Ever heard of “French Doors”? What does the term remind you of? A big beautiful door, with large glass panels, of course! French doors are known for their elegant look and accessibility to natural sunlight. With ventilation being the top priority in modern homes, French door designs are a great option for patios and entry points. They brighten up your house and utilize daylight effectively. Besides, French doors also add unparalleled aesthetic beauty to your room, which regular double doors cannot offer.
If you are confused about whether the French door is the right option for your dream home, read along! Get to know full details about these doors, with a catalogue of latest designs for 2020.
What Are French Doors?
As mentioned above, French doors are largely made with glass panels in plain style or grids attached to a frame. They were invented in France in the 14th Century to allow better entry to light into homes, thus earning them the name “French Doors”. These doors are more like large-sized windows for your entry and exit areas.
Different Types Of French Doors:
If you are thought French doors are just extended glass pieces on a piece of wood, you are mistaken! French door designs come in different types to suit different purposes. Here are the top 3 varieties available in the Indian market:
- External French Doors: As the name suggests, these doors are used for exteriors, mostly for garden or balcony areas. They are designed to open outwards to allow better flow of air and light.
- Internal French Doors: These doors are used as separators between two rooms. The glass panels give an illusion of a larger space in the house, along with sufficient ventilation throughout the house.
- Sliding French Doors: They are great space savers, that can be used for both interiors and exteriors. They generally have two sides, with one fixed side and other running in parallel to it. The doors are attached to a top or bottom rail for easy sliding.
Importance Of French Doors In A House:
If you want to know the reasons behind the hype for French doors, read on:
- Bright Sunlight: Made almost entirely with glass, French doors are your gateways to natural light. The large doors with better inward and outward swings allow more air and ventilation to your room, compared to solid wooden doors.
- Energy Utilization: French-style doors can cut down your electricity bills drastically. They allow for better utilization of sunlight during the daytime, along with offering climate control with their thick glass panes.
- Adds Space To Rooms: A huge French door instead of a solid wall with a small door definitely creates more space to your house.
- Enhances Beauty: Whether it for your patio or your exit point, French doors add a quaint charm to your humble home.
What To Consider Before Buying French Doors?
Here are some expert tips to help you buy the “right” French door to suit your requirements:
- Materials: You must decide on the base material of the door. Wood, aluminium and steel are the popular materials used for these doors, with each having its own pros and cons. Wood is not suitable for humid weather, while its beauty is matchless. Aluminium and steel are durable but can get noisy over time.
- Glass: Glass is what separates a French door from a normal double door. Analyze the purpose of your door before choosing the right glass panes. You can choose from options to cut down external noise, regulate the temperature in the room, high security tempered material or have all of these.
- Open Inside or Outside? Yes! This is a very important judgement to make. French doors which open outward create more space inside the room. However, in extreme weathers, these doors might be difficult to close or manage. Inward opening doors occupy space in the house but are welcoming to your visitors.
- Single or Double: Depending on the size of the wall, you can go for a single French door or double French doors for extra coverage.
Latest French Door Designs In India:
Get inspired by these 10 simple and modern french door designs which come in different styles and colours.
1. UPVC French Doors:
UPVC is a lightweight alternative to wood, which comes at a reasonable cost. This beautiful uPVC French door is classy, without being too elaborate. The white colour of the door brightens up your environment and give a pleasing appearance to your patio or entrance. It comes with two open doors and two fixed for a unique look! Isn’t it one of the best French doors to try?
- Door Style: UPVC French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: UPVC.
- Colour: White.
2. Sliding French Door Designs:
If you want to save space in style, a French sliding door is a great option. They are ideal for smaller rooms and balconies in apartments. While keeping the traditional look intact, this sliding French door uplifts the beauty of your home. A large glass pane is attached to the central wooden frame with an easy to slide rail on the bottom and top.
- Door Style: Sliding French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Wood and Glass.
- Colour: Golden Brown.
3. French Balcony Doors:
A French door is a perfect option to get an uncompromising view of the surroundings. Irrespective of the floor you are at, a French door can give you proper light and airflow inside the house. It can also beautify your living space without the need for extra accessories. Try this inward open door if you have a small or narrow balcony space!
- Door Style: Inward Balcony French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Aluminum.
- Colour: White.
See More: Modern House Door Designs
4. Wooden French Door Designs:
Install this wooden French door in your patio to enjoy great parties in your garden, without losing access to the rest of the house. The wide-open, extra-large door is made with solid oak wood that lasts for a lifetime. It provides a regal background to your barbeque nights in the patio and offers great memories!
- Door Style: Wooden French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Wood.
- Colour: Brown.
5. Glass French Doors:
If you want a perfect view of the exteriors, try this full glass French door with a metal frame. The classic door might bear simple looks but is loaded with features. The thickened glass offers great acoustic protection and cuts down external noise. It can also control the internal temperature and saves on your heater or air conditioner bill!
- Door Style: Full Glass French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Stainless Steel.
- Colour: Silver.
6. Aluminum French Door Designs:
If you have a narrow space, a bi-fold aluminium French door can be a great option. The black, powder-coated door comes with a hinged option to open in or out. Made with grid glass panels, the door allows room for light and air. It is also lightweight and withstands any weather condition, without the problem of rust or damage!
- Door Style: Bifold Aluminum French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Aluminum.
- Colour: Black.
See More: Best Safety Door Designs
7. Folding French Doors:
This folding French door is a multi-functional product that is worth an investment. The bifold extra-large door is specially designed for your patios to create space as per your choice. It has three sliding doors; all connected with hinges to fold them or open up into one big door. The choice of rectangular glass grids allows a better view of the outside!
- Door Style: Folding Wooden French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Wood.
- Colour: White.
8. Fiberglass French Door Designs:
Want to shut off from the rest of the world, without compromising on your view? This fibreglass French door maximizes your space utilization, along with offering insulation and noise protection. The toughened glasses used on this door, are sure to go a long way and can withstand even sudden crashes. Painted in bottle green, this door is a special addition to your garden!
- Door Style: Fiberglass Outward Swing French Door.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Wood.
- Colour: Green.
See More: Latest Flush Door Designs
9. French Entrance Doors:
Greet your visitors in a Royal style, with this king-size French entry door. The larger than life door is a perfect blend of the traditional entry door with the beauty of the French. In addition to the glass panels on the wooden frame, a wrought iron frame is affixed for extra safety, durability and added beauty!
- Door Style: Exterior French Doors For Entrance.
- Position: Exteriors.
- Material: Wood.
- Colour: Brown.
10. Steel French Door Designs:
If you have a large space, which you wish to separate without a solid wall, a French steel door can be a great option. The rock-solid steel door is perfect for your interiors as well. It has a basic steel frame with grids to house glass panels. You can go for a swing door or try a sliding or pocket slide door for a contemporary look.
- Door Style: Interior French Door in Steel.
- Position: Interiors.
- Material: Steel.
- Colour: Black.
See More: Simple Louvre Door Designs
Those are some of the best designs in French door styles for you choose from! Until the recent past, French door designs were treated exclusively to larger homes and villas. Keeping in mind their major advantages, apartment dwellers are also opting for them, especially in their sit-outs and even entrance points. You can customize these doors as per your requirements and enjoy natural lighting and air in your home. We hope you liked this effort from us to create beautiful homes together!
