Oh, la, la! We love French patio doors, don’t you? Originating in France in the 17th century, French doors were basically extended windows that went all the way to the floor and let out onto a balcony or garden area. They allowed more natural light into the home and evolved over time into one of the more decorative door options. The benefits of French doors continue today and they remain a popular style selection.
The modern French door design typically has anywhere from one to four panels and features a thicker, lower rail at the bottom. They’re offered in a variety of colors, grid types, and glass options, so even though it’s a specific style, you can still let your imagination run wild with French door ideas.
Why Beautiful French Doors Are a Stylish Choice
It’s easy to see why homeowners love French door options: They add both beauty and function. French doors swing open wide to create a grand entrance to your outdoor space and let in plenty of natural light through their large glass panels. Many homeowners are designing for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and French doors deliver.
They may be traditional, but they don’t have to be boring: French door decor ideas range from classic grid patterns to clear glass for a modern style. French doors also come in many frame colors and materials to match your home’s design.
Top 4 Exterior French Door Ideas
The versatility of French door ideas means more and more homeowners are choosing this timeless style. Which design is right for you? Here are four great ideas to get you inspired.
Idea #1: Open Up the Room with a Sliding French Door
Sliding French patio doors work very well with open concept floorplans. The wide panels create an impressive entrance to your patio or deck and make it easy to access the outdoor living space without requiring swing room inside or outside.
You can add grids to match traditional French door designs, or keep the glass clear for unobstructed views. Plus, sliding patio doors are easier to operate than swinging doors, with rollers that glide smoothly on a track. This easy operation combined with the wide, unobstructed opening also makes sliding French doors great for entertaining.
Featured door: Tuscany® Series sliding vinyl French patio doors
Idea #2: Single In-Swing French Patio Doors
When it comes to ideas for French doors, many people don’t know that they can swing inward as well as outward. This beautiful in-swing patio door is painted vinyl in the premium classic brown color. Sidelights flank each side of the door for more natural light and give a cohesive, sophisticated look to the exterior.
The matching casement windows provide additional light and air flow. This combination of doors and windows works well for both traditional and modern homes, giving you flexibility in design.
Featured door: Tuscany® Series in-swing vinyl French patio doors
Idea #3: Out-Swing French Patio Doors
Open concept living spaces are in demand for new construction and home remodeling projects. Out-swing French doors make perfect sense for these rooms with high ceilings, creating a grand entrance that matches the size of the room. This exterior French door design pairs beautifully with large, floor-to-ceiling windows to create a seamless glass wall effect.
In our example, the room benefits from very high ceilings and an expansive wall of windows which frames the view. The perimeter grid pattern conveys a contemporary look, which is echoed through the interior décor.
Featured door: Ultra Series out-swing patio doors
Idea #4: Double Fiberglass In-Swing French Patio Doors
If you’re looking for the highest-quality French door replacement ideas, consider fiberglass. Fiberglass doors give you outstanding durability because they resist warping and rotting better than other materials. They can be painted to look just like real wood, making them perfect for areas that you want to have a more sophisticated feel.
In this example, the two panel, fiberglass in-swing French patio door offers an elegant touch to the master bedroom. Need French door color ideas? Black, like this black bean interior with a matching exterior, is a very popular trend in home design. The room feels fresh and modern and the tranquil color scheme is perfect for a relaxing bedroom space.
Featured door: Ultra Series French in-swing patio doors
Choosing the Perfect French Door Design for Your Home
When shopping for French doors, start by measuring your space to see if you have room for swinging doors or if sliding doors would work better. Think about how you'll use the doors: In-swing designs protect against rain but need interior clearance, while out-swing doors save indoor space. Also think about the right material. Fiberglass stands up to extreme temperatures, while vinyl offers great value and durability.
We hope you are inspired by these French door ideas and you’ve gathered some design inspiration on ways to add style to your space. When you’re ready to shop, remember that MILGARD offers French doors in vinyl and fiberglass to match any home style and budget. Just contact a Certified Dealer who can help you measure your space and bring your exterior French door ideas to life.
