What Are French Windows? French windows are a very popular model and are usually hinged double-paned units with large glass areas which allow a lot of natural light to flood in. With no sliding mechanism to operate them, they open inwards or outwards but typically the latter.

Similarly, What is the difference between a French door and a French window?

French Doors are full length and feature a door handle, whereas French windows are half length and have a different handle specifically manufactured for windows. French windows feature two panels of glass that are side hung and open either inward or outward, creating an uninterrupted view.

Additionally, How do French windows look like? French windows are like standard casement windows with a dual sash opening but do not have a central post or center mullion. They have 2 sashes and with hinges on the sides. One sash opens to the left and the other to the right. French windows were actually built very similar to French doors (“portes-fenêtres”) […]

Why are French windows called French windows?

If you are thinking they are called French doors because they originated in France, you’re right. … Originally, the French door wasn’t a door at all. Instead, they began as large windows. However, these windows were crafted so that they could be opened and a person could step out onto a balcony.

What is a French style casement window?

Unlike casement windows, French casement contain a flying mullion which, when opened fully creates an unrestricted view – making these windows an ideal emergency exit. The wider feeling of space that is created is perfect for enhancing the freshness and airiness of your home.

Why do they call them French doors?

The origins of french doors can be traced back to the French Renaissance. During the seventeenth century, it became fashionable to have open space in the home. … “The name ‘french doors’ can also refer to exterior glazed doors or doors leading to small Juliette balconies.”

What are the different types of French doors?


Types of French door

  • External (French patio doors) External French doors lead outside, most commonly into the garden. …
  • Internal. Internal French doors look much like exterior ones. …
  • Sliding. Sliding French doors have a classic design that holds a certain charm. …
  • uPVC. …
  • Composite. …
  • Aluminium. …
  • Timber.

Do both sides of french doors open?

Traditional French door configuration – Side-by-side doors that are both operable (active) and swing open from the center. Single operable hinged door – With double French doors, you can also choose to have just one door active.

How do French windows open?

You might think that inward swinging and outward swinging doors are two sides of the same coin. So do you really need a special door – couldn’t you just use any French door and face it to swing in or out (whichever you prefer)? Well, no. The doors are sold as inward swinging or outward swinging, and for a good reason.

Are French windows secure?

The answer is, yes, they are. French doors come with the same quality locking mechanisms found in standard doors, making them just as safe and secure. The biggest risk these types of doors present is when they aren’t installed properly.

Why do we call them French doors?

The bigger glass areas were intended to maximize natural lighting as indoor lighting was limited to candles, lamps and furnaces. Neighboring countries were quick to adopt this design, giving credit to the French Renaissance by calling it, quite simply, “French doors”.

When were French windows invented?

The French designed a window-like-door between the 16th and 17th Century France with glass panes which extended from the top to bottom of the door. This door provided the perfect proportions of light in their homes.

Where do French doors originate from?

Back to the doors. French Doors were invented in France around the Renaissance period because people wanted more glass, allowing light and air to flow into their home.

What is the difference between casement and window?

Sliding windows are used in openings that are wider than they are tall. They open sideways, with one pane sliding over the other. … The windows are attached to the side of the window frame and swing outward. Casement windows are opened and closed with a crank, handle or lever.

Is French window Safe?

The answer is, yes, they are. French doors come with the same quality locking mechanisms found in standard doors, making them just as safe and secure. The biggest risk these types of doors present is when they aren’t installed properly.

What is double casement window?

Double casement windows, also known as French casement windows, have two sashes that open from the center with no center stile, offering a wide, unobstructed pane of glass. This custom option is hinged on each side and can operate with a single, easy-to-reach handle.

Are double doors called French doors?

French Doors can be Single Hinged, Double Hinged, or Center Hinged. A couple of history papers say that French Doors were first made from wood and wrought iron for additional style. Today French Doors are made out of wood, aluminum or vinyl. Either back then or today French Doors are aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Who invented the french door?

French doors originated in France during the 17th century. The Renaissance period was well advanced, and art and architecture flourished under the influence of new ideas. The doors originated as windows that reached to the floor and led onto small balconies.

What do you call French doors without glass?

1. I’ve only ever heard them called French when they are glazed. If we do a Google image search for “french door”, almost every image in the first few pages of results is of a glazed double doors. Anyway, you nailed the answer: unglazed French doors are just double doors.

What is a hinged French door?

Hinged or French patio doors are door panels that are hinged from the side and swing open from the center. Available as a single or side-by-side configuration, these doors are available as inswing (opening into the interior or the home) or outswing (opening up to the outside).

What is double French doors?

Double-hinged French doors have two panels that part in the middle. In some designs, both panels are operable, while in other designs, one panel is fixed and the other is operable. While both in-swing and out-swing designs, they’re a beautiful addition to help blur the lines between indoors and out.

What are Dutch doors?

A Dutch door (sometimes called a double hung or half door) is a door that’s split in half horizontally, allowing the top half to open while the bottom half stays shut. But secure the bolt to hold the two halves together and it operates like a normal door.

Can French doors swing both ways?

French doors have the distinction of offering doors that swing inward and outward. Although we recommend a uniform swing, we can customize the installation that allows each door to turn opposite the other.

Do French doors open inwards or outwards?

The short answer to the question is that it’s possible for French doors to open in or out. … If you want to maximise internal floor space, get French doors that open outward. If you want French doors with better weatherproofing that maximise patio or garden space, chose to fit it so your french doors open inwards.

Are french doors double doors?

In the glazing industry, double doors can refer to any doors with two independently opening leaves. This includes French doors, but normally if you hear an industry professional talking about double doors, they are speaking about a larger version of the classic French door.