You have probably seen divided lite doors and windows on many homes and buildings in your area, but you may not have known what they are called. Doors and windows can be custom made with decorative grids to create multi-lite doors and windows. There are two different types of lites: true divided lites and simulated divided lites.

True Divided Lites

True divided lite doors and windows, available only in all-wood doors, have multiple panes of glass that are separated by actual wood bars, called mullions. The AG Multi-Slide Door pictured above has eighteen true divided lites in each door panel. This means that each door panel consists of eighteen small pieces of glass held together by wood mullions. At AG Millworks, solid wood Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom true divided lite configurations. AG Millworks can create almost any true divided lite pattern, adding character and uniqueness to any home design!

Simulated Divided Lites

Simulated divided lite doors and windows have one pane of glass with grilles attached to the interior and exterior of the glass to simulate the look of true divided lites. The AG Bi-Fold Door pictured above has ten simulated divided lites on each panel. This means that each window consists of vertical and horizontal grilles the create the appearance of ten divided lites on the door panels. At AG Millworks, all-wood or aluminum clad Bi-Fold Patio Doors, Multi-Slide Patio Doors, and French Swing Patio Doors are available with custom simulated divided lite configurations. With three bar widths (5/8”, 7/8”, and 1-1/8”) offered, and the option of ovolo, bevel, or square shaped lites for the interior wood bar surface, AG Millworks offers the most divided lite options in the industry! AG can build patio doors with lite configurations that match existing windows and doors already installed in the home.

Why Divided Lites?

Divided lites are mainly a design feature. They have a historical aesthetic reminiscent of the colonial time period. Many people opt for divided lites to personalize the home design and make it more unique. Different home styles will use different lite patterns to accentuate a theme. Some of the most common lite patterns are listed below.

Cottage Style Lites

Pictured above is a AG Folding Patio Door with cottage style divided lites. This lite pattern is popular on beach, cottage, and craftsman style homes. Designers often match doors and windows with the same lite pattern to keep a consistent look throughout the home.

Equal Lites

Pictured above is an AG Bi-Fold Door with an equal lite pattern. Equal lite patterns are commonly used on modern and contemporary style homes. This pattern often features three or four equal divided lites, created by horizontal grilles.

1 | Kitchen Passthrough Window

The number one reason you should install a Bi-Fold Window into your home is because it is the perfect kitchen passthrough window. Also known as a servery window, it is ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining. Fold open your windows and serve guests outside on the patio. Pass through food and drinks and use the space as a serve yourself buffet during parties and gatherings.

2 | Extra Dining Space

Your home absolutely needs an AG Bi-Fold Window because it will create additional dining space! Continuing the countertop from inside to outside will create an outdoor breakfast bar—just add some barstools and you can enjoy brunch outside on the patio or have more space for guests when entertaining.

3 | Fresh Air

Whether you’re in the mountains, on the beach, or in a valley, who doesn’t like fresh air and a cool breeze? With Bi-Fold Windows, windows fold open and create plenty of air flow for your enjoyment. Perfect for cooling down the house or airing out the kitchen when you’re cooking Brussel sprouts or other stinky foods!

4 | Natural Light

AG Bi-Fold Windows will provide your home with an abundance of natural light. Have you ever noticed that when it’s cloudy and rainy outside your mood is down? We all love natural light and it’s because it helps us be more productive, happier, healthier, and calmer!

5 | Views

Less wall, and more window means more views! Bi-Fold Windows create a large opening and blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Expanding your view into the outdoors can create calming, relaxing feelings and allow you to experience and enjoy nature’s beauty from the comfort of your home.

6 | Energy Efficient

Our Energy Solutions Bi-Fold Windows can keep heat in during the winter and deflect unwanted heat gain during the summer. With such energy efficiency, you can save money on heating and cooling bills. Additionally, energy efficient windows raise a home’s value, and increase appeal to potential buyers.

7 | Screen Options

AG Bi-Fold Windows have a unique screening solution—a retractable accordion screen can be retracted when it is necessary to keep out insects and other unwanted elements. When the screen is not in use, it can pocket into the jamb and out of sight. This is a perfect solution to screening your home while enjoying indoor-outdoor living!

8 | Aesthetic Appeal

Not only are Bi-Fold Windows functional, they are beautiful as well. AG Bi-Fold Window Systems are beautiful, high-quality, handcrafted products that will fit perfectly into your home and increase aesthetic appeal. They are built with luxurious woods and can be stained or painted and provide elegance to your home.

9 | Window-Door Combination

AG Bi-Fold Windows are awesome by themselves, but they can also be combined with a Bi-Fold Door System, creating a Window-Door Combination. Windows and doors connect at the center and will transform an ordinary space into an indoor-outdoor paradise!

10 | Ease of Use

AG Bi-Fold Windows are very simple to use. Simply unlock the window and fold windows to the side! No more fussing with heavy sliding windows that won’t budge under all your strength. Our windows are made with functionality, beauty, and ease of use in mind.