French Doors or Sliding Patio Doors? Which is best for you?
French doors and patio sliding doors are two very different and popular options for connecting interior spaces to the outdoors, and they offer distinct architectural and design differences.
ODC Glass specialises in large format, slimline sliding glass doors, but does that mean we don’t feel the love for a pair of elegant classic French doors? Far from it!
Aluminium French Doors Are the Ultimate Upgrade
Doors from the ODC 121 aluminium door range create beautiful, robust double patio doors. They come in custom-made sizes, styles and colour finishes. Hinges and handles are bespoke to the design.
These ultra-slim aluminium French garden doors are suitable for conservatories and other external applications. They have the superb thermal efficiency and all the essential security features of the ODC Glass door and window ranges.
As replacement French doors, a pair of aluminium double doors offer a superb upgrade with period style, exceptional durability and powder-coated frames requiring minimal maintenance.
Clients in North London opted for both French doors and sliding patio doors for their Victorian renovation.
French Doors: elegant, classic symmetry
French doors are traditional and elegant, often chosen for the charm and the visual balance they bring to a room. Consisting of two side-by-side doors that open from the centre, they emphasise symmetry. When both doors are open, double French doors create an inviting, expansive entryway that merges indoor and outdoor spaces.
French entry doors usually feature a classic grid glazing pattern created by glazing bars, making them a popular choice for traditional or period homes. Hinged to swing open either inward or outward, they’ll deliver a wide, clear opening, and an airy, open feel between the interior and exterior of your home.
However, because they swing rather than slide, French doors require more space for operation. You’ll need to calculate clearance when opening and closing the doors, an aspect your glazing designer and surveyor will address, especially if you have a smaller room or limited patio space.
Architectural precision: double French doors in custom industrial design for North London kitchen extension
Sliding doors as an alternative to French doors
Patio doors, also known as sliding glass doors, have a more modern, minimalist design. Rather than swinging open, they consist of large, sliding glass panels that move horizontally along a track. The design typically includes two or more glass panels, with one or more sliding over the other to create an opening. Patio doors are popular in contemporary homes because of their sleek look and ability to create an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
The full-length glass panels maximise natural light, which is a key feature of their appeal. They offer a streamlined aesthetic, emphasizing openness and the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sliding patio doors operate on a track mechanism, which makes them more space-efficient. They don’t require any clearance for opening or closing. This is particularly useful in areas where space is limited, such as small patios, decks, or rooms with tight layouts. The sliding mechanism also offers a seamless transition between spaces, with flush threshold options for ease of access.
This narrow London side return extension has a set of sliding doors to maximise space for a delightful corner seating area.
Architects love French Doors.
From an architectural perspective, French doors are ideal for homeowners or designers seeking to enhance the character of a space. The framing and grid of smaller glass panes evoke a sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail. French doors are often used to complement architectural styles popular in the Victorian or Edwardian eras. They can bring back a sense of period style to a home that has lost some of its original charm.
Aluminium French doors offer a great deal of customisation in design, colour and finish. Glazing bar placement is completely tailored fit to your specific home aesthetics. You can, of course, have a French door design without glazing bars – exterior double doors from the ODC 121 door range have been installed in this Oxfordshire cottage, specified without glazing bars to complement the more contemporary style of its double height extension.
Are French doors practical?
French doors offer a flexible design that works well for areas where you want to enjoy a completely open doorway. Installed anywhere from conservatories, dining rooms, and living rooms to sunrooms, they provide easy access to patios, decks, or gardens.
Are French doors suitable for more compact spaces?
Because sliding patio doors don’t require additional clearance to open, they are often the go-to option in more compact spaces. But French doors suit narrow openings where there isn’t the width to install a sliding door system. Hinged to open inward, they can be a fabulous stylish option for first-floor rooms with balconies, especially when paired with invisible glass balustrading.
Are French doors less secure than patio doors?
Unlike traditional timber and multi-pane French doors, modern aluminium French doors come with a range of security features for your peace of mind. From multi-point locking systems and toughened glass to high-specification hinges, they are as secure as contemporary sliding patio doors.
Have a French door dilemma? We’d love to hear about it!
