What is the French door and why does it seem to be a very popular option? Find out more about this timeless door style in this three-part blog.

3. 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. It’s 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

4. 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

6. The French door has been around for hundreds of years, so it’s 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 don’t look cut off from each
other. This French door is not exposed to the
elements so it doesn’t 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.

7. 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, it’s simple to
operate and complements a wide range of
architectural styles.
Pocket French Door
This type of French door is great for areas
wherethere’snotenoughspaceforastandard
French door to fully open, fitted with panels
that slide into the wall.
Bi-fold French Door
For those who need extra space, but don’t
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.

9. For a type of door that has been around for centuries, it’s 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 it’s 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 door’s glass panels
provides an impressive view, whether it’s 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

10. 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? Don’t hesitate to give your
local contractor a call.
PART 3: KEY ADVANTAGES OF FRENCH DOORS

11. RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN
OF ATLANTA
2725 Northwoods Parkway,
Suite C Norcross, GA 30071
(404) 947-5300
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