A Brief History Of French Doors

What's a French door? And where did it come from

, aside from France obviously? The history of the French door dates back as far as the 17th century when France was at war with Italy. A French door, also known as a French window, is a light door that has glass panes that extend for most of its length and usually come in a pair. The original French doors were constructed of individual, single paned pieces of glass and woodbasically a window. But over time, the door has become widely popular throughout its existence because of its multifunctional uses and beauty. A French door is popular choice for many home owners and office buildings because they bring light into a room and also work function as a door. It's as simple as that.

During the 17th century, Renaissance art and architecture was constantly changing under the influence of new ideas. French doors originated as windows that reached to the floor and led onto small balconies and even began to appear in England by the end of the century. Because Renaissance architecture focused on symmetry, proportion, regularity and geometry, similarly to ancient Roman architecture, there was a heavy emphasis on light, thus creating the necessity for glass panes. This led to a greater incorporation of windows the French had not used before, including doors. Windows in doors allowed for users to have light in their homes for a longer part of the day, before electricity existed. Light could be brought into hallways and interiors rooms that otherwise did not have windows.

French doors were originally made of wood and wrought iron for added style and structure. Over time, as the glass industry developed, embedded windows in the structure allowed light to come through and were traditionally made up of individual glass windows. Today, these doors are made with many different materials, although wood or rigid PVC or aluminum is preferred because of their lightweight and strength.

Over time, French doors and other door styles have evolved and have become drastically more elaborate. Casement window manufacturing extended windows to meet the floor on upper levels leading to balconies. Today, these doors are present in the home and office, often a popular choice of architects, civil and structural engineers who value their rich history and also favor spacious atmospheres. The creativity and innovation of French door manufacturers have created with new techniques to improve a French door, including installing miniblinds between the panes of glass for added privacy when desired. Folding French doors are a restaurant owner's favorite for expanding seating capacity. Only our imaginations can limit the uses of a French door. There's really no boundary when using something as simple, practical and elegant as a French door.

by: Mark Etinger

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