French doors remain one of the most romantic doorway choices. Having first become popular in France during the 17th century for their ability to filter natural light into living spaces—something they’re still appreciated for today—the French door’s symmetrical appearance and sweeping opening makes for a romantic transition between spaces.
For this reason, they’re a popular choice for external doors leading to balconies, gardens and other outdoor spaces, as well as interior doors connecting to spaces that don’t receive as much light. As well as bringing light into a room, French doors can also make your interiors feel more spacious by offering a wide walkway when open—making them both a practical and elegant choice.
What is a French door?
French doors are characterised as two matching doors fitted with glass panels that open from the centre. When closed, the doors meet in the centre of the entryway with the symmetrical door handles sitting alongside each other.
While French doors are traditionally made from wood with glass panelling, modern French doors may use aluminium, fiberglass and vinyl. Like their materials, French doors can also vary in shape and size, with an arch top being a popular choice today.

This classic kitchen in the Mornington Peninsula makes use of French doors to separate the kitchen from the butler’s pantry, which also cleverly houses the laundry and mudroom. The choice to use fluted glass in the French door panelling is an elegant way to ensure these more functional areas remain out of sight.

In this stylish Vancouver home, a line of tall custom French doors beautifully connect the living room to the back patio and bring the light in.
“As our home looks out onto the green belt, a wall of French doors allows the dappled sunlight to stream in,” explains the owner of the home.

Paired with a set of storm shutters painted in Porter’s Paints Chintz Grey, these French doors bring an island aesthetic to this coastal resort style home. As the front door, the doors set the tone from the outset.

Thanks to two walls of white French doors, this main bedroom is not only drenched in sunlight but enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding water.
“It has such a beautiful outlook; you could sit in there all day and watch the world go by,” says the owner of this home.

Looking over the storeybook-garden below, the wisteria-draped French doors bring an element of romance to this lovely verandah.

French doors leading to the ensuite bathroom
In this classic bedroom, French doors create an elegant separation between the bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Those wanting more privacy might also benefit from hanging a sheer white curtain along the edge of the doorway.

The one-bed guest house is like a mini-me version of the main home, finished in the same materials and hues with one exception: pretty French-style shutters in a custom colour.
The difference between French doors, double doors and patio doors
French doors can easily be mistaken for other popular styles of doors, including double doors and patio doors. To understand the difference, we have outlined the identifying features of each door style below.
French doors: two symmetrical doors fitted with glass panels
Double doors: two doors usually fitted with a solid material, such as wood, rather than glass
Patio doors: traditionally slide along one track and open out to an outdoor space, however people may use the term to describe their French doors or double doors, if they happen to lead out to a patio.
What do French doors cost to install?
French door prices can vary depending on the material and size that you select, with prices ranging anywhere from $500 to upwards of $10,ooo.