A quick history lesson …
From the moment we started planning our Tumalo home here in Bend, I knew I wanted a Dutch door. There’s something so charming about them that instantly makes a space feel more welcoming! Plus, we just love that mix of old-world style and modern functionality. These doors actually have a cool history, originally used in the Netherlands in the 17th century. They were designed to let in fresh air and light while keeping animals (and kids) inside—super practical!
What sold us, though, was how versatile they are. Dutch doors are great for those days when you want to enjoy a little fresh air without fully opening the door has been a fun conversation starter whenever we have guests over. It adds so much character to the house, and feels like a little nod to the past, even though it works perfectly in our ranch style home. Trust me, once you have one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!
There’s something about a Dutch door that instantly makes a home feel cozier and more inviting. For me, they offer the perfect balance of style and function, especially when you have pets. Being able to leave the top half open lets in fresh air and light while keeping Lucy (our golden) inside. No worrying about her dashing off after a squirrel!
From a practicality standpoint, it’s a game-changer. But, beyond that, a Dutch door adds a quaint, old-world vibe to the house. It’s a simple detail that brings personality to a space.
Balancing Light and Privacy
For our front door, I really wanted to incorporate glass, but a fully paned glass door wasn’t what I had in mind this time around. We’ve had those before and, while I do love the look, they don’t offer much in terms of privacy. Not that it’s a huge concern up here since our home sits higher up from the road, but for those living in more visible areas, that lack of privacy can definitely be an issue.
For us, it was more about aesthetics. I knew the Dutch door would give me that open, airy vibe I wanted without having to commit to a full glass front. Plus, the idea of cracking it open for fresh air just seemed so fitting for this space. We’ve had Dutch doors in the past, but never as our main front door, and I have to say—I’m loving it!
Sure, we could have gone with a solid wood door and maybe added a side window, but it wouldn’t have let in the same natural light. Our entryway was originally pretty dark since it sits back in a little niche. The door is tucked away in an alcove, so I really wanted to brighten it up. The glass on the top part of the Dutch door does the trick, making the space feel more open and welcoming—way more than a plain wood door would have.
Final Thoughts on a Dutch door
All in all, the Dutch door has been the perfect choice for us. It adds charm, lets in plenty of light, and still offers privacy when we need it. It’s functional and beautiful—a win-win in my book! If you’re looking to add a little character to your home and brighten things up , a Dutch door might just be the perfect touch.
