4 Ways To Dress French Doors
A pair of French doors is a classic architectural feature that adds charm and elegance to any home. They are known for their ability to let in an abundance of natural light and provide easy access to outdoor spaces.
Although uPVC French doors are a great, aesthetically pleasing option for your home - their large glass panels let in plenty of light. However, for those times you'd like a little more privacy and insulation, you might like to consider window dressings. From curtains to blinds, let's explore the best coverings for French doors.
Curtains on French doors
One of the most common ways to dress French doors is by using curtains. Curtains offer several advantages, but whether or not you should use them depends on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your space.
Pros of using curtains on French doors
On the plus side, curtains offer a variety of benefits for french doors.
Privacy
Curtains can be drawn closed to provide privacy when needed. This is particularly important to use on French doors, due to their large glass panels that let it a lot of light.
Light control
Curtains allow you to control the amount of natural light entering your space. You can choose heavy curtains for maximum light blockage or sheer curtains for a softer, diffused glow.
Aesthetic appeal
Curtains come in a wide range of styles, colours, and fabrics, allowing you to customise the appearance of your French doors to match your interior décor.
Cons of using curtains on French doors
However, if you’re looking to dress your upVC French doors with curtains, you’ll also need to consider the following potential downsides.
Space requirements
Installing curtains requires wall space on either side of the French doors for the curtains to stack when open. This can limit your furniture placement options.
Maintenance
Curtains can accumulate dust and may require regular cleaning. They can also get caught in the door handles if not properly secured.
Limited functionality
Curtains can obstruct easy access to the doors and may not be the best choice if you frequently use the French doors.
Blinds or shades
Blinds and shades offer a versatile solution for French doors. They come in various styles, including vertical blinds, roller shades, and Roman shades. These window coverings provide privacy and light control while taking up minimal space when open.
Pros of using blinds or shades on French doors
Are you looking for a sleek and modern look? Blinds and shades bring a contemporary and streamlined aesthetic to your French doors. Their clean lines and minimalist design effortlessly complement modern interior styles.
Whether you opt for the crisp appearance of vertical blinds or the elegant simplicity of roller shades, these window coverings can enhance the overall visual appeal of your space while maintaining a sleek and uncluttered ambiance.
Other benefits include:
Easy to clean and maintain
Blinds and shades are favoured for their low-maintenance characteristics. Unlike curtains that may require regular washing or dry cleaning, blinds and shades can be easily cleaned with a quick wipe or dusting.
Allow for precise light control with adjustable slats or shades
One of the standout advantages of blinds and shades is their ability to provide precise light control. Adjustable slats or shades allow you to fine-tune the amount of natural light entering your room, creating the ideal ambiance for any occasion. You can easily tilt the slats to let in just the right amount of sunlight or completely close them for privacy and darkness.
Cons of using blinds or shades on French doors
If you’re looking to dress your French doors with blinds or shades, you’ll also need to think about the following things.
Limited design choices compared to curtains
While blinds and shades offer many practical benefits, they can have limited design choices compared to curtains. Curtains come in a vast array of fabrics, colours, patterns, and textures, allowing for greater customisation and the ability to match or complement your interior decor seamlessly.
In contrast, blinds and shades tend to have a more minimalist appearance, which may not provide the same level of design versatility.
May rattle or sway in the wind if not properly secured
One potential drawback of blinds and shades, especially for French doors located in areas with outdoor exposure, is their susceptibility to rattling or swaying in the wind if not adequately secured.
Vertical blinds, in particular, can be prone to this issue, and it may become a minor nuisance during windy weather. To mitigate this, it's essential to ensure that your blinds or shades are correctly installed and properly anchored.
Window film
Window film is a contemporary option that provides privacy and blocks out unwanted sunlight while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. It is available in various patterns and opacities, allowing you to choose the level of privacy and design that suits your taste.
Pros of using window film on French doors
If you don’t fancy using curtains, blinds or shades on your French doors, window film could be a great, discrete option for you.
Doesn't obstruct the door's functionality
Window film is a practical choice for dressing French doors as it doesn't obstruct the doors' functionality. You can easily open and close the doors without any interference from curtains, blinds, or shades, making it a seamless option for daily use.
Blocks UV rays and reduces glare
Window film serves a dual purpose by effectively blocking harmful UV rays and reducing glare. This feature not only protects your furnishings from sun damage but also creates a more comfortable and glare-free indoor environment, especially in rooms with a lot of direct sunlight.
Easy to install and remove
Installing window film is a straightforward process that can often be done as a DIY project. The film adheres to the glass surface with ease and can be removed without leaving residue or causing damage if you decide to change or update the look of your French doors.
Cons of using window film on French doors
Whilst window film might work for your dressing needs, it’s important to recognise their shortcomings.
Less effective in providing complete blackout or insulation
While window film is excellent at reducing glare and blocking UV rays, it is generally less effective in providing complete blackout or insulation. If your primary concern is to create a pitch-black environment in a bedroom or maintain optimal temperature control in extreme weather conditions, alternative window coverings like curtains or insulated blinds may be more suitable.
Sheer panels
Sheer panels offer a delicate and light appearance, allowing some natural light to filter through while providing a degree of privacy. They work well in living rooms, dining areas, or any space where you want to maintain an airy atmosphere.
Pros of using sheer panels on French doors
Sheer panels are also a useful option for those who would prefer not to use curtains, drapes, blinds, or shades on your French doors.
Soft and romantic ambience
Sheer panels are renowned for creating a soft and romantic ambiance in any room. Their delicate and ethereal appearance lends a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living spaces, making them particularly well-suited for rooms where you want to evoke a romantic or ethereal atmosphere.
Allows light to filter through
Sheer panels excel in allowing light to filter through gently. They diffuse and soften natural light, casting a warm and welcoming glow that adds to the overall charm of your interior. This quality makes them an excellent choice for living rooms and dining areas where a pleasant, inviting ambiance is desired.
Works well in living rooms and dining areas
Sheer panels are a popular choice for living rooms and dining areas due to their ability to create an inviting and light-filled environment. They provide an elegant backdrop for social gatherings and dining experiences, enhancing the overall aesthetics of these communal spaces.
Cons of using sheer panels on French doors
Whilst sheer panels offer a lot of benefits, make sure to consider all of their pros and cons before deciding if they’re the right choice for you.
Limited privacy, especially at night
One significant drawback of sheer panels is their limited privacy, particularly during nighttime. While they allow soft, diffused light to enter your space during the day, this also means that the interiors are visible from the outside when the room is lit at night.
French doors with Flying Doors
From crafting custom designs and precision construction to ensuring safe delivery, we take every step to ensure your French doors arrive in pristine condition. Our unwavering commitment is also backed by a 10-year guarantee, offering you the peace of mind and confidence to make your purchase.
Get in touch with us, or browse our uPVC French doors today.