French doors are renowned for their timeless elegance, functionality, and ability to fill a space with natural light, making them a popular choice in many Australian homes. Whether you're embarking on a renovation project, building a new home, or redesigning a stylish interior, French doors (and their accompanying hardware of course) could be a key addition or upgrade.
Why Choose French Doors for Your Home?
French doors, with their double-door design, allow for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Characterised by large glass panels, they offer an open, airy feel while maintaining a degree of privacy. French doors are ideal for creating a connection between living rooms and patios or gardens, or even as interior doors between rooms where light and openness are desired.
Benefits of French Doors:
- Natural Light: The large glass panels allow ample sunlight to enter, brightening interiors and giving the illusion of more space.
- Versatility: French doors can be used in various parts of the home, from entryways and living rooms to bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Timeless Aesthetic: Their classic design suits a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional to modern.
Popular Styles of French Doors
There are several French door styles to consider depending on the design of your home and your personal preferences:
Single French Doors
Single French doors are used when space is limited or when a simple, classic look is desired. With one door swinging open, they are ideal for bedrooms, home offices, or other interior spaces where a smaller opening is required.
Double French Doors
The most iconic style, double French doors consist of two doors that swing open from the centre. They create a grand entrance and are often used as patio doors or to connect living spaces. Double French doors can be inward or outward swinging, depending on the available space.
Bifold French Doors
Bifold French doors are a great choice for hallway cupboards or creating wide, open transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. They consist of multiple panels that fold onto themselves along a track.
Hardware Essentials for French Doors
Choosing the right hardware is essential to ensuring that your French doors are both functional and secure. Below are the key hardware components to consider:
Locking and Security Considerations
Security is a particular concern when it comes to external facing French door installations. With a key and snib euro cylinder, it is simple to lock the door from inside, however if someone breaks a glass panel and reaches through they could unlock the door. A double keyed cylinder might be considered, however this depends on other security considerations and the location/use of the door.
It is also good practice to use flush bolts to reinforce the “inactive door” so it is more difficult to force open.
Handles and Knobs
A variety of handles are suitable for French doors, from modern streamlined levers to traditional knobs. Choose a handle style that complements the overall design of your home and door.
Hinges
Depending on how much use the door may get, hirline hinges could be a suitable option for your French doors. For heavier doors or high traffic areas a heavy duty adjustable hinge may be a better option. Doors opening into large living or outdoor spaces could likely benefit from a long-throw hinge to allow the door to open even further.
Door Stops and Holders
To protect both your French doors and surrounding walls, a rubber tipped or magnetic door stop can provide added safety and convenience in a style matching your hardware.
Final Thoughts
French doors can significantly elevate a space, adding elegance, natural light, and improved functionality to your home. Whether you’re a home renovator, builder, or interior designer, understanding the different styles, materials, and hardware options is key to making an informed decision that suits your design preferences and requirements.
To view Hardware suitable for French doors, explore our collections below:
Mucheln Flush Bolts
Mucheln Hirline Hinges
Mucheln Door Stops
Mucheln Entrance Handles & Passage Handles Sets
