French Doors in Essex?

French doors in Essex are becoming increasingly popular, but how did they originate? Follow their history from their origin to modern day.

Origin of French doors

• The French door originated in France during the tail end of the Renaissance period during the height of advancement in art and architecture.
• These doors were first used as large windows that opened onto small balconies and allowed a great abundance of natural light into homes before the invention of electricity.
• Unlike French doors in Essex today, they were made up of small windows or lights that ran the entire length of the door.

These doors were often ornate containing glazed glass and sometimes stained glass with intricate wood carvings. Not only were they useful but they added appeal to the homes in which they appeared. It didn't take long for the popularity of these doors to grow across Europe and then the United States where they began to be used both as interior and exterior doors. The homes of the wealthier people sometimes had several of these doors in the home’s interior. While at first the exterior use of these doors remained as connection to balconies they soon began to be used as an entrance to formal gardens and later to patios.

These doors remain popular today although they serve more as a decorative effect than a functional one. While many French doors both interior and exterior are quite plain, there are others that are works of art in and of themselves. Some interior French doors still have intricate and beautiful wood carvings and even frosted glass pictures and designs. Exterior doors sometimes have grille work embedded between their double panes and some still have stained glass windows.

French doors in Essex today

When comparing French doors in Essex today with the originals, there are a couple of things that have changed over the centuries. While the original French doors were the double doors that opened in the centre still popular today, some homes now sport single French doors while other homes use sliding or folding French doors. Also, while the original doors were made of wood, today metal and PVCu French doors are becoming increasingly popular, though timber frames are also still well-liked.

There are a few things that haven't changed however. These doors may no longer be needed to bring light indoors, but they are still used by many homeowners for that purpose. They also add charm, style and grace to any home from that quiet country cottage to a flat in a large city. What is more, they can actually add to the value of your property.

In this modern world of rapidly changing technology, it is nice to know that some of the old styles and traditions live on in people’s hearts and homes and while French doors may have under gone a face lift or two over the years they are still as beautiful today as they were over two centuries ago.

Types of French doors in Essex today

There is now greater variety in French doors in Essex, and they are suitable for many different rooms. For the dedicated traditionalist who wants the real thing there are still places around where you can get antique French doors made in the traditional way. They may cost a little more but, for those who want the original design and craftsmanship that helped to make these doors so popular, it may be worth it.

However modern varieties are not only less expensive but require far less maintenance too. Metal and PVCu frames make them far more durable and weather resistant - always important in our wet Essex climate.

You can also choose between the more traditional style of French door with a single pane of glass for each door, or opt for the new bi-folding doors. Although not strictly French doors, they still offer the same benefits and take up far less space when open.

If you are thinking of installing French doors in your home, consider using Markwell to supply and install them. We offer a 10 year guarantee to back up our service and the quality of our French doors in Essex and Hertfordshire.

Find out more about the choice Markwell offers you for French doors in Essex and Hertfordshire.