A Brief History of the French Door

The French Door is a classic and popular patio door design. It’s a mainstay for many traditional homes and exudes a timeless appeal that’s hard to match. It’s the patio door that’s become synonymous with elegance and it has a storied history.

Renewal by Andersen® of Sacramento, your window and door replacement expert, discusses the brief history of the French patio door.

Renaissance Roots

As its name suggests, the French door traces its roots to 17th century France. As was typical of the Renaissance area, doors were made with aesthetics and elegance in mind while functionality was secondary.

When France won the war with Italy, they incorporated architectural ideas that further shaped the look of many types of doors, including what would become the signature French patio door. At the close of the 17th century, the French-style patio door arrived in England and would be brought to the Americas soon after.

Functional Aesthetics

Though originally made with aesthetics in mind, French patio doors are about more than just good looks. The large glass area allows ample light and exterior views. At the time, it was atypical for doors to have large glass areas and this is what made this door unique in its home country.

French patio doors also excel in ventilation as they swing very widely and have the unique ability to catch side breezes.

Our French Doors

Homeowners considering a French door conversion project will be happy to know that we offer the best patio doors in Sacramento. The frames we use for our doors are made with high-quality materials that can withstand the elements.

We top it all off by outfitting your new door with High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass. This glazing does not only reduce UV light intrusion but can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Learn more about our patio doors by calling us today at (916) 525-7711.