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French doors, also known as French windows, are two adjoining doors with glass panes from top to bottom. They flood your space with natural light and make a stunning first impression, perfect for homeowners looking to create an airy, open entrance. Is it any wonder these have become so popular as exterior or patio doors in Canada?
If you’re considering getting French doors for your home, you’re probably wondering “What are French doors?” and “Do French doors boost your curb appeal?” In this article, we’ll answer both and dive into the history, features, and advantages of exterior French doors to help you make the right choice for your home. Let’s get started!
What Are French Doors: Main Features
Homeowners asking “What is a French door?” can sometimes confuse them with double doors or sliding patio doors. To help you differentiate a French door from these other types, let’s talk about the features that set French doors apart.
French doors have:
- Two matching doors that open from the middle
- Full-length glass panels (called lites) or multiple glass panes separated by grilles or muntins
- A classic hinged design
- Weather-sealed frames (especially for outdoor French doors)
- Customizable hardware and finish options
Related: Pros and Cons of the Toronto Door Styles
Image Source: Shutterstock
History of French Doors
The French door origin story begins after the French returned from the Italian Wars around 1494-1559. After exploring Italy’s grand buildings during wartime, French designers brought home a brilliant idea: tall, elegant openings that worked as both windows and doors.
These “window-like doors” take inspiration from Italian architecture in a time when symmetry, balance, and geometry were the most prominent styles. French doors started as tall windows featuring a distinctive split design with no centre frame (mullion). This allowed for an unobstructed view and easy passage between indoor and outdoor spaces, notably on balconies.
French Doors’ Prominent Time
The style flourished during the 17th century under King Louis XIV, particularly in French palaces and estates where architects prized natural light and sophisticated design. While early versions used wood and iron, the introduction of glass panels revolutionized them. These glass exterior French doors offered natural light and scenic views even when closed, plus full ventilation when opened.
Over time, these exterior doors became popular across Great Britain and the United States. Nowadays, you’ll find them in homes across North America and the rest of the world with modern features like energy-efficient glass, weather-resistant frames, and enhanced security—all while maintaining their timeless elegance.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Benefits of French Doors
What is a French door if not the perfect blend of form and function? While their elegant design catches the eye, their practical benefits are what make them such smart investments. Here’s why you should choose French doors for your home:
Brighten Your Space
What are French doors’ best features, you ask? Their full-length glass panels flood your home with natural sunlight, reducing your need for artificial lighting during the day. Unlike standard exterior doors that block light, new French doors make spaces brighter and more inviting while letting you enjoy beautiful outdoor views year-round.
Enhance Ventilation
Warm summer days call for proper indoor ventilation, and the French door style is perfect for it. Their double-door design creates a wide opening for fresh air flow. Compared to sliding doors or single-entry doors, an exterior French door offers more control over ventilation by letting you open one or both panels.
Improve Access
The two-door panels of the French doors were originally designed for easy access, and they maintain this practical advantage today. Their extra-wide opening makes moving large items a breeze while offering to open one or both panels as needed.
Boost Energy Efficiency
Power bills keeping you up at night? Modern French doors often sport energy-efficient features like low-E-coated glass, weather stripping, and insulated frames that help maintain indoor temperatures. These keep your home comfortable while potentially lowering your heating and cooling costs.
Enhance Aesthetics
What are French doors’ biggest benefits? For many homeowners, it’s the added aesthetic appeal. Their classic design adds architectural interest while framing outdoor views like artwork. Plus, they create an upscale appearance that can boost property value and impress visitors and potential buyers alike.
Maximize Living Space
French doors make rooms feel larger without adding square footage. By connecting indoor and outdoor spaces visually, they create an illusion of an expanded living area. The flood of light and unobstructed views also make compact spaces feel more open and connected to nature.
Pro tip: If indoor space is tight, consider outward-opening French doors or sliding patio doors. Both options save valuable interior space while maintaining the classic French door look.
Bring French Doors Home with Burano Doors
Get your neighbours asking “What are French doors?” the moment they see yours. Add some je ne sais quoi to your entryway or backyard with our Canadian-made French doors. As Ontario’s leading windows and doors provider, we guarantee factory-direct prices, professional installation, and a lifetime warranty all in one elegant package.
Trust Burano Doors for customizable, energy-efficient, and high-quality French doors. Book a free in-home estimate or contact us today to learn more!
