French doors are known for their elegant, refined look. They are characterized by their airy profile, a series of frames—or just one big frame—that hold glass windows, allowing a full door’s worth of light into whichever room you have attached the French doors to. These doors make for an attractive design choice nearly anywhere in a home. But where did these doors get their name?
Unlike French fries and French toast, French doors were actually invented and popularized in France. They got their start in the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV, sometimes called the Sun King. During this time, it was a popular style among the French aristocracy to emphasize natural light—both as a way to allow light into otherwise dark rooms and as a stylistic choice to help merge indoor spaces with outdoor spaces like lush gardens and ornate balconies.
Over the next century, French doors spread to the rest of Europe before inevitably making their way to their sister cultures in the Americas. Each of these locations modified French doors to accommodate their own unique climate patterns and weather protection needs. In England, for instance, these doors often opened into indoor spaces like conservatories and garden rooms. In warmer climates, they provided outdoor access.
No matter what your architectural or climate needs, French doors are an elegant and beautiful addition to any home. With them, you would be able to welcome in natural light from the backyard, a sunroom, or even a greenhouse, depending on your own particular property.