French Doors: Stylish, Light Therapy

December 11, 2009

French doors make a stylish feature in any room. Whether they are patio doors, doors separating rooms, or doors leading to an upstairs balcony, French doors can complement any décor and allow more light to flow into and between rooms.

What are French doors?

French doors are made of panes or panels of glass with frames or partitions separating each pane. They are usually double doors with either wooden or vinyl frames.

What are the advantages of French doors?

There is a strong association between natural light and physical and emotional wellbeing. French windows let in more natural light, so increasing the light in your home can give you a real lift.

French doors offer easy access to a garden or patio and allow you to enjoy the views from your home in comfort.

French windows can also be used to divide rooms while maintaining the sense of open space. This can cut down on drafts and heating/cooling bills, especially in homes with large open spaces.

Points to consider when installing French doors

If you are replacing regular windows or solid walls with French doors, remember that heat and noise travels more easily through glass than your existing wall. You may need to install double paned or insulated glass.

If your French doors are south facing, the sun is on them all day. This maximizes the amount of natural light and warmth that enters your home, which is great in colder climates. However, if you live in a sunny climate, south facing French doors could make your room too hot and allow the sunshine to fade your furnishings. East and west facing French windows let lots of daylight in with far fewer direct rays.

French doors are the perfect way to brighten up your days and add a bit of extra luxury and style to your home.