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Double hung French doors from http://www.lowes.comFrench doors originated in France at the end of the Renaissance, around the end of the 17th century. They were casement windows that went to the floor. Homes in the 17th century needed ways to bring in a lot of natural light, and large windows helped in this respect. Homes back then had small balconies, and the French window became a French door leading to them. The White House is a perfect example of this. In some places, they are still called French windows. - French doors can have from four to 15 panes of glass. Different types can open into the house or open out to the exterior. For interior doors, there are types that open into a room, pocket French doors that slip into a slot in the wall, bifold French doors that fold up like an accordion and sliding French doors for patio access. There are both single and double door types of French doors.
- True French doors are made with individual panes of glass, each one inserted into its own frame. There are some that have just one pane of glass with molding glued on to simulate separate panes. They are not true French doors. French Doors that lead outside will have double-pane or beveled glass.
- French doors are used as both interior doors and as replacements for sliding glass patio doors. French doors work well in any type of decor. Depending on the hardware and the arrangement of the glass, they can be casual or elegant. French doors come in traditional wood, vinyl or metal and there are models with screens as well.
- French doors have the potential to make a small room look larger. They let in light from the outside and from room to room as well. French doors are a feature that many home buyers seek. French doors have the potential to completely change the feel of a home without having to go through a lot of renovations. They have the potential to become more popular as manufacturers come up with new designs.
