French doors are becoming a solid option for those in the Perth area looking to let more natural light into their homes. We offer a lot of other choices at Fremantle Door & Window such as sliding doors, bifold doors and pivot doors, so we like to present as much information as possible to help our customers make a decision that we know will make them happy.
Here are the reasons why you may or may not choose French doors over our other offerings.
What are French Doors?
French doors are sometimes known as French windows. At Fremantle Door & Window Company, they are made of glass panels in timber frames. Usually, French doors come in pairs and are hinged to swing either outward or inward. They can be used as interior doors or exterior doors.
They are often used as a portal between two interior rooms such as a dining room and living room but can also be used as the gateway to a patio, deck or an alfresco living area.
Are French Doors Really French?
As far as we know, French doors really did originate in France. They became popular there in the 16th century and are said to have been influenced by Italian renaissance, most likely created by Italians who moved to France after the Great Italian Wars. In the 16th century, natural light was much more important because there was no way to supply homes with electricity yet.
Original French doors were made with wrought iron or timber frames and small panes of glass. The small pieces in between, called mullions, provided security if the glass was broken. In addition, they provided a distinctive “look” which is still seen as attractive today.
French Doors: the Benefits
One of the main benefits of French doors is that they are a great “bridge” between your interior and nature. If your living room empties into an enclosed alfresco space or garden, French doors can effectively add to your living space. This is usually achieved by hinging the doors so they open out into your alfresco living area.
Another huge benefit is that they allow a lot of natural light to come into your home. In the cooler months, this can help save on heating costs because they don’t allow the heat to escape from your home.
One of the lesser-known benefits of French doors is that they create the illusion of more space. They tend to look luxurious and sometimes even appear to be “larger than life.” To be honest, we haven’t figured out why, nor has anyone else.
When used on the interior, French doors help connect interior rooms, providing the option of having a wide opening between the rooms when in the open position or privacy when they are closed. This encourages flow between the rooms, both physically and aesthetically.
French Doors: the Caveats
There are a few characteristics of French doors that may cause you to try another choice, like bifold doors or sliding doors. If you prefer a more understated look, you may want to try another type of door. In addition, French doors can be problematic if you are cramped for space. They have to either open inward or outward. If space is at a premium in your home, a bifold door or sliding door may be more appropriate.
The other consideration is price. French doors are going to cost you a bit more than our other custom interior doors or custom exterior doors.
Call Fremantle Door & Window Company
Whatever door you choose, Fremantle Door & Window can provide a custom solution. We provide custom interior doors and custom exterior doors for virtually any situation. Our doors are hand-crafted out of 100% ethically and sustainably sourced timber. We use stile and rail construction with marine grade adhesive and tenon joinery. Our glass panels are manufactured right here in WA.
Our design professionals have the experience it takes to match any door you wish or to create a new design just for you. To learn more or for a free consult, call us today: 1300 308 323.