Dutch doors — these doors which are split horizontally, with separate panels for the top and base — originated from the Netherlands in the 17th century and were developed to keep critters from farmhouse entrances, while allowing light and air to filter through the top. They eventually became prevalent in both farmhouse and non-farmhouse kitchens. Popularity waned for several decades, but the style has seen a resurgence, since they are quite beneficial today!
In additional to entrances and kitchens, Dutch doors are fantastic for offices, nurseries, play rooms — and in workshops, where customers can get close to enough to talk to individuals working without actually gaining entry to the work place. They are excellent for keeping pets and children inside without sacrificing light and airflow. And they have certainly grown from their country institutions; today they coordinate well with most home designs. (For those concerned about bug management, roll-down/retractable displays are offered for Dutch doors from most screen manufacturers.)
Soorikian Architecture
There is A normal doorknob often installed on the bottom half of doors in residential applications. For barn doors, interior doors (like kitchen, playrooms, children rooms, etc.. ) finger springs, hooks and eyes or other latch mechanisms could be sufficient.
Debra Campbell Design
This Dutch door entrance has been a popular picture in Houzz for sometime, with good reason. Here is a view from inside looking out…
Debra Campbell Design
… and from outside looking in, with Dutch doorway in full effect!
Amy Lambert Lee
Dutch doors are particularly perfect for kids’ rooms. Obviously, as the kiddos get old (and more curious/adventurous) the Dutch door scenario won’t fool them, but retain these babies and toddlers in check with a security door which does not have to look or feel temporary.
DeForest Architects
I’ve said Dutch doors are suitable in contemporary configurations, but the long farmhouse history can make that difficult to envision. Well, DeForest Architect did the job for usThis very tidy, contemporary Dutch-door-as-entry is seamless with its environment. Along with also the high-gloss paint finish is a fantastic touch.
Most of the examples we have seen are timber, but this is a fantastic picture of a steel Dutch door.
annie diamond
If you’ve got more of a contemporary bungalow thing going on, you’re in luck. The four-over-one top doorway speaks to bungalows and carriage houses of decades past while the solid single panel bottom, easy hardware and high-gloss black paint say contemporary. The comparison with the white casings and vivid plantings make for a lovely composition.
Deer Creek Studio
Here is another instance of high contrast paint creating a splash. I adore the chartreuse Dutch doorway since it pairs with the French grey shingles and vivid white casings. The unexpected color makes the already-interesting door layout even more special.
Naturally, with such an irregular doorway, specific hardware is in order. Dutch doors require additional hinges, although they may be routine hinges — nothing fancy needed here, unless you’re so inclined. A vertical bolt or latch installed on the top door joins the upper and lower parts, allowing them to be opened as a single door when wanted. Check out Baldwin Hardware for a few fantastic choices.
As a normal slide bolt will operate, a quadrant latch made specifically for Dutch doors is appropriate. E.R. Butler in New York has some of the very beautiful hardware available on the current market, including Dutch doorway quadrants.
Walden Design Group – Cynthia Walden
Unique treatments such as leaded, seeded, colored or frosted glass may bring in a little more pizazz.
teakwickerandmore.com
Dutch doors don’t need to be relegated into the home: Implementing them in a greenhouse is an excellent idea.
More: See an Austin Sculptor’s Artful Screen Doors
7 Ways to Make the Front Entry Matter Again
10 Extraordinary Door Designs
