When looking for windows and doors for your home, you will probably come across French doors. The design has remained appealing since the 17th century and is still chosen for modern buildings. Why? What makes French doors so special?
French doors allow plenty of light and fresh air into living spaces. They also add continuity into balcony, terrace or garden spaces, opening up your home to the natural elements. They can be beautifully constructed from a variety of materials, such as wood, uPVC and aluminium.
A brief history of French doors
It is often thought that the term “French doors” indicates the French origins of the element. Nothing could be further from the truth. The design influences are actually Italian. During the late 16th century, France was victorious when at war with Italy. The victory meant that a lot of Italian artworks and architectural influences were brought to France, together with the concept of French doors.
French doors were originally made from wood. Nowadays, they are made from various materials that help them meet increasing expectations of clients throughout Europe. What else was specific about the design? The doors were characterised by symmetry, proportion, regularity and geometry – all key factors in Renaissance architecture. Due to the reasonably large surface of glazing, they allowed plenty of natural light into spaces, and they still do.
French doors were originally meant to be used as entrances to balconies. Currently, its application is much wider and diverse. We enjoy the beauty and functionality of both single and double French doors in our offices, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.
Different types of French doors
The idea behind French doors has stayed the same ever since they were first designed and manufactured. The biggest benefit of the design is the amount of natural light that enters the interior through long glass pane doors acting like windows. But the concept wouldn’t remain one of the most popular interior design choices for both traditional and contemporary homes if it hadn’t transformed over the years. As a result, there are now more options and variants of French doors available than ever. They include solutions such as external and internal for residential and commercial buildings.
External French doors
External French doors are also known as French patio doors. They are commonly used at the back of the house, opening up into the garden. They can also be installed in the living room for the same purpose.
The main benefit of having external French doors installed is more light and fresh air in the living space. The design is also chosen because of greater flexibility in opening up the space. Depending on the customer needs, the access to the garden can be limited to the width of a single or a double door.
Internal French doors
Internal French doors take advantage of the same design but are used indoors. They are often installed as stylish and functional dividers in living and dining areas. Like their external counterparts, internal French doors are mainly used for bringing in lots of natural light. They let more light pass between rooms and help to create a more open-plan feeling. That’s very important, particularly in smaller or naturally darker homes. Thanks to French doors, the rooms are getting visually bigger and brighter, hence more welcoming.
Internal French doors don’t need weather-proofing, which creates more options for materials and colour styles. They can be designed and manufactured to match the interior design of a traditional as well as contemporary space.
Should French doors open in or out?
French doors can open either inwards or outwards. Most investors choose doors that open out. Currently, 9 out of 10 installations performed at Fenbro are the installations of outwards opening doors. The reason behind that is practical. Doors that open outwards don’t take space in the room, and thus are more convenient. They perfectly fit each room, regardless of its dimensions and layout. They also allow us to create a wide and comfortable passage into the patio or garden, which offers comfort of an everyday use of the space.
The doors are usually complemented with a low aluminium doorstep (between 14 and 20 mm high). Wide openings together with accessible doorstep create an easy-to-use entrance for little children, seniors and wheelchair-users.
Benefits of installing French doors
French doors are chosen for various reasons. They are elegant, convenient, and energy efficient. They are also affordable. By choosing traditional French doors over a standard patio sliding door, you may save up to 65% and at the same time:
- get a more convenient access from your home to your garden and the other way round,
- gain great thermal efficiency guaranteed by high-quality double-glazed French doors,
- enjoy a unique and luxurious design, increasing the value of your home.
Convenient access
The benefit of convenient access from your home to your garden and the other way round has already been mentioned before. Regardless of which type of exterior French doors you choose (swinging or sliding), the entrance will always be wider than in the case of a standard sliding patio door. What’s more, you don’t have to open both panels at once, however most of us usually do.
A French door that opens up straight onto your patio or into the garden lets you extend your home and create a more cohesive space for summer reading or garden parties. The solution is also very convenient for families with little children. They can safely go in and out while playing in the garden.
Thermal efficiency
The glazing unit is the warmest part of the window. That’s why the French doors with reasonably large glazing surfaces offer very good thermal efficiency. They protect the room from heat in summer and keep it warm in winter. But the energy efficiency of French doors isn’t limited to the heat only. The huge increase in natural light is another advantage of using this type of glazed doors. With more natural light coming in, you don’t need to switch on the artificial one, and that alone helps you save a lot on energy bills.
Unique design
French doors are practical and functional, but the main reason so many people choose them is their style. It’s timeless and perfectly complements both traditional and contemporary architecture.
Available in different styles and colours, made from different materials, French doors emphasise the original character of interior and exterior design.
Added value
Installing French doors can add value to your home. You may consider it as irrelevant, but when you come to sell it, French doors may be among the assets that convince your future buyer. French doors are seen as a luxury addition and are often sought after by potential buyers.
How to choose French doors?
Choosing French doors may not be easy. The vast variety of choices is definitely confusing. What to consider while selecting French doors for your home? For sure, you need to think about the space you have. When the opening is above 3000 mm on the width it is better to choose sliding doors instead of French doors. The latter will be more comfortable to use with larger surfaces and will add more light into the room.
The second thing to consider is the material. Selecting the right material type depends on your own personal taste, the style of your home and the place the doors will be used. As far as external doors are concerned, you could opt for uPVC doors for lower cost, wooden French doors for a classic look or aluminium doors for a more modern look and sufficient thermal insulation.
Don’t forget that the doors should complement your decor. Minimalist, contemporary style matches well with single panel French doors, whereas classic decor may require hardwood six-pane doors. The doors are available in different colours, so choosing the ones that perfectly complement your décor shouldn’t take long.
Fenbro offers a vast variety of high quality French doors manufactured from different materials. uPVC French doors are an ideal solution to keep your home energy-efficient. They are characterised by very good insulation parameters and a low price. uPVC designs correspond with both traditional and contemporary designs. Aluminium French doors are the first on the list of top products for delivery of modern, aesthetic, and safe buildings. They are popular in commercial and residential buildings all over Ireland. Wooden French doors are one of the most beautiful to look at, but aesthetic is not their only asset. High quality wooden constructions offer exceptional performance against harsh weather conditions. They are not only durable, but they also make your home warm and secure. We deliver all types of French windows in a vast selection of colours and styles to meet your personal taste and style of your property.
