Doors and windows
French windows explained
Short answer
French windows is the traditional name for a pair of fully glazed doors that open outwards onto a garden, balcony or terrace. Today most people call them French doors. They are double glazed, hinged at the sides, and open from the centre with no fixed middle post, giving a wide clear opening. Our uPVC French doors are £1,499 fully fitted.
Where the name comes from
The term dates back centuries to tall glazed openings that reached the floor, letting people step straight out into a garden. In older houses and estate agent descriptions you still see 'French windows' used for what is, in practice, a pair of glazed doors. If a room has a pair of floor length glazed doors leading outside, those are French windows, whatever the brochure calls them.
French windows compared with other openings
| French windows / doors | Two hinged glazed doors opening outwards from the centre |
|---|---|
| Sliding patio doors | Large panes that slide past each other, no swing space needed |
| Casement windows | Hinged windows above a wall, not designed to walk through |
| Single back door | One hinged leaf, narrower opening |
Where French windows work best
They suit dining rooms, lounges and kitchens that open onto a garden or patio, especially in houses where the style of a traditional pair of doors fits better than a modern slider. Because both leaves swing open, you need clear space outside for them to open fully, so check furniture, planters and steps before choosing.
Side panels either side of the pair can widen the glazed area without making the doors themselves heavier, which is a common way of bringing more light into a narrow room.
Glass, locks and draughts
Older French windows are often single glazed timber and a major source of draughts. Modern uPVC French doors use sealed double glazed units with safety glass, compression seals, and a multi point lock on the main leaf that secures into the second leaf with shoot bolts at the top and bottom. Ask how the second leaf is locked, because that is where weaker designs fall down.
Replacing old French windows
Replacement means taking out the old doors and frame and fitting a new made to measure frame into the opening. Our own fitters survey the opening, handle the removal and installation, and we are FENSA registered. Every installation is covered by a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee, and we work across Leicester and a 30 mile radius.
Measuring up and practical checks
Before replacing French windows, check how far the doors swing outside and whether a step, decking or patio slab is in the way. Look at the threshold inside too: a low threshold is easier to step over, but it still has to keep rain out. If you have a pair of doors with side panels, decide whether you want to keep the same layout or change the balance of glass and opening width.
Curtains and blinds are worth planning at the same time. French doors that open outwards leave the inside clear, but tracks and poles need room above the frame so they do not stop the doors opening fully.
Light, ventilation and everyday use
French windows change how a room is used. In summer both leaves open wide to connect a dining room or kitchen to the garden, and in winter the full height glass keeps the room bright. For airflow without opening the doors fully, many people pair French doors with an opening top light or a nearby window, because the doors themselves are designed to be either shut and locked or properly open.
Low emissivity glass and good seals help the room stay comfortable when the doors are closed, which matters because a pair of glazed doors is often the largest area of glass in the house.
Common questions
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