Dutch doors, also known as half doors, split, or double-hung, date back to the 17th century and are a great addition to homes until today. Split horizontally with the top and bottom parts independent from each other, these types of doors allow great air flow while still providing a barrier, keeping your kids or pets safe inside. 

This means that, while you are able to secure your home, the open upper part of the door gives you excellent views of the landscapes outside and lets air in, making sure your home has some good natural ventilation. 

In case you are thinking of installing Dutch doors in your house or upgrading the ones that you already have, we have a few ideas that will surely inspire you!

“Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm. – Earl Nightingale

Inside-Outside View

Doesn’t it look gorgeous?! Source: HGTV
Doesn’t it look gorgeous?! Source: HGTV

While you can make a Dutch door as basic as you want, adding "windows" can bring a lot of class to the door if they are creatively designed. 

For instance, using plain tinted glass on the upper part of the door or touching up the frame with sophisticated shades can go a long way in giving it the perfect upgrade.

Make It Practical 

This is a great idea to make it even more functional! Source: Jay Costa
This is a great idea to make it even more functional! Source: Jay Costa

Well, in case you want yours to be more than just a door, there are little tweaks you can give the design to achieve this goal. 

For example, it’s not uncommon to have a counter in the middle where the bottom section meets the upper window section. Counter based Dutch doors are often ideal when used internally, especially in the kitchen or living room.

Farmhouse Inspired 

Are you also a fan of the farmhouse style? Source: Country Living
Are you also a fan of the farmhouse style? Source: Country Living

Dutch doors are traditional and even though there are so many designs out there that have found applications in modern households, they are still usually more beautiful if they are vintage and classic. 

Well, there is nothing stopping you from achieving this amazing balance. Instead of just going for your average white front door, consider picking farmhouse-inspired options that feature that classic and vintage look that will completely transform your home and its decor.

Play Around with Colors 

As you can imagine, Dutch doors can be used both internally in the house and also outside. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t be decorated. In that case, feel free to play around with shades and different paint colors to make it stand out. 

In most cases, it would be a great idea to go for bold and bright colors for your exterior Dutch door. As for the interior ones, just make sure they match up to the existing decor.

Dutch Doors Are Not Just for Your Home 

This type of door is very common in barns. Source: Country Living
This type of door is very common in barns. Source: Country Living

There is no doubt that when you think about Dutch doors, you will probably be thinking about how you will fit them in your house. But it doesn’t have to end there. 

Dutch doors can also be used in exterior structures like barns, sheds, and even patios. They are so stylish and unique that they will fit into almost any building. 

Besides, these vintage style doors would be a great sight to see for people coming into your home.

Dutch Doors with Transom Windows 

Transom windows are a great complement to dutch doors. Source: Country Living
Transom windows are a great complement to dutch doors. Source: Country Living

For those of you who want your Dutch doors to let in as much light as possible, then this is your best option. 

Transom windows are great at letting in light, and they also regulate the amount of heat entering your home. Besides, there is just something classy about having some glass on these doors. 

While you are free to use whatever material you want for your Dutch door, it seems like a combination of wood and glass is the winning formula. It’s such a classy and modern appeal that combines their traditional charm and the sophisticated elegance of glass.

Keep It Traditional 

A Dutch door can be the perfect barrier between your house and the backyard. Source: Design The Furniture
A Dutch door can be the perfect barrier between your house and the backyard. Source: Design The Furniture

There are many people out there who love Dutch doors as they were meant to be. Don’t get us wrong. There are many variations of Dutch doors these days, most of which are quite creative. But that traditional and vintage door is still a great option. 

If you have a dated home or perhaps you want to balance out your home with elements of vintage appeal, then choosing purely traditional Dutch doors should be a great option. A traditional Dutch door normally features the original natural wood stain but you can paint it over the way you see fit.

Dutch doors are elegant and classic. They are designed to give your home the perfect vintage upgrade and with the amazing ideas above, it should be easy to get started! 

Installing a dutch door will greatly improve your curb appeal. Contact a local professional and request a free quote! 


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