French windows are full-length hinged double sashes that generally open inwards instead of being equipped with a sliding mechanism. Thanks to the large glass panes, French windows represent great advantages for small homes; also, due to the no-impost system, they allow much more light to come in, along with better flood of fresh air.
How French They Actually Are?
Originating in 16th and 17th century, they found their roots when France was waging war against Italy. That led to some cultural commingling, which eventually resulted in French bringing Renaissance architecture back home with them. Realizing that mixing a window and a door brought much more light into an — otherwise gloomy and poorly illuminated — home, builders designed the windows with two sections, each of which could open outwardly. Over and above, they turned out to be an elegant and beautiful addition to a modest home.
Meanwhile, there are other types of windows that borrow from the elegance of French style but don’t execute it. This is where the manufacturer created a faux divider, meaning you’ll be able to see it but when you run your hands over the glass pane you won’t feel it.
