Knowing Your Options: A Quick Guide to French Doors

Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Kravelv

When talking about home improvement and updates, French doors always make it to the list of top items worth considering. Why? The first thing anyone will tell you is that it’s because they are beautiful. And they are, thanks to a timeless, elegant design that complements a wide range of architectural styles. But is beauty all that a French door can offer? This quick guide is here to help you get to know the door type better and see what it can do for you.

French Doors: What They Are

French doors are characterized by a lot of glass in the form of smaller panels called lites. They are also referred to as French windows because they were originally designed to be oversized windows offering access to balconies. Glass is fragile so muntins were put in place to add structural integrity. The overall structure is reinforced by mullions to further add strength to the door. French doors also typically come in pairs and are hinged, designed to either swing in or out.

Where do French doors get their name? Back in the 17^th century, the French took Renaissance outworks and adopted their style, highlighting proportion, symmetry, and light. This resulted in French windows, which then evolved into French doors.

Benefits of Installing French Doors in Your Home

What do you get out of installing French doors?

• Timeless Elegance. It cannot be stressed enough how beautiful French doors are. Over the years, they’ve come in various configurations but their characteristic glass design is what makes them work regardless of a home’s style. Having a lot of glass is charming whether its the 17^th or 21^st

• Maximum Light and Ventilation. Because they contain a lot of glass, French doors do easy work of letting in a lot of natural light during the day. They also open entirely, allowing for maximum air flow to cool or heat your home as needed.

• Space Expansion. French doors are great as patio doors because they seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces, blurring the divide between the two. This creates an illusion of space, helping make your home appear roomier. They can also be used indoors to separate rooms, achieving the same effect to separate parts of your home without feeling disconnected.

• Energy Efficiency. French doors may be things of beauty but they are highly functional as well, fitted with energy-efficient glass options that help reduce energy use in the home by stabilizing indoor temperature. Framing materials also contribute to the effort, working alongside door glass to improve insulation in the home.

• Customization Flexibility. While all French doors will be beautiful, they don’t have to look the same. Save for having a lot of glass, they can be made to suit whatever preferences you might have, customize to fit your home exactly. Take advantage of all colors, finishes, hardware, and accessories made available to you so you can make the most out of crafting the perfect French door for you.

Iconic and eye-catching, French doors can drastically enhance the look of your home. However, they also make great additions because of the high level of functionality they can bring to your property, striking the perfect balance between form and function. To learn more about how you can make the most out of them in your property, don’t hesitate to consult a professional today.

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Author Bio:

Mark Chaikin is part of the professional team of Renewal by Andersen of Northern Virginia-DC. Originally known The Window Place, the company was started by Mark’s father, Martin, out of their family home’s basement in 1958. Mark joined the business in 1974 and has since then been providing outstanding service to customers in the area. Needless to say, the family business has outgrown their basement. For updates from Mark, check out the company blog!

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