Homeowners love French doors because of their simplicity, timeless style and elegance. In addition, French doors are extremely versatile and can seamlessly connect your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Most homeowners, however, are not aware of the rich history behind one of the most functional components of the quintessential American home.
Renewal by Andersen® of Kentucky, a leading patio doors manufacturer, offers a brief background of the French doors below.
Renaissance Period
The French door was conceived during the Renaissance period and was characterized by symmetry and proportion. French doors weren’t widely used until the 17th Century, however, where they primarily served as openings to the balconies and hallways of stately houses.
Originally, French doors were built with plain, solid wood, although later wrought iron was used as a decorative material. When glass manufacturing became cheap enough that ordinary people could access it, multiple glass panes were used for French doors to serve as a conduit for natural light. This allowed free lighting for interior areas during the day.
Modernized Period
Centuries later, French doors were ubiquitous across the world, and not just as entryways to balconies. French doors became widely used as entry doors to welcome guests. Door manufacturers continued developing innovations for French doors, and by the 20th Century, they were one of the most energy-efficient options due to their ability to fill the home with natural light.
Today, French door manufacturers are still continually improving the design and functionality of patio doors, while maintaining the original architectural elements of this door style. One such manufacturer is Renewal by Andersen, the leading door repair and replacement company.
We offer excellent services and products for replacement doors. We deliver quality in all our door installation projects. Call us at (859) 629-4649 in Greater Lexington or (502) 716-7264 in Greater Louisville. You can also fill out our contact form for a service request and to receive a free project consultation.