How to Make French Doors Look Modern

French doors have been an elegant choice for interior doors for many years. While modern  French doors have the ability to bring light and sophistication into a space, outdated traditional French doors can clash with modern homes’ decor. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to modernize and refresh French doors. This can be done by either replacing old styles of French doors with a newer option or refreshing the current doors.

Let’s explore ideas for up-to-date French door styles, as well as creative ways to convert existing French doors to give a home a sleeker, fashionable feel.

Modern French Doors Style: Contemporary Designs

There are many options for replacing outdated French doors with a more up-to-date and modern style. The market has several choices of modern interior doors that keep the traditional beauty of French doors but add a modern touch. Here are some selections with contemporary designs to consider when shopping for new French doors.

Minimalist French Doors

French doors with minimal framing and sleek lines are a perfect choice for minimal home decor. These options often come with a large glass pane that has a thin metal or wood frame. Simplicity in design sets the stage for the glass panes to shine. Minimalist French doors give off a warm, airy feel and bring an uncluttered, clean, and modern look to the home.

Look for aluminum or steel frames powder-coated in neutral tones. These materials will provide durability. Also look for engineered solid, honeycomb, and smart core options for features like soundproofing and insulation.

Pivot French Doors

Pivot French doors are a creative spin on traditional French doors. Traditional French doors swing open from hinges on the side whereas these modern French doors rotate on a central pivot. This allows for a dramatic entryway and is ideal for a large entry door, or an entryway where traditional French doors may feel too formal. For homes with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, pivot French doors offer a clearer view.

Pivot French doors can be purchased in a frameless glass style or with a thin metal frame. Pivot French doors can come as single doors or two doors.

Sliding French Doors

Sliding French doors are a great fit for homes with limited space. Traditional French doors swing open taking up a good bit of room, but sliding French doors glide along a track. This space-saving update still boasts the elegant beauty of a traditional French door. Try in patios, living rooms, and bedrooms for all the benefits of sliding French doors.

Glass and metal options are usually available for these types of French doors, as well as wooden French doors with glass panels. There are popular engineered solid core doors that also come in many paint colors or stains along with glass options.

Bi-Fold French Doors

Bi-fold French doors are a fashionable and unique option for contemporary homes. This type of door has multiple panels that fold back onto themselves. This design allows homeowners to save space between rooms and offers a seamless transition between spaces. Bi-fold French doors are ideal for any spaces you would like to link inside, or to have the outdoor spaces feel like they connect indoors. Closets and other storage areas greatly benefit from this type of door.

Choose bi-fold French doors with a slim frame and large glass panes for light and visibility. Opt for bi-folds with frosted glass for areas that need more privacy. Engineered solid core and solid pine door frames are some popular choices for modern bi-fold French doors.

Updating Existing Modern French Doors

French doors began to be developed during the Renaissance. Maybe your French doors aren’t that old, but you still want to update them to a more current interior French door feel. Some doors may just need a coat of paint, new hinges, or new glass panes to really shine. With a few materials and a couple of contemporary revisions, you can bring a whole new modern look to a home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Paint the Doors

Paint, painter’s tape, and a bit of patience can dramatically change the look of a door. Make doors more in line with a modern look by choosing bold colors like matte black, charcoal gray, or white. These tones offer a clean and modern look that complements modern interior decor. A high-gloss finish can add a visual pop to the door, helping it become a design feature in the room.

Pro tip: Don’t forget the drop cloth for this cost-effective upgrade.

Update Glass Panes on the Doors

Many traditional French doors have clear glass. Consider changing to a frosted, etched, or tinted option. This not only is a fashionable, modern option but also offers increased privacy. Textured or even painted glass is a modern choice that complements an artistic bent.

Switch the Door Knobs to Black

Door knobs, hinges, and other hardware can be changed from old, tarnished brass to sleek black or matte-finished options. These small, simple changes can be done fairly quickly as a DIY installation, and couple nicely with most paint and decor styles.

Modern linear handles can give a more contemporary, modern appearance to French doors. Clean lines are always a win with the modern door style.

Install New Trim on the Doors

For doors that have outdated or ornate trim, update it to add a modern feel to the space. This will also add texture and depth to the door. For a French door with a contemporary look, choose trim that is clean, simple, and has sharp lines. Whether you are updating double doors in dining areas, smaller spaces, or other indoor rooms, consider choosing molding in black or white finishes to promote a clean, crisp, and modern feel.

Install Barn Door Hardware

Those who love the modern door look but don’t want to entirely change out the door for a new frame can consider installing barn door hardware on the existing door. This will allow the door to slide rather than swing, freeing up space in the room as well as creating a fashionable, contemporary feel. Look for black or stainless steel tracks and brackets.

Barn door hardware allows the door to remain open when needed and maximizes the flow of natural light between rooms when the door is open.

Create the Space You Want

Modernizing or installing modern French doors with a contemporary feel can radically change the look and feel of a space or home. You may choose to update your French doors using a little paint, updated hardware, or new glass. These simple updates can help create a room filled with more light, privacy, and interest with a modern flair.

Some people may decide that DIY updates are too much hassle and want a quicker, easier solution. From bold, black frames, to sleek minimalist designs, there are several contemporary modern French door styles available to swap out a traditional door for an up-to-date beauty. Styles like pivot, sliding, and bi-fold French doors are all options to bring the traditional style of French doors to the 21st century. Create the space you want with these modern French doors ideas and enjoy!

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