French Doors: Let There Be Light–And Unobstructed Traffic

January 10th, 2007

You don’t have to be a movie star to make your entrance through a set of French doors. If you’re looking for a way to liven-up a room and make it appear more spacious, consider making a window a door. When you replace a window with a set of French doors, you’ve opened the way for foot traffic. Or, if you yearn for the look of French doors but want to make a smaller change, consider replacing a sliding door with an exterior French door.

Patio Access: Exterior French Doors Swing Smoothly and Open Wide

We’ve all experienced the sliding door that didn’t. Exterior French doors function on hinges that allow for smooth opening and closing–a real advantage. In addition, they open fully, giving you a great view and the ability to transport nearly anything into or out of the house.

Interior French Doors: Which Way Do You Swing?

Traditionally, French doors swing into a room. This can be a disadvantage, as it cuts into the room’s usable space. Fortunately, some savvy manufacturers have gotten wise to the French door’s limitation and decided to produce a French door that swings out. Look for this option where space is a concern.

Major Style Points

The “ooh la las” will abound when you replace a window with a French door inside your home. And the process isn’t nearly as dramatic as the style points you’ll earn. If you already have a large interior window, you may be able to find a French door that fits the space exactly. In that case, the whole process: taking out the window, installing and finishing the door, could take just a day or two.

By Ellen Foster

Entry Filed under: Front Entry Doors