What are French loft doors – and are they actually French? What are French doors?
They may sound like something you can see in a Parisian bistro, but these days such double doors with glass panes are popping up in homes all over Poland and Europe Do they really originate from France? What makes them such a great addition during a home renovation? Learn the answers, as well as their cost and the value of selling the property after adding French doors to a home.
What are French loft doors?
If you go to your local door store and ask for a French loft doors, you'll actually end up with two doors. This is because a French door consists of two adjoining doors with glass panes from top to bottom. French loft doors are actually 2 leaves hung on hinges on opposite sides and meeting in the middle.
It also means that usually the door handles are located at the central point where the two doors meet and that the doors open to the sides. Some manufacturers of glass sliding loft doors have created a twist on the old classic by making glass industrial doors that meet at the center just like French doors do but open by moving the doors away from each other. While many doors are solid or have only a few panes of glass and block most of the light entering through them, the large glass structure of French doors allows a large amount of light to enter the room and illuminate it.
Where did French doors come from?
Unlike fries that were actually created in Belgium, French loft doors really are French in name and history. The first French doors are said to have been designed in the 17th century, during the French Renaissance period. Since electricity had not yet been invented, these doors were a significant innovation that let more light into the home. And since glass was expensive back then, it served as a sign of the wealth of the owner of the house.
Should you install French doors?
Like is the case with most design choices, installing French doors comes down to personal aesthetics and the overall design of your home. The loft doors themselves closely resemble the Renaissance architectural style, which emphasized symmetry, proportions and geometry. They fit into the five design principles we use today – rhythm, harmony, balance, scale and proportion. As for their advantages, French door windows can turn a small dark space into a much brighter one. Adding industrial glazings leading to a backyard or patio may fool the eye, making a small space appear larger than it is. French doors are also an obvious choice for anyone looking to bring more exterior elements into their home.
Where to install French doors?
• As an exterior door Whether it leads to a balcony or a backyard, French doors can open the exterior wall and provide the room the feeling that the interior space has been expanded. Likewise, they can make the home look more inviting from the outside.
• As an office door French doors are very popular as "home office" doors, giving you the peace and quiet at your home that you need when trying to get the work done, but still providing a view outside your "home office".
• Between the bedroom and the living space The addition of French doors that separate the master bedroom from the living room or dining room is a great feature that will delight potential home buyers. French doors are one of the best ways to ensure a harmonious flow between your inner and outer life. We advise you to remember about curtains to provide a bit of privacy in the bedroom!
Cost of French doors – and resale value
Like is the case with most structural elements, door prices vary depending on their size and the materials used. But you can expect that for a new set of French doors before installation you will pay the amount stated in the loft door price list. The price goes up from there depending on custom fitting and the possible customer requests. All in all, it is a good investment for your home as it does not cost a lot but adds significant resale value, so it pays off.
Regardless of which door you will receive, make sure that it is properly adjusted in order to serve its purpose and please the eye for many years after installation.