Dutch doors, known for their separate top and bottom halves that can open and close independently of each other, are not necessarily common additions to a household, but they are certainly functional. These doors are unique in that they are divided horizontally and can be opened only at the top half, the bottom half, or opened all the way like a regular door. They’re especially useful in kitchens, offices, workshops, nurseries, or other areas where you only want limited access granted.
Dutch doors originated in Europe in the 17th Century as an entry door, and then later as a kitchen door. On farms, they were helpful in keeping animals outside while still being open enough to allow fresh air indoors. The popularity of Dutch doors began to wane in later years, and with the invention of screen doors, they were even less common. They experienced a resurgence in the 1950s, and then again today.
As mentioned above, while it is less common to see Dutch doors in residences or businesses, they do serve a very useful purpose and are especially handy in certain situations. Daycares frequently use Dutch doors to keep children contained in a particular area while still providing an open area for adults in separate rooms. They’re also convenient for workshops or service areas where there needs to be a clear division between workers or employees and members of the public. Finally, just like centuries ago, Dutch doors still serve a good purpose in keeping animals contained, although today, it’s usually to keep them inside rather than outside. For people that own a dog, these types of doors are good for keeping the dog inside when someone comes to the door. Any dog owner knows how a perfectly calm dog can go nuts the second there’s a knock at the door, but a Dutch door can keep the dog at bay while the homeowner interacts with the visitor.
Just as attractive as they are useful, Dutch doors have provided beauty and functionality for many years. They can be a great addition to any home or work environment, and there are lots of different styles from which to choose.