French doors bring elegance to any home. Its natural appeal and classy feel easily transforms an otherwise simple and modern structure into a 17th century abode reminiscent of Renaissance architecture. French doors began as extended windows, designed to bring in as much light into a room as possible, at a time when electricity was not yet available. The door’s material and function have since evolved, however, and current French doors in West Chester, PA are more elaborate and multifunctional.
Kelly Walters features eight distinct styles of French doors, in a picture slideshow for HGTV Remodels, which integrate present door trends.
Non-traditional designs and dark finishes
When door retailer Masonite conducted a survey among thousands of consumers on what their preference for entry doors is, most chose simple designs with the clean, authentic appearance of wood. Many opted for handcrafted doors instead of the traditional ones, and leaned more toward having darker stains and finishes like espresso or walnut.
Walters’ list confirms the survey results. Dark brown wooden French doors with ten lights are “a welcoming entry to an eclectic home office.” Homeowners can even add extra storage and an architectural surprise by putting a thin, vertical shelf on either of the door’s sides.
Simplicity and practicality
Single-pane French doors that were used to enclose a makeshift wine closet, were the 2009 HGTV Dream Home feature– an example of simplicity-turned-extraordinaire.
In white French doors that “echo” the design of a white den, elegance transcends simplicity. Another lesson on class from home improvement experts: make the doors blend in with the room design instead of making it stand out.
“French doors can open inward, swing outward, or slide”, Walters writes. Sliding doors are perfect for smaller patios; they can remain open without occupying space. For those worried about safety, French door hinges should be positioned inside to prevent intruders from unhinging the doors. It’s also easy to install deadbolts on French entry doors for added security.
Old-fashioned elegance
“Ten-light doors, topped with a transom window, give a beautifully old-fashioned feel to the back door of (a) farmhouse kitchen.
Adding a small row of lights at the top of a single-pane door is a simple way to give the effect of a transom window.”
Meanwhile, white inward-swinging balcony French doors installed in the center of a whole wall lined with French windows give the impression of continuity, and allow more light to come in.
There are many reasons to replace your old doors in Newark, DE with French doors, with the help of home improvement companies like Homecraft, who can install quality entry and patio doors in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
[Article information and image from French Doors: 8 Styles, HGTV Remodels]
