1. Whenitcomestostyle,fewcancomparetotheallureofaFrenchDoor.It
hasbeenaroundforcenturies,andyetitremainsahighlypopularoption even
with more modern alternatives around. Where did the French door
come from and what makes it a favorite among homeowners? As its
name implies, the French door originated from France, at the height
of the renaissance period. The first French doors appeared during
the early 17th century and its elegant look and functionality
helped it become popular in England and other nearby countries in
the years that followed.
TheearlierversionsoftheFrenchdoorwerenothingmorethanwindows
reaching all the way to the floor for extra lighting (usually
opening up to small balconies), but more modern versions feature
panels specially designed to accommodate foot traffic. Its because
of that earlier design that is also called as a French window. Back
then, the French door was exclusively used for balconies, but
changes to home design eventually led to the French door being used
in main entryways. PART 1: THE FRENCH DOOR - A BACKGROUND LOOK
2. Trends in artistic design back then had a strong emphasis on
geometric shapes, symmetry, and lighting. As a result, the first
French doors were made of glass set on wood or wrought iron frames
with ornate details. Today, many of the doors still use wood but
more modern options have been developed, like vinyl, fiberglass,
and composite materials, to provide French doors with stylish yet
functional frames. DID YOU KNOW? French doors are characterized by
multiple panels. While these make the door look beautiful, their
use is more borne out of necessity and practicality than an
affinity for aesthetics. Why? Glass was fragile and expensive back
in the day so it was installed in smaller panes separated by
mullions. Today, technological advances have drastically improved
glass used on French doors, not only making them stronger but more
energy-efficient as well. PART 1: THE FRENCH DOOR - A BACKGROUND
LOOK
3. The French door has been around for hundreds of years, so
its not surprising that it has evolved with the times, resulting in
several variants of its own. Some of these variants excel as entry
doors, while others are better suited for indoor use, but all are
still overall charming as the French doors that they are. VARIANTS
ACCORDING TO PURPOSE PART 2: DIFFERENT FRENCH DOOR VARIANTS
Interior French Door Exclusivelyseeninsidethehouse,theinterior
Frenchdoorisusedtoseparatedifferentparts of the home. Thanks to
their glass design however, rooms dont look cut off from each
other. This French door is not exposed to the elements so it doesnt
suffer the usual wear and tear, making it last a while. Exterior
French Door Where interior French doors connect rooms inside a
home, exterior French doors connect indoor and outdoor spaces
instead. They are popular as patio doors but will perform just as
well when used as entry doors. Just like any exterior door, this
French door is built to withstand various weather conditions, like
intense sunlight, strong winds, and moisture from rain and snow.
Improved glass and frame options today help in making exterior
French doors more durable so they can easily weather the
elements.
4. VARIANTS ACCORDING TO STYLE PART 2: DIFFERENT FRENCH DOOR
VARIANTS Standard French Door This French door style is the most
popular option available. Featuring two panels that either swing
inward or outward, its simple to operate and complements a wide
range of architectural styles. Pocket French Door This type of
French door is great for areas
wheretheresnotenoughspaceforastandard French door to fully open,
fitted with panels that slide into the wall. Bi-fold French Door
For those who need extra space, but dont want a sliding variant, a
bi-fold French door is an excellent option. At first glance, the
bi-fold French door looks quite similar to the standard variant,
but it has two moving panels instead that are made of two smaller
panels joined vertically by hinges. Sliding French Door This
variant is similar pocket French door
exceptitspanelsdonotslideintoaconcealed pocket. Still, sliding
French doors are best for areas where space constraints may be a
problem.
5. For a type of door that has been around for centuries, its
easy to expect the French door to be out of fashion, left behind by
more modern
alternatives.However,itprovidesbothaestheticandfunctionalbenefits
that it still manages to be one of the best door options available
today. Specifically, the French door offers: Timeless Style Among
all the types of doors, the French door easily ranks as one of the
most attractive options out there. Whether its a traditional wood
frame with stained glass or a minimalist, modern design with
composite materials, the French door never fails to look good.
Extra Views Staying true to its original purpose, the French doors
glass panels provides an impressive view, whether its looking out
to the street or patio or even just indoors from, say, the living
room to the dining area.
Thisiswhatallowsthedoortoconnectdifferentlivingspacesseamlessly.
Better Flow Areas separated by a French door still feel connected
and continuous because of all of that glass working to blur
borders. This makes moving from area to area not feel disjointed,
imparting a sense of openness to a home. PART 3: KEY ADVANTAGES OF
FRENCH DOORS
6. Natural light With its glass panels, the French door easily
lets in natural light, making it a great tool for anyone looking to
make the most out of daylighting. Aside from creating the perfect
atmosphere in a home, utilizing natural
alsoletsyousaveonelectricityasyouhavelessneedforartificiallighting
during the day. Excellent Ventilation With great opening comes
great ventilation capabilities.The wide frame of a fully-opened
French door lets a lot of air in and provides stale indoor air a
way out. This is particularly helpful during the summer as heat is
given a way to escape, helping cool a home. * * * * * This wraps up
our blog series about French doors. We hope learning about the
basics provided you with a means of better appreciating what a
French door can offer.Want to know more? Dont hesitate to give your
local contractor a call. PART 3: KEY ADVANTAGES OF FRENCH
DOORS
7. RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF ATLANTA 2725 Northwoods Parkway,
Suite C Norcross, GA 30071 (404) 947-5300 RBAofAtlanta.com