5 Stylish Patio Door Plans That Will Perfectly Suit Your Home

Patio doors are an incredibly important architectural and design aspect and need to be practical, energy efficient, and visually pleasing all at the same time. If you haven't replaced your patio door in a while, it may be time to consider doing so.

According to Conservation Construction, old patio doors, especially glass ones, are much less energy efficient. The coatings on the glass, as well as the seals, wear down over time and let out either heat or cool air in your home, making your HVAC system work harder. Old patio doors are also a lot less safe than new ones, as newer models have more secure track systems that prevent easy removal and subsequent break-ins.

Replacing any major home feature, such as patio doors, is a great opportunity to add some design flair to your home. Since you only tend to have one patio door, it's also a much cheaper upgrade than something like windows or interior doors. With so much potential, though, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Keep reading for some ideas on how to add style to your new patio doors.

Sliding glass doors are one of the most popular options for patio doors, and there's a reason. The design is timeless and classic, as well as highly customizable. As Pella points out, sliding glass doors are a great option for narrow and smaller spaces. For one, the sliding design helps save space in comparison to folding doors. Two, the glass lets in plenty of light and makes the space appear much brighter and, in turn, larger. On the flip side, sliding glass doors can make a large space seem even larger, which is great for more modern or clean decor styles.

Sliding glass doors are also incredibly customizable in a variety of ways. The trim, for example, can be a thicker, raw wood for a rustic home, or sleek and metal for a more modern but timeless look. You can also paint the trim or easily replace it throughout the door's life, letting you customize it as you go. You can add blinds or curtains on the outside, inner blinds, etc. Getting sliding glass doors installed professionally can cost anywhere from $850 to $1,800, which will be cheaper or more expensive based on materials, size, finishes, and labor costs (via One Day Glass).

If you want the look and feel of a sliding glass door but with a bit more flair, consider opting for accordion doors. Also known as bi-fold or folding doors, these doors have hinges in between each pane of glass that fold on top of one another, much like an accordion. Many closet and utility doors are designed in this style.

According to Windows Guide, accordion doors are very easy to install or get installed. Consider the latter, though, as improperly installed accordion doors can lead to water damage or insects getting inside. If you have children, don't worry, because most accordion doors also have safety features in place to prevent pinching as they open. This style of patio door offers all the same style and functionality as a sliding glass door. As a bonus, they can be left open when folded, which can let in plenty of fresh air, as well as provide a nice indoor-outdoor atmosphere for parties or nights outside. Depending on how large of a door you choose, accordion doors can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,200 per square foot, plus the cost of installation (per LaCantina Doors).

If space isn't an issue for you, consider replacing your patio doors with beautiful French doors. French doors consist of two doors that open at the center, and are usually made up of square or rectangle panes of glass with trim in between the panes. There are plenty of materials the doors can be made of, including wood, fiberglass, and vinyl, as PJ Fitzpatrick points out.

French doors add a very classic, romantic, soft look to a room, and lend themselves best to traditional, colonial, or cottage-style homes, although they don't specifically belong to one style. They offer less light than the previous two options since they tend to be shorter and narrower, but the glass panes let in plenty of light still. Similar to accordion doors, you can also easily leave them open to let in air or create a natural flow between the indoors and out. Most new French doors tend to be very energy efficient, too. While the price varies based on materials, size, and labor, the whole project should start around $525, per Modernize.

Most of the listed patio door options so far have been very traditional or modern, but those with a taste for rustic decor may want something a little more worn and earthy. Canadian Log Homes identifies some key elements of rustic design, including exposed wood, organic materials, earthy colors, and weathered items. If you want to make any of the above doors more rustic, then opt for exposed wood trim or a whole door made of weathered wood, such as a French door or a simple double door.

As with any project, especially larger ones like patio door installments, the price will vary due to various elements like size, materials, and labor. Wood that is made to look rustic tends to be a bit pricier, such as this door from Home Depot for $811, or this one for $1,147, also from Home Depot. If you want a truly rustic door, though, look for local auctions, estate sales, or antique sellers that have already weathered doors for cheap — just know it may not be in the best condition.

Storm doors are a great addition to your patio or back entrance, whether in place of or in addition to larger glass patio doors. Thompson Creek identifies storm doors as exterior doors with an additional glass door, and sometimes a screen. As the name suggests, the functional purpose of a storm door is to protect against the fallout of a storm, such as rain or otherwise unfavorable weather, while still allowing you to see outside. Like accordion and French doors, you can keep one door open and see outside, but unique to storm doors, you remain protected from the elements.

There are plenty of possibilities and combinations when it comes to storm doors, but one of the most fun and unique things you can do is paint them. If you want to be bold and incorporate lots of color into your home design, opt for a bright and vibrant color like yellow, orange, pink, blue, etc. (via Benjamin Moore). If you prefer a more subtle approach, opt for neutral browns and creams, an average red, or monochromatic shades. Storm doors average around $200 to $400 and cost anywhere from $125 to $200 for installation, per Storm Door Guy.