Should French Doors Open In Or Out?
French doors are a lovely way to elevate an entryway. Just the look of a French door brings elegance and nostalgia. They are a real throwback to decadent European times. Best of all, French doors work in all sorts of homes. There are tons of French door types and designs to choose from, making it possible to match them with any design preference. But as you prepare to purchase new French doors for a balcony or other outdoor space, you might wonder if they should open inward or outward.
Outward swinging French doors are better for smaller rooms, or spaces that require heavy curtains. They are not a good option in areas that regularly receive heavy snowfall. Inward swinging French doors are better for smaller patio areas, and have the ability to control airflow better than outward facing doors. When French doors open inward, however, they can make a room feel smaller, and limit the design capabilities.
In the end, there are no laws telling you how your French doors must swing. Sure, there may be building codes and certain limitations, but in the end, the choice is ultimately up to you. So it is important to give this decision proper thought so you choose doors that open in the direction that makes the most sense for your home.
Why Choosing If Your French Doors Open In Or Out Matters
As you prepare to buy your new French doors, you might wonder if it even matters whether your doors open inward or outward. After all, for some, the idea is a bit of an afterthought. The answer is that while there are no hard and fast rules as to when French doors must open inward or outward, there are definite pros and cons to both.
While you shop for the perfect French doors, you should also consider the room they will go in. There should also be consideration to the outdoor space they will join. In fact, there are several important variables to consider. Once you consider the variables below, you will have a much better idea as to whether “inswing” or “outswing” doors are the best match for your home.
Variables To Note When Selecting How French Doors Open
Size Of Room
You need to consider the size and layout of the room where you plan to install the French doors. These aspects matter, as French doors can have an impact on the room itself. Inswing doors, when installed, sometimes take up a small amount of indoor space. Additionally, when French doors swing inward, they make it impossible to place furniture, and sometimes even rugs and heavy drapes, in that area.
If, however, you have a large and vast room, you can consider both inward and outward opening French doors without worrying about this concern.
Size Of Outdoor Space
You also need to think about the space on the other side of the French doors. If the French doors open outwards, will there be any potential issue or blockage? Consider if the space is larger or smaller, and whether the French doors will have a negative impact when it comes to functionality if they swing in one direction over another.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions where you live are also important to consider, especially if your French doors open to the natural elements. Heavy wind and rain are definitely important, as wind damage and flooding are potential hazards to note. Further, if you live in a region with heavy snowfall or potentially icy conditions, you might need to factor this into your French door decision as well.
The Way Your Current Doors Open
Lastly, it is always a good idea to look at how the doors you are replacing currently open up. This can often help persuade you into one direction. If, however, you have found the way your current doors open to be frustrating, then now might be the perfect time to switch things up. Just keep in mind it may require some additional carpentry work.
Pros And Cons To French Doors Opening Outward
Pros To French Doors Opening Outward
Allows For More Interior Layout Options
One of the biggest benefits of allowing your French doors to open outwards is that it maximizes your indoor space. Installing outward swinging French doors means that your indoor space will not be infringed upon in any way. It means you can have complete freedom when it comes to design and furniture placement. You even have more freedom when it comes to curtain and drape installation.
Hinges On Outside Making For Clean Indoor Design
When you have outwardly opening French doors, the hardware is almost always located on the outside. This might seem like a small detail, but for some, this hardware can be unsightly. This is particularly true for those looking for a minimalist look with fresh uninterrupted lines. Outward-opening French doors leave clean lines void of any hinges and hardware. This is one reason some designers prefer outward-swinging French doors when possible.
Cons To French Doors Opening Outward
Might Be Impossible To Open After Snowfall
If you live in an area prone to winter blizzards, you might want to rethink outward-swinging French doors. When it snows a lot, often more than 6 inches, outward swinging French doors might be impossible to open. In fact, if snow is prone to stick and freeze, you won’t be able to open these French doors until the next thaw.
Make Outdoor Balcony Furniture Placement Difficult
If your French doors open to a patio area that you plan to use and place lots of furniture on, outward-swinging doors might pose a problem. When the French doors swing out, they make it difficult to place outdoor furniture in the immediate vicinity. This can be an issue if you are working with an enclosed balcony area.
May Become Damaged With Gusty Conditions
Snow is not the only weather that can cause problems for outward-swinging French doors. Strong wind and gusty conditions can also pose issues. In fact, strong wind gusts can slam doors shut, and even cause damage and safety hazards. If your area is known for wind or occasional strong and unpredictable storms, you might want to reconsider outward-opening French doors.
Not Ideal Small Balconies
If your French doors open to a small balcony, then outward-swinging French doors are probably not the best choice. Outward-swinging doors will make it very difficult to keep any permanent furniture outside. They will also encroach on the already limited space every time you open them. If the balcony is small, consider a different type of door opening.
Pros And Cons To French Doors Opening Inward
Pros To French Doors Opening Inward
Great For Smaller Balconies
If your French doors open to a small balcony or patio area, then inward-swinging doors are definitely the better choice. This will allow you to maximize that small outdoor space without the swinging doors interfering with your furniture layout.
Controlled Airflow
Inward-opening French doors also allow for a bit more of a controlled airflow. Unlike outward-swinging doors that open up to the elements like wind, inward-facing doors can open just a crack or all the way, allowing you to bring outside air inside in whatever degree you want.
Cons To French Doors Opening inward
Hinges And Hardware Arr Visible From Inside
One downside to inward-swinging French doors is the fact that hardware is often located on the inside. This means it is all visible within the living space. For some, this is not an issue, but others may find this less than ideal from a design and aesthetics perspective.
Makes Interior Design More Challenging
Another downside to inward-swinging French doors is that it makes the space where the doors swing inward “dead space.” This means you can’t place any furniture anywhere in the radius of these doors. When you have a smaller room, this can prove quite a challenge from a design perspective. If you are struggling with space or design concerns, it is usually best to consider an alternative type of door opening.
Makes Drapes And Curtains Difficult
If your room requires blackout curtains or privacy drapes, then inward-opening French doors might not be the ideal solution. Since the doors swing inwards, they can cause a constant conflict for your curtains. It is best to opt for a sliding door or outward swinging door in this case.
Final Thoughts On French Doors Opening In Or Out
French doors are a wonderful way to jazz up an entryway or balcony access. They are both practical and elegant, and can even add value to your home. But as you prepare to install new French doors, it is important you consider the pros and cons of selecting inward or outward opening doors.
Outward-opening doors are better for smaller living spaces, as they do not impede on the floor space, and allow you to maximize the design capabilities within the room. They are also great for spaces that require curtains or drapes, as they offer limited obstruction. Inward-swinging French doors are better for those who have small patio or balcony spaces. They are also more effective at controlling the airflow, and are a better option for snowy and windy regions.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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