What are Saloon Doors?
Saloon doors are pairs of doors which only go partway up an opening, permitting a free view into and out of a room. Classically, saloon doors are also installed several inches above the floor to provide plenty of clearance. As the name suggests, saloon doors are closely associated with the saloons of the American West, but they can crop up in a wide variety of other structures as well, ranging from restaurants to private homes. There are several reasons why people might choose to install saloon doors. Obviously, these doors are not weather tight, but they do create a symbolic barrier which encourages people to stop before entering a building, room, or area. The clear view above the doors allows people on both sides to see what is going on, which can be extremely useful, and the swinging, handle-free design allows people to open saloon doors without their hands.
