In this guide:
The Origin of French Doors
Modern French Doors
Types of French Doors
Frequently Asked Questions

The Origin of French Doors

What are French doors? As you'd guess from the name, the French invented French doors. The first doors, used in the 17th century, were windows with glass panes that reached from the tops of the doors to the bottoms. They were wildly popular because they provided much more light than candles or lanterns in those days before electricity.

Modern French Doors

French doors are still great for letting in stunning, natural light. Now they're beautiful and energy efficient, too. Most come as a pair of glass-paneled doors that swing open and closed. Others have a single pane of top-to-bottom glass and function like pantry or closet doors. You can install a fixed pane of glass or a sidelight beside a single French door if you want to mimic the look of a traditional French door. Interior and exterior French doors come in a variety of styles and they're an easy way to increase your home's value.

Tip!

Before you buy, measure your space and decide whether you need a French door that swings inward or outward. Pre-hung French doors will usually fit into standard-size door openings. Check out our guide How to Measure for Replacement Doors for more tips.

Types of French Doors

Interior: Interior French doors admit light and create a sense of flow between rooms in your home. They make your space feel larger because you can see through them from one area into another.

Tip!

If your space gets direct sunlight, choose a door with tinted, coated, or heat and light-resistant glass to protect your floors and furnishings.

Exterior: Exterior French doors open from the indoors to the outdoors to let in light and air as well. Some people use them as elegant front doors, but you can choose frosted glass instead of clear glass for privacy. Use a multipoint locking system for security.

French Door Materials

Originally made of wood or wrought iron, most of today's French doors have wood, vinyl, or aluminum and steel frames with clear, frosted, or opaque glass.

Wood: Today's French doors are very energy efficient. Wood is a natural insulator, and wood door frames give your home a warm, traditional look. These types of doors usually have space between the interior and exterior frames to help insulate them. Some wood frames have vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum casings, or trim, to make them stronger and more durable.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass French doors come in black and other colors and typically have foam cores for insulation.

Vinyl: Vinyl French doors, like the fiberglass types, come in black and other colors. They're usually insulated with foam cores and multiple air chambers.

French Door Uses

What are French doors used for? You'll enjoy them almost anywhere, and you don't have to use just one. Use solid French doors to close off noisy rooms or spaces that you don't want to heat or cool all the time. Use two or three in a row in a living room to overlook a gorgeous garden or your lush lawn from your bedroom or balcony. (Add drapes for privacy.) Brighten a dim family room with brilliant sunlight by installing two French doors at right angles in the corner of the room.

French Door Hardware

Dress up your French doors with knobs or levers to match your decor. Sliding or telescoping French doors open easily with hand pulls. For a telescoping door, choose a recessed pull.

Ergonomic door levers make it easy to open French doors. They're especially attractive on exterior French doors and doors to luxurious bedrooms. Door knobs are traditional choices that give your doors classic appeal.

So, what are French doors? They're doors that come in a variety of styles, and they're a beautiful choice for any home.

Written by Lynn Coulter

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