Why Are French Doors Great, But Not Actually French?

If you feel like your home needs an external makeover, the fact that the start of spring is just over a month away makes now a great time to start making plans.

Among the options to improve the connection between the interior and the exterior is the installation of aluminium French doors. These offer some great attributes:

·       They combine the functions of doors and windows, enabling you to have a clear view in or out when closed

·       They offer easy access to the outdoors on a nice sunny day

·       The use of aluminium adds endurance and a modern touch to a style that has stood the test of time

French doors may have been popular for a long time because of this versatility and aesthetic quality, but an examination of their history brings a curious discovery: They are not actually French.

Where Did French Doors Really Originate?

In fact, the idea began in Italy during the Renaissance period of the 16^th century, where they offered lots of light for buildings and easy access to balconies.

However, this was also the time of the Italian Wars, which saw the French and Spanish armies fighting over the various Italian states (which were not unified into one country until the 1870s). One of the spoils of war was the introduction to France of these novel windows.

Thereafter, the misnomer took root and so we have the misleading term to this day.

However, just as French fries don’t taste any different just because they aren’t French, neither does this make these doors any less of a stylish addition to your home.

Indeed, they offer some great advantages over the alternative windows you could have. For example, unlike sliding patio doors, they do not leave some part of the frame in the way at all times, so there is a clearer view outside.

French or not, a set of these doors could be a great addition to your home.