Your Guide To Different French Door Styles
French doors have been a classic and elegant choice for homeowners for many years. They add a touch of charm, natural light, and sophistication to any living space. When it comes to French doors, there are various styles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal.
But if you’re in the process of choosing a set of new French doors for your home, you may be wondering what style is right for you.
Understanding offset French doors
Offset French doors are a modern and stylish variation of the traditional French door design. What sets them apart is the asymmetrical placement of the door panels. Unlike traditional French doors where the two panels are aligned in the centre, offset French doors have one door panel that is wider than the other. This offset configuration creates a unique and eye-catching look.
Offset French doors offer several advantages. First, they allow for a wider opening, making it easier to move large furniture or appliances in and out of your home. The wider door panel can also provide better accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. In addition to this feature, the offset design can give your home a contemporary and distinct appearance, setting it apart from more conventional door styles.
The timeless elegance of Georgian French doors
Georgian French doors draw inspiration from the neoclassical architectural style that originated in the 18th century. These doors are characterised by their symmetrical design, divided glass panes, and decorative muntins. The divided glass panes are often arranged in a grid pattern, adding a touch of old-world charm to your home.
One of the key features of Georgian French doors is their timeless elegance. They can seamlessly blend into both traditional and modern home designs, making them a versatile choice. The divided glass panes allow natural light to flood your interior spaces while maintaining a sense of privacy. Whether you have a historic home or want to add a touch of classic beauty to a contemporary setting, Georgian French doors are an excellent choice.
Enhancing interior spaces with internal French doors
Internal French doors, also known as interior French doors, are designed for use within the interior of your home. These doors are an excellent way to create separation between rooms while maintaining an open and spacious feel. They are often used to connect living rooms and dining rooms, bedrooms and closets, or home offices and common areas.
One of the key advantages of internal French doors is their ability to let natural light flow between rooms. This feature can make your living spaces feel brighter and more inviting. In addition, the glass panels in internal French doors can provide a sense of visual continuity, making your home feel larger and more interconnected.
Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors with external French doors
External French doors, as the name suggests, are designed for exterior use. These doors are an excellent choice for connecting your indoor living spaces to your outdoor areas, such as patios, decks, or gardens. They create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of your home, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your outdoor spaces from the comfort of your interior.
External French doors are often equipped with weatherstripping and insulation to ensure energy efficiency and weather resistance. They come in various materials, including wood, fibreglass, and steel, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your home's aesthetic and climate requirements.
Adding elegance with French doors and side windows
If you want to maximise the amount of natural light entering your home while creating a stunning visual impact, consider French doors with side uPVC windows. These doors feature large glass panels on either side of the door, enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your entryway.
French doors with side windows offer a panoramic view of the outdoors and flood your interior spaces with sunlight. This design also makes a powerful statement, creating an impressive focal point for your home's entrance. Whether you opt for clear glass or frosted glass for privacy, this combination of French doors and side windows can elevate the curb appeal and interior ambience of your home.
What is the difference between interior French doors and exterior French doors?
While both interior and exterior French door types share a similar design concept, they serve different purposes and come with distinct characteristics.
Interior French doors
Location: Interior French doors are installed inside your home to connect different rooms or sections of your living space.
Materials: They are often constructed with lighter materials like wood or MDF, as they do not require the same level of weather resistance as exterior doors.
Design: Interior French doors typically have clear glass or decorative glass options to allow light transmission and they create an open feel within your home.
Hardware: The hardware used on interior French doors is designed for residential use and is not as heavy-duty as the hardware on exterior doors.
Exterior French doors
Location: Exterior French doors are used as entryways to your home, connecting your interior living space to the outdoors.
Materials: They are constructed with durable materials such as wood, fibreglass, or steel to withstand the elements and provide security.
Design: Exterior French doors often come with additional weatherproofing features, like weatherstripping and insulation, to protect your home from outdoor elements.
Security: Hardware and locks on exterior French doors are designed for enhanced security to protect your home from intruders.
In summary, the main difference between interior and exterior French doors lies in their location, materials, design, and security features. It's crucial to choose the appropriate type based on your specific needs and the location where you plan to install them.
Are French doors still in style?
A common concern when considering any home improvement project is whether the chosen design element is still in style or considered outdated. Fortunately, French doors have remained a timeless and elegant choice for homeowners, and they continue to be in style for several reasons.
Timeless appeal
The classic design of French doors, with their glass panels and graceful lines, has an enduring aesthetic that transcends changing trends.
Versatility
French doors come in various styles, as discussed in this guide, allowing homeowners to choose options that complement their home's architecture and interior design.
Natural light
The desire for natural light and open, airy spaces remains a top priority for homeowners, making French doors a popular choice.
Increased home value
Installing French doors can add value to your home, making it a wise investment for resale purposes.
Energy efficiency
Modern French doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring improved insulation and weatherproofing.
Timeless French door styles from Flying Doors
At Flying Doors, we offer a variety of unique French doors styles perfect for any desired functionality or aesthetic. From natural-looking wood finishes to retro pastel greens — there’s a French door for every home.
Rosewood uPVC French doors
These doors are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a touch of classic elegance. Featuring a rich, warm, and natural wood grain finish that mimics the beauty of real rosewood, these uPVC French doors are designed to add a timeless charm to any home.
One of the primary advantages of uPVC doors is their durability. Rosewood uPVC French doors are no exception. They are built to withstand the elements, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for years to come. They are also resistant to rot, rust, and fading.
Golden oak uPVC French doors
Known for their stunning and realistic wood-like appearance, these golden oak finishes capture the warmth and beauty of natural wood while offering the benefits of uPVC, such as low maintenance and durability.
Unlike real wood doors that require regular staining or painting, golden oak uPVC French doors are virtually maintenance-free. They won't warp, crack, or fade over time, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners.
Chartwell green uPVC French doors
Known for their refreshingly retro green colour, these doors’ unique shade adds character and personality to your home's exterior, making it stand out from the crowd. These doors are sure to inject an old-timey aesthetic into your space, and are a perfect way to add a pop of colour that’s both functional and great to look at.
They are highly resistant to moisture, which is crucial for maintaining their colour and structural integrity over time. Cleaning is a breeze with our chartwell green uPVC French doors, as they require minimal upkeep. A simple wipe with a damp cloth can keep them looking vibrant and fresh.
Create your perfect aesthetic with Flying Doors
Elevate your space with French doors from Flying Doors. All of our doors are specially delivered with our private courier and come with a 10-year guarantee.
Browse our French door range, or get in touch with us to find out more today.