Among various door styles available in the market today, the French door is one of the most popular. Mostly used in patios, French doors feature a lot of glass, separated by muntins (a bar or rigid supporting strip between adjacent panes of glass) to create panels that give them their distinctive appearance.
Why do French doors appeal to so many?
They look great
French doors already look exceptional but the more you look at them, the more you see how expert craftsmanship has resulted into what could be one of the best additions to your home. French doors feature a simplistic yet elegant design, allowing them to complement almost any kind of architectural style too. And because they look great, they can boost curb appeal for your home, increasing your property’s market value. This is a major benefit, most especially when you’re looking to sell.
They let natural light in
Adequate lighting is a coveted feature in homes. French doors can help you achieve just that by letting in a lot of natural light, thanks to having expansive glass panels. This will help open up your home, creating a comfortable and relaxed indoor atmosphere.
They capture views well
French doors are essentially oversized windows which let you easily take in views from the outside. If you’ve got a garden you’re particularly proud of, for instance, you can better enjoy a view of the greenery without stepping outside your home by getting a French door.
They create an illusion of space
Letting in natural light does great work in opening up a room but you can also create an illusion of bigger space by softening the divide between indoor and outdoor spaces. Use several French doors along a wall and see a room stand out with spaciousness. The effect is best enjoyed in smaller rooms but can complement bigger areas as well.
The French Connection
Why French doors are called as such goes back to the 16th to 17th century, when Italy’s Renaissance style found its way to French architecture. The design emphasized the utilization of light, as well as symmetry and proportion, so French architects started applying these principles to their doors. It was a practical move, as the absence of electricity during that time meant that houses had poor lighting even during the day. “French” doors would allow more light to come into homes because of its construction, addressing needs related to both form and function at the time.
Now in American Homes
As French doors can complement a range of architectural styles, they have no trouble fitting in American homes looking to replace their patio doors. It’s so easy to get taken in by the beauty of a French door that many don’t realize that it’s highly functional as well. Opt for one fitted with low-E glass and you can help stabilize indoor temperature in your home, letting you avoid overworking your HVAC system. This will help you cut back on energy costs, adding to the overall benefits that a French door offers.
Author Bio
Ed Sullivan has been with Renewal by Andersen of San Diego for over a decade as Project Coordinator. He helps oversee the company’s window and door replacement projects, ensuring that everything is on schedule and that customers are constantly kept in the loop. When he is not out working on the field, Ed contributes home improvement articles to the company blog.
