French windows + photo

Design Features

French windows mean large partitions from ceiling to floor without window sills. Sometimes structures with low window sills are also called this, but this is incorrect.

The doors can open outwards like swing doors or inwards, have a sliding design. Or they can be stationary, without the ability to open or close them. Sometimes an entire corner of the house or a wall is equipped with such windows.

It is recommended to use the following types of windows:

for panoramic glazing of country houses or cottages on different floors;
to create an interior on an open terrace;
for equipping balconies or loggias in the apartment.

In a private house, such glazing on the ground floor can be used as an additional exit. But the French windows in the apartment play only a decorative function, decorating the balconies.

Key Features

These designs differ from panoramic ones in that French windows have free passage (to the street, terrace, balcony). They come in sliding or curved shapes and open inward or outward.

A characteristic feature is the large size of the French windows in height. The width varies; narrow ones also look attractive. According to technology, their design should be no more than 2/3 of the wall. In essence, they combine a panoramic window and a door.

French panoramic windows are installed on the first floors of houses, as well as in apartments with a balcony or loggia. In country cottages, they can serve as a door through which it is possible to enter the garden, patio, veranda, pond or pool.

Such glazing in an apartment, installed above the second floor, is equipped with a protective fence in the opening. It is mounted outside in front of the door, but this design is already called a French balcony.

Types of window systems

French type windows have a large number of configurations. Each of them depends on the design features, functions and materials of production.

For example, according to their design they are:

solid - without partitions in frames. The fittings must be selected so that the structure can withstand the weight of tempered glass, which has a thickness of about 6-8 mm. For such windows, the optimal opening option is sliding;
sectional - a panoramic window is divided into parts using partitions, which give it strength and rigidity. The maximum permissible number of sashes is 7 pieces, it is determined by how the runners are secured for sliding.

They differ in their design and frame. They can be equipped with an impost or be stud-mounted.

An impost is a lintel against which the sashes are leaning, placed vertically. The impost gives strength to the structure and allows you to open one or two doors, or put it “for ventilation”.

And the shutter doors, when open, provide an excellent panoramic view, since they do not have a lintel. But such sashes only come in a rotating type; they do not have a tilt-and-turn option. This variety is a classic version of French windows.

In terms of functionality, windows can be portal or in the form of a “book” (“accordion”). The portal system means that the doors can open and act as doors. It is usually installed instead of balcony blocks or at the exit point.

And the “accordion” also serves as a door; the difference from a portal lies in the method of opening. It expands and folds according to the “accordion” principle, providing the widest possible passage. This option is suitable for large rooms.

Window systems also vary in opening method:

swing doors - they resemble regular doors and are suitable for narrow openings where it is impossible to install a full sliding system. Window-doors open outward or inward using a regular handle;
sliding - such a system is considered the most functional and reliable. The sashes at the windows are sliding and slide away on the sides parallel to the frame. The doors open and are held open with the help of latches and bolts;
“book” - the doors open as fully as possible.

Materials for production

Frames for French windows are made from different materials. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

The following materials are used for the production of frames:

Wood - oak or larch, sometimes pine, are used as raw materials, and not in the form of solid wood, but laminated veneer lumber, which is more resistant to external factors. Wooden frames provide good ventilation, but are difficult to maintain and expensive.
Aluminum - this material is lightweight and highly durable. It is used for cold glazing, but there are also warm aluminum windows created using thermal break technology. Such structures have a thermal insulation layer between the internal and external profiles. The cost of such structures is also considerable;
PVC is easy to process, durable, and can be used to make frames of various configurations. Compared to other materials, it is cheap and is in wide demand.
Fiberglass composite - this material is a new product on the market. It is durable, lightweight, has low thermal conductivity, but is also expensive.

When installing French windows, different types of glass are used. Among them:

float glass;
tempered glass;
smart system;
triplex - consists of two parts, between which there is a film. Such glass is safe, resistant to various types of loads, and when broken, does not break into small fragments, but crumbles into fragments.

There is another classification of French windows according to the type of layout. Decorative trim refers to a plastic or aluminum grille that is inserted into a window. It visually expands large glass into blocks. The layouts are:

constructive - they divide a large frame into parts, into each of which a separate double-glazed window is inserted;
overhead - attached to the glass and installed inside or outside the double-glazed window. They have only a decorative function;
interglazed - they are placed between the panes during the production of double-glazed windows. They are easy to care for because they are not susceptible to external factors.

French windows are good because they have a large number of views. You can choose the best option for your home or apartment.

Advantages and disadvantages

Undoubtedly, French-type window designs have a very attractive appearance and can completely transform an ordinary apartment or house. However, they have both pros and cons.

Among the advantages:

large transparent glass covering the entire wall can visually expand the space, which is especially important if the room is small;
More light penetrates through large glass than through a regular frame. The house will be brighter and warmer;
Clear glass plays an important decorative function. It looks much more attractive compared to a regular wall. But the room must always be cleaned, since all its shortcomings will be visible from the outside.

It may seem that panoramic windows are suitable for everyone. But they also have disadvantages that should also be taken into account:

if you install transparent windows on the ground floor, everyone will see what is happening inside;
It is recommended to install such structures only in cases where there is an attractive landscape outside the window;
large heat losses through glass and frames. Windows may sweat due to temperature changes and become covered with frost, puddles will appear on the floor and the flooring may deteriorate;
It is best to plan the installation of structures at the stage of designing a house. In the finished room you will have to demolish the walls and break the partitions;
Compared to conventional window systems, French ones are much more expensive. The cost is determined not only by their size, but also by high strength, strong fittings and features of opening systems;
large glasses are difficult to clean, especially on the outside, if it is not the first floor.

As you can see, there are also many disadvantages of this solution. You need to choose and install such systems only taking into account both their positive and negative qualities.

French windows - amazing panoramas from your home

Jul 05/11

In search of improving the appearance of your home and increasing the level of comfort, many come to the conclusion that one of the ways to solve this problem is to replace windows and doors. French windows, by their very name, indicate which country they came to us from, and one immediately imagines a house in the province of Provence or somewhere in the suburbs of Paris. And although in Russia such windows can not be found in every home, their fans are becoming more and more numerous.

French windows or, as they are also called, window-doors occupy the entire wall area from floor to ceiling. Most often they are used in the room from which there is access to the garden, patio - courtyard, or balcony. This is a large panoramic window that offers a magnificent view, and it is not considered advisable to use it in rooms from which this view is unremarkable. That is why French windows are in most cases used in private houses or cottages.

French windows photo

French window decoration

It is advisable to install French panoramic windows in an apartment in a multi-storey building only if the windows offer a beautiful view and there are no plans to build a new high-rise in the future. Otherwise, such windows will simply be useless.

In houses built with ordinary windows, it is possible to install new French windows in the apartment only through redevelopment. But today there are new buildings in which the design provides for panoramic windows. The demand for apartments in such buildings fluctuates, since people are not yet accustomed to such windows.

French window in the apartment

French window

Connecting the external space with the internal, French windows are an indispensable element of room decor. It’s easy to imagine a large, beautiful panoramic window covering an entire wall in a private house with a beautiful garden or courtyard. Such a window will make the room so bright that artificial lighting will only be needed late in the evening. Visually expanding the interior of the house, French windows very favorably emphasize all its beauty, revealing an amazingly beautiful landscape.

House with French windows

In apartments with spacious rooms, it is beneficial to install French windows on the balcony. This solution is perfect for any interior. Therefore, when thinking about the design of a balcony, consider installing windows and doors instead of standard ones.

French windows on the balcony

French windows to the balcony

French windows in the interior

French windows to the balcony

The ideal solution in choosing curtains for French windows would be their complete absence. But if you need to hide from prying eyes, then using curtains or blinds is simply necessary. Choose light, airy organza curtains or stylish Japanese panels that seem made for such windows.

Curtains for French windows

French windows are not just a tribute to fashion; with their help, the room is completely transformed, making you the owner of a truly cozy and comfortable house or apartment.

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How to decorate windows

French-style window systems are an excellent design solution in themselves. But if desired, they can be further decorated. Among the ways to design them are:

Cost of structures

It has already been mentioned that French windows have different types. Naturally, the cost of one or another option will be different.

The full price of the structure depends on the following factors:

glazing areas;
quality of fittings;
configurations;
profile manufacturing material;
type of valves;
types of profile and number of cameras;
frame colors;
opening mechanism;
quality of seals;
availability and installation location of the layout;
types of glass;
double-glazed areas;
brand;
complexity and scope of installation work.

Even before calling a specialist, you can calculate the final cost; many companies post special calculators on their resources.

The most common material for production is plastic. Installing turnkey plastic windows with a height of 2700 mm will cost an average of 60 to 70 thousand rubles.

French-type windows are very popular among those who build private houses. Also, such systems are often installed in city apartments after renovation; they look especially great if the windows overlook an attractive landscape. There are a large number of varieties of such designs, and you can choose the right option for both large and small spaces.

Main varieties

Today, French glazing involves several installation methods. Based on them, the most common types of glazing can be identified:

Traditional style
French glazing of this design is mounted into the wall and gives you an amazing panoramic view of the street. You can look at the photo of what it looks like, but rest assured, when you see this beauty live at home, the emotions will be completely different.
Glazing of the loggia A window to the balcony is installed instead of a door. Conveniently, this option is much easier to install, there are even step-by-step instructions with photos, but it is better to entrust this matter to a professional technician.
Full French glazing An excellent option for private houses, although today you can often see French glazing in apartments. In this case, you need to cover not only the door, but the entire balcony.
Frameless French glazing You need to see the photo to see how stylish and attractive it looks on the loggia. It seems that you just have one huge window in your house to the outside world.