When choosing new doors to connect your home and garden, two favourites often top the list: sliding patio doors and French doors. Both are stylish, practical and can completely transform a living space. But when it comes to letting in natural light, a major factor in modern home design and which one performs best?
At Finesse Windows we have installed both systems in our West Midlands customers homes for many years. That means we’ve seen first-hand how they perform so here’s our thoughts on the matter.
Why Natural Light Matters
Maximising natural daylight isn’t just about aesthetics. More sunlight indoors means:
• Lower energy bills thanks to reduced artificial lighting.
• A brighter, more welcoming home atmosphere.
• Wellbeing benefits as exposure to natural light is proven to boost mood.
• A sense of connection between indoors and outdoors.
Choosing the right door style can make a dramatic difference to how much light floods into your room.
French Doors: Classic Elegance with Open Flow
French doors (add link to French Doors page) are hinged double doors that swing open, usually into your garden.
Light Benefits:
• Two large glazed panels allow plenty of natural light.
• Perfect for smaller openings where a wide glass area still matters.
• Works well in traditional homes where symmetry and style are key.
Limitations:
• The central frame between the two doors slightly interrupts the glass area.
• Opening requires space to swing, which can limit furniture layout.
In short, French doors provide excellent light for their size but they don’t maximise the glass area in the way sliding doors can.
Sliding Patio Doors: Panoramic Views & Maximum Glass
Sliding patio doors (add link to Patio Doors page) use large glass panels that glide horizontally on tracks.
Light Benefits:
• Minimal framing, meaning larger uninterrupted glass surfaces.
• Creates a “glass wall” effect, letting in far more natural light.
• Ideal for wide openings; from two-panel to four-panel systems.
• Keeps indoor and outdoor views seamless, even when closed.
Limitations:
• One side is fixed in place, so you don’t get a full opening width.
• Requires strong, well-engineered frames to carry the weight of larger glass units — which is why precision manufacture matters.
For homeowners prioritising light and views, sliding patio doors are usually the clear winner.
Light Comparison: Sliding vs French Doors
Here’s a simple comparison:
The Finesse Difference
At Finesse Windows, both sliding patio doors and French doors are crafted with the same values:
• Energy Efficiency – advanced double or triple glazing with argon-filled units to keep your home warm.
• Security First – all doors feature multi-point locking systems for total peace of mind.
• Tailored Design – whether you prefer slim modern frames or classic symmetry, we customise every installation to your home.
• Decade of Care – our aftercare promise means support for ten years after fitting.
Conclusion: Which Brings in More Light?
If your top priority is maximum natural light, sliding patio doors usually come out on top. Their wide glass panels and slim frames allow more daylight to pour into your home than French doors can.
However, if your space is smaller or your home’s style leans traditional, French doors still provide excellent light and timeless elegance.
Whichever option you choose, with Finesse Windows you can be sure of precision-built doors that deliver security, comfort and beauty — for decades to come.