pattern on the door? You can get some great colors that will work with your decor. It could also be a really fun project to do with your son. How about reproducing one of his line drawings on the door! Or, he could create something specifically for the door. Great conversation piece!

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I rent, so I needed to do something a little less permenant than some of the other suggestions. I took some thin, shiny ribbon, tied it to the handle, and wrapped it around the side of the door and back to the handle. I then tied it and made the ends curly. Admittedly, this was for a party (hence the danger of walk-throughs!), but liked it so much I kept it. If nothing else, it could be a temporary solution as you do something more long-standing.

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T.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Not sure if this seems realistic to you but maybe you could do some embroidering on the screen like women used to do on pillowcases and dresses. It may take a good weekend or a fifteen minutes ech night to stitch a flower or your family's name, or welcome on the screen. Just a thought!

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R.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I would try some pretty/handsome ribbon or you could write in fabric paint "welcome" or some other greeting or warning. Then carefully sew through the mesh (it isn't hard since you already have a grid)and do this at the most common eye levels (adult and child).

G.L.

answers from Fresno on

what about cool stickers your son likes. would that stick well enough?

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J.M.

answers from San Francisco on

We bought our screen door from Clear View and they gave us three clear stickers to stick on the screen so we know it's up. Eventually you will look for the handle attached to the magnet before walking through it. I now always look for the handle. Clear stickers is my suggestion. Call the screen door company and ask if they provide them with new purchases.

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H.O.

answers from San Francisco on

I would make a cute design from felt and use a couple of drops of hot glue to attach to your screen. For example maybe some flowers and you could put one at your son's level and one at adult eye level, that way you can prevent people of all ages from running into your screen. Felt comes in all colors to match your decor and not look so tachy. Good Luck!

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