Here's Why A Dutch Door Makes An Entryway More Beautiful & Functional

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What's not to love about a Dutch door? Practical and charming, the stable-inspired doors were first used in the Netherlands during the 17th century. Ideal for keeping animals and children inside while allowing fresh air to breeze in from outside, the Dutch brought their unique door style along with them as they migrated en masse to America. Dutch doors consist of two half doors that can both open, close, and lock independent of each other. As screen doors became the norm in the late 19th century, fewer homes took advantage of the uniquely cooling design of Dutch doors. But according to Ellen Hatton, AIA, NCARB, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects, Dutch doors offer beauty through their distinct charm, and add function thanks to their flexibility, making them the perfect solution for your entryway. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, she discussed the benefits of this design choice.

"The aesthetics of a Dutch door can add value by bringing an extra level of charm and detail to a home," Hatton said. "The design possibilities for how you treat the upper and lower portions are numerous, and the hardware is like an unusual piece of jewelry that adds interest." Dutch doors aren't nearly as common as single-panel or French doors, but we think they're among the stunning historic home design trends that should make a comeback. Along with being an outstanding entryway door, products like the JUJUBON 9 Lite Natural Pine Wood Dutch Door could also work beautifully as a pantry door or to cordon off a playroom or even your pets.

You may just love the way Dutch doors look. That's a perfectly good reason to swap out your boring, builder-grade door for a big box Dutch door you can finish yourself, or a custom door with unique detailing from a local carpenter or replica maker like Rustica. But there's another great reason to add a Dutch door to your home: they're among the easiest ways to make your home more kid-friendly.

During her exclusive interview with House Digest, Ellen Hatton praised the flexibility and functionality of Dutch doors for families. "Having a tall bottom panel that is secure while the top panel can be opened is a great way to allow fresh air and visual/aural connection while keeping a lockable barrier in place," she explained. In other words, they're a perfect way to keep an eye on your kids while keeping a floor full of Legos or a backyard full of bikes and pool toys hidden out of sight. Hatton said Dutch doors are also great if you have fur babies. "Frequently this is used as a dog containment door – just make sure the bottom half is half enough that the pooches can't jump over it," she suggested.

If you love the idea of an inviting farmhouse front door, but you live in a super modern or transitional home, you may be wondering if a Dutch door will look out of place. According to architect Ellen Hatton, you should go for it if you love the look. "Since a Dutch door can be detailed with stained or painted wood, any panel style, and any glass style, it is more versatile than you might think," she said during her exclusive interview with House Digest. Since they were originally inspired by barn doors, if you decide to install a Dutch door and don't want it to look out of place, carefully curate nearby home decor elements. Installing farmhouse-inspired lighting like the Diyel Gooseneck Vintage Barn Lantern or a few plants tucked into vintage galvanized milk jugs can make all the difference.

You can take the same approach if your home is more on the traditional or coastal side. "It probably works best with traditional vernacular architecture, especially those that feel more coastal in nature," Hatton said. "A shingle style New England home is the perfect spot for a Dutch door." When you're aiming for a coastal-inspired look with your Dutch door, use paint colors and decor elements that are inspired by the sea. Try installing nautical bulkhead style lights like the SENFAY Frosted Glass Wall Sconce Lamps, or complement a navy blue or misty gray door with weathered metal textures like those found on the Sea Gull Lighting Sebring Wall Lantern with Seeded Glass.