A Dutch door is a door, which is divided into two parts horizontally, so the bottom half can remain closed while the top half is open. When the connecting hardware is locked, the two halves act as one, posing as a solid door.
Such doors were common in the Netherlands in the 17th century. They were devised for use as exterior doors on farmhouses to keep animals out and children in, while allowing air and light to come and go. Dutch settlers brought these doors to the US and here they are now – still popular! A precursor to the screen door, it keeps unwanted visitors out while allowing sunlight and breezes to wander in, open and welcoming on the one hand, private and protective on the other, this door is a great idea for your home. If you are still hesitating, let’s take a look at pros and cons.
Pros
A Dutch door keeps out unwanted elements while letting in light and fresh air. It adds a casual and welcoming personality to an entry door plus adds historical charm. A Dutch door offers a visual connection between indoors and out, or between two indoor rooms, and it can become an alternative to a baby gate indoors. It can act as a solid-door alternative inside the house, for example as the door to a laundry room or office, where you want to let light into the room but still have a barrier for pets or children.
Cons
Such a door might not be good in insect-ridden areas (it’s cumbersome to install a screen with a Dutch door). Be careful – it can be easy to pinch fingers between the door halves.
Dutch Doors With A Glass Top
Most of Dutch doors are done with a glass top – it can be a French framed glass top or with any other configuration. If you want a more modern and sleek look, go for a solid glass piece in the top part, it looks very bold and interesting. With a glass top you’ll be able to see who has come, which is very comfortable.
A beach cottage entrance with a beautiful blue Dutch door and cute lamps.
A beautiful mint blue Dutch door is great for a farmhouse or beach cottage.
A blue Dutch door with a creative glass top part and shingles look cool together.
A bright space with a red Dutch door, a planter with a trellis and green rubber boots for a rustic feel.
A bright yellow Dutch door, a grey wall and bold fuchsia blooms make this space wow.
A chic entrance with hammered copper planters and a graphite grey Dutch door.
A chic green Dutch entrance door with brass touches, lanterns and pots for a cute look.
A contemporary beach entrance with a blue Dutch door and symmetrical pots with succulents.
A cozy porch with a bench, a wire bakset and a grey Dutch door for a vintage feel.
A creative entrance with a bright yellow Dutch door and a fun pritned rug.
A cute blue Dutch door and matching potted flowers on both sides to make the entrance welcoming.
A farmhouse entrance with a bench, a graphite grey Dutch door and a jute rug.
Spruce up the entrance with a bright green Dutch door and a grass-style mat.
Keep your pets at home while having breezes and fresh air inside with a comfy Dutch door.
A stylish contemporary meets rustic entrance with a black Dutch door with a solid glass insert.
A stained wood Dutch door adds a rustic feel to the all-white kitchen with paneling.
A rustic vintage entryway is made more special with a wood stained arched Dutch door.
A modern farmhouse entryway with a black Dutch door and a mosaic black and white floor.
Wooden Dutch Doors
If you want to make a statement with you door, prefer a Dutch door without glass, with some texture, color and maybe patterns. Make different colors on both sides, for example, bright yellow and bright blue for a bolder look.
A bold entryway with a bright blue and yellow Dutch door that makes a colorful statement.
A black striped Dutch door is a bold contrasting touch for a white house.
A clean modern beach house entrance with large succulents and a blue Dutch door.
A Dutch door with no glass is also a good idea if you have glass inserts on both sides.
A rustic stained wooden door with no glass adds to the rustic living room.
A stylish black geometric Dutch front door looks like a bold statement.
A stylish contemporary entryway with a navy Dutch door and windows on both sides.