Door side windows, commonly known as “sidelights,” add elegance and functionality to entryways. These narrow windows sit on one or both sides of a door, allowing natural light into the entryway while enhancing the door’s design. In this article, we’ll explore sidelights, their purpose, benefits, and some popular design choices for homeowners.
1. Understanding Sidelights: Door Side Windows
Sidelights, the vertical windows flanking an entry door, serve as both decorative and functional elements. Homeowners typically install sidelights on exterior doors, where they brighten the entryway and add style. These windows come in various designs and materials, allowing homeowners to customise the look based on their architectural style and lighting preferences.
The size of sidelights can vary, but they usually span the length of the door from top to bottom. While clear glass remains a common choice, many homeowners select frosted or textured glass for added privacy without sacrificing natural light.
2. The Purpose of Sidelights
Sidelights provide several important functions in home design:
Adding Natural Light
Sidelights allow sunlight to stream into the entryway, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. With sidelights, homeowners can brighten an otherwise dim or enclosed entry hall, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The extra light from sidelights also creates a sense of openness, making small entryways feel larger and more inviting.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
A door with sidelights often stands out, giving the home an upscale look that can improve curb appeal. Sidelights highlight the door as a focal point, drawing attention to the entryway’s design. Many homebuyers appreciate the charm and value sidelights bring, as these windows contribute to the home’s architectural style and overall appearance.
Offering a View Outside
Sidelights provide a glimpse outside, which can be helpful before opening the door. Homeowners can check for visitors or see the view without fully opening the door. This feature adds convenience, particularly for those who prefer to verify visitors before greeting them.
Maintaining Privacy with Design Options
Many homeowners worry that sidelights might compromise privacy, but privacy-focused glass options like frosted or textured glass reduce visibility from the outside. With these glass types, homeowners gain natural light without exposing their interiors to passersby.
3. Popular Sidelight Design Options
Sidelights come in various styles, materials, and finishes. Here are some popular design choices:
Clear Glass Sidelights
Clear glass sidelights create a bright, open look and work well for homeowners who prioritise natural light. These sidelights offer an unobstructed view, so they suit homes with entryways set back from the street or shielded by landscaping. However, clear glass can reduce privacy, so it’s best in homes where privacy isn’t a primary concern.
Frosted or Textured Glass Sidelights
For those who want light with more privacy, frosted or textured glass sidelights offer an ideal solution. Frosted glass diffuses light evenly while blocking visibility, creating a soft glow in the entryway. Textured glass comes in various patterns such as rain, ripple, or reed providing unique visual effects that maintain privacy without compromising style.
Stained Glass Sidelights
Stained glass sidelights add colour and artistry to the entryway. Many homeowners choose stained glass to introduce a historical or vintage touch to their home, as stained glass complements Victorian, Craftsman, and Art Deco styles. Stained glass also offers privacy, as it obscures the view while letting in a warm, colorful glow.
Energy-Efficient Glass Options
For added insulation, some sidelights use double or triple-pane glass. Energy-efficient glass minimises heat transfer, keeping the entryway warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Homeowners who prioritise energy savings can choose sidelights with Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings, which reflect heat and help maintain indoor temperatures.
4. Adding Sidelights to Your Entry Door
Adding sidelights to an entry door requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some points to keep in mind:
Choosing the Right Size and Style
Select sidelights that complement the door’s design and fit the entryway’s proportions. Wider entryways can accommodate two sidelights one on each side while narrower spaces may suit a single sidelight. The height and width should match or harmonise with the door, ensuring balance and visual appeal.
Prioritising Privacy and Security
If privacy is a concern, opt for frosted or textured glass. For added security, choose sidelights with tempered glass or laminated glass, both of which resist impact and prevent easy breakage. These features can provide peace of mind while keeping your entryway secure.
Balancing Style with Functionality
Sidelights should match the home’s architecture and style. A contemporary home may look best with minimalist, clear glass sidelights, while a classic or rustic home may benefit from stained or textured glass. Selecting sidelights that enhance both function and style can increase the overall value and appeal of your entryway.
5. Are Sidelights Worth the Investment?
Many homeowners find sidelights worth the investment due to the aesthetic, functional, and practical benefits they offer. By enhancing natural light, improving curb appeal, and creating a welcoming entrance, sidelights contribute to a home’s charm and value. They also give homeowners the flexibility to choose privacy levels, glass types, and styles that suit their unique preferences.
Conclusion
Sidelights door side windows serve multiple roles in a home, from brightening entryways to enhancing curb appeal and privacy. With the range of design options available, homeowners can find sidelights that perfectly match their style, energy efficiency needs, and privacy preferences. Whether you choose clear, frosted, or stained glass, sidelights provide an elegant, functional addition to any entryway.
