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How a Front Door with Sidelights Can Brighten and Beautify Your Home

Modern front door with sidelights

A front door with sidelights can completely transform your entryway, adding beauty, functionality, and even improving energy efficiency. It’s a smart and stylish choice for any homeowner looking to make a lasting impression.

Your front door is one of the first things guests and neighbors notice, and it plays a huge role in your home’s overall curb appeal. If you’re looking for a way to make your entryway feel more welcoming and stylish, a front door with sidelights is a great option. These narrow windows on either side of your sidelight door let in natural light, making your home feel brighter and more inviting as soon as someone steps inside.

But sidelights aren’t just about looks—they offer practical benefits too. By allowing more sunlight into your entryway, you can create a warm, airy atmosphere while enhancing your home’s exterior. Whether you’re after a sleek modern design or a classic, timeless look, Energy Home Improvements offers a wide range of styles and materials to perfectly match your home’s unique character.

What Are Front Doors with Sidelights?

A front door with sidelights features narrow vertical windows—called sidelights—on one or both sides of the door. These windows serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, allowing natural light to brighten your entryway while enhancing the overall appearance of your home.

Why Add Sidelights?

  • Increased Natural Light: Sidelights let in sunlight, making your entryway feel brighter and more welcoming.
  • Boosted Curb Appeal: They add an elegant touch that enhances the exterior look of your home.
  • More Spacious Feel: By allowing more light in, sidelights can make even smaller entryways feel larger and more open.

Benefits of Choosing a Front Door with Sidelights

Adding sidelights to your front door doesn’t just enhance the look of your home—it comes with several practical benefits that you’ll notice every day. Here’s how an exterior door with sidelights can make a real difference:

1. More Natural Light

If you love a bright, airy entryway, sidelights are a great addition. By allowing natural light to flow into your home, sidelights reduce the need for artificial lighting and make your space feel more welcoming. Whether you have one or two sidelights, the extra sunlight can instantly brighten up the area and make it feel more open.

2. Enhanced Curb Appeal

Your front door is a key element in your home’s curb appeal, and sidelights add that extra touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional style, sidelights can elevate your home’s appearance, making it more attractive to guests and potential buyers.

3. Increased Visual Space

Even if your entryway is on the smaller side, sidelights can make it feel larger and more spacious. The added glass gives the illusion of a bigger area while still maintaining a secure, stylish door. This makes sidelights perfect for homes that want a sense of openness without actually needing more space.

4. Customizable Design Options

Sidelights come in a variety of glass types and styles, so you can choose the right option to match your taste. Whether you prefer clear glass for maximum visibility, frosted glass for privacy, or something decorative, you can customize the look to fit your home perfectly.

Types of Sidelights

When choosing a front door with sidelights, you have several glass options to consider. The type of sidelight you choose can impact not only the look of your entryway but also the level of privacy and natural light you get. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options:

  • Clear Glass
    • Clear glass sidelights let in the maximum amount of natural light, making your entryway feel bright and open. If you want an unobstructed view outside, clear glass is a great choice. However, keep in mind that it offers little privacy, so it’s ideal if your front door faces a more private area.
  • Frosted or Textured Glass
    • If privacy is a concern, frosted or textured glass is a fantastic option. This type of glass still allows plenty of light to enter, but it obscures the view from the outside, giving you more privacy without sacrificing brightness. Frosted or textured glass comes in a variety of patterns and styles, so you can choose a design that fits your home’s aesthetic.
  • Stained Glass
    • For a more decorative and artistic look, stained glass sidelights add a beautiful touch of color and design to your entryway. This option is perfect if you want to make a statement and give your home a unique, personalized look. Stained glass also provides privacy while allowing some light to filter through.
  • Etched or Decorative Glass
    • Etched or decorative glass is another way to add style and privacy to your sidelights. With intricate designs or patterns etched into the glass, this option gives your door a distinctive look. It’s a great choice if you want something eye-catching that still lets in light without compromising privacy.

Material Choices for Front Doors with Sidelights

When choosing a front door with sidelights, the material you select can make a big difference in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and overall style. Below are two popular material choices that offer excellent performance for front doors with sidelights:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors are known for their durability and low maintenance. They can withstand harsh weather conditions without warping or cracking and are energy-efficient, helping you keep your home’s temperature consistent by preventing drafts. Fiberglass can also be customized to achieve a variety of looks and finishes.

  • Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance, energy-efficient.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than other materials, but offers long-term value through durability.

Steel

Steel doors provide exceptional strength and security. They’re highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions without warping or cracking. Steel doors also tend to be more energy-efficient, offering good insulation, and they require minimal maintenance. While steel lacks the texture of natural materials, it can be styled with modern finishes and colors.

  • Pros: Strong, secure, low maintenance, energy-efficient.
  • Cons: Prone to denting, and may not have the warmth or texture of other materials.

Design Considerations for Front Doors with Sidelights

Choosing the right design for your front door with sidelights is key to enhancing both your home’s curb appeal and its functionality. With so many styles available, it’s important to think about how your new door will blend with the overall look of your home. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

1. Match Your Home’s Architectural Style

Your front door should complement the overall architecture of your home. For example, if you have a modern or contemporary home, you might want to choose a sleek door design with simple, narrow sidelights. On the other hand, if your home is more traditional or craftsman-style, a door with decorative sidelights or stained glass might be a better fit.

  • Modern homes: Clean lines, minimalist sidelights, and neutral tones.
  • Traditional homes: Detailed designs, decorative glass, and rich, warm colors.

2. Choose the Right Sidelight Configuration

The layout of your sidelights plays a big role in the final look of your door. You can choose between single sidelights (one side) or double sidelights (both sides), depending on the size and style of your entryway.

  • Single Sidelights: Ideal for smaller spaces where you still want to add natural light.
  • Double Sidelights: Perfect for larger entryways, creating a grand and balanced look.

3. Color and Finish

The color of your door and sidelights can completely transform the appearance of your entryway. A bold, contrasting color will make your front door a focal point, while a more neutral tone can blend seamlessly with the rest of your exterior. Don’t forget to think about the hardware finish as well—details like the handle, hinges, and locks should complement the door’s design.

  • Bold colors: Red, navy, or yellow for a statement look.
  • Neutral tones: Black, gray, or white for a more subtle and timeless appearance.

4. Privacy and Glass Options

While sidelights allow natural light into your home, you may want to consider the level of privacy they provide. Clear glass lets in the most light but offers no privacy, while frosted, textured, or stained glass can provide privacy without sacrificing brightness.

  • Clear glass: Maximum light, but minimal privacy.
  • Frosted or textured glass: Adds privacy while still allowing natural light in.
  • Stained glass: Adds a decorative, artistic element while also offering privacy.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Front Doors with Sidelights

Once you’ve chosen the perfect front door with sidelights, making sure it’s installed correctly and well-maintained is essential to ensure long-lasting beauty and functionality. Here are some important tips to help you get the most out of your new door.

Professional Installation is Key

Installing a front door with sidelights requires precision to ensure everything fits properly and functions as it should. Poor installation can lead to issues with insulation, security, and even the door’s alignment over time. That’s why it’s always a good idea to hire a professional like Energy Home Improvements to handle the installation. A well-installed door not only looks great but also helps prevent drafts and ensures your home stays energy-efficient.

Weatherproofing and Insulation

To maintain energy efficiency, it’s important that your door and sidelights are properly sealed. Weatherstripping around the door and sidelights can prevent drafts, keeping your home comfortable and helping reduce energy costs. Make sure your installer checks for any gaps or leaks around the frame.

  • Tip: Regularly inspect the weatherstripping and seals to ensure they remain intact and replace them if necessary.

Cleaning the Glass and Frame

Sidelights let in beautiful natural light, but they can also collect dust and dirt over time. To keep them looking their best, clean the glass regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner. For textured or frosted glass, be sure to use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Additionally, don’t forget to clean the door frame to maintain its appearance and prevent any buildup of grime.

  • Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish of your door or sidelights.

Routine Maintenance for Longevity

Just like any part of your home, your front door and sidelights will benefit from routine maintenance. Inspect the door’s hardware—such as hinges, locks, and handles—at least once a year to ensure they’re working smoothly. Lubricate moving parts to prevent them from rusting or sticking.

  • Tip: If your door experiences harsh weather, like heavy rain or snow, consider resealing the door’s finish periodically to keep it looking new and protected.

Check for Signs of Wear

Over time, doors can show signs of wear, especially if they’re exposed to extreme weather conditions. Check the door and sidelights for any warping, cracks, or damage to the frame, glass, or seals. Addressing small issues early on can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road.

Cost and Budgeting for Front Doors with Sidelights

Upgrading your front door with an exterior door with sidelights is an investment in both your home’s appearance and its functionality. But like any home improvement project, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can plan your budget effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect and some tips to help you make the most of your investment.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The price of a front door with sidelights can vary depending on several factors, including the material, size, and customization options you choose. Here are a few key elements that will influence the overall cost:

  • Material: Fiberglass and steel doors are common choices, with steel generally being more affordable. Fiberglass doors can be more expensive but offer durability and energy efficiency.
  • Glass Options: The type of glass used in your sidelights—whether clear, frosted, stained, or decorative—can impact the cost. Custom glass designs will typically add to the price.
  • Size and Configuration: A door with double sidelights (windows on both sides) will cost more than a door with a single sidelight. Larger doors or unique designs may also increase costs.
  • Installation Costs: Professional installation is crucial for a front door with sidelights to ensure proper fitting and insulation. Installation fees can vary based on the complexity of the job and the location.

Exclusive Offers from Energy Home Improvements

At Energy Home Improvements, we provide some of the best prices around, offering 45% off market value on all front doors with sidelights. Plus, we offer special financing options, including No Interest, No Payments for 12 months or 0% Interest for 72 months, making it easier for you to fit this project into your budget.

Average Price Range

On average, a front door with sidelights can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on your choices. For higher-end materials like fiberglass with decorative glass sidelights, prices can reach $5,000 or higher. Steel doors with simpler sidelights tend to fall on the more affordable end of the spectrum.

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings

While it might seem like a big investment upfront, choosing energy-efficient materials and insulated glass can save you money in the long run. By preventing drafts and helping maintain your home’s temperature, you could see a reduction in your energy bills over time, which can offset the initial cost.

Budgeting Tips

  • Set Priorities: Decide what features matter most to you, whether it’s energy efficiency, durability, or aesthetic appeal. This will help you determine where to invest more of your budget.
  • Look for Rebates: Depending on your location, you might be eligible for rebates or incentives when you choose energy-efficient doors and sidelights. Be sure to check local programs for any potential savings.
  • Balance Style and Function: You don’t have to sacrifice style to stay within budget. At Energy Home Improvements, we offer a variety of doors that balance both beauty and practicality, so you can find a solution that fits your home and your budget.

By considering these factors and planning ahead, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful front door with sidelights without breaking the bank.

Investing in a front door with sidelights is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance the curb appeal, functionality, and overall feel of your home. Not only do sidelights allow natural light to brighten your entryway, but they also add a touch of elegance and charm that can transform the look of your home’s exterior.

With the variety of materials, glass options, and styles available, you can find the perfect combination that fits both your aesthetic preferences and your home’s architectural style. Whether you prioritize energy efficiency, privacy, or creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, sidelights are a smart addition to your entryway.

At Energy Home Improvements, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your home. With 45% off market value and special financing options like No Interest, No Payments for 12 months or 0% Interest for 72 months, upgrading your home with a front door and sidelights has never been easier or more affordable. Let us help you find the perfect solution to brighten your home and give it the upgrade it deserves.Ready to transform your Utah home with a beautiful, energy-efficient front door with sidelights? Contact Energy Home Improvements today to learn more about our services and the Utah door replacement rebate. Schedule your free consultation by clicking here or calling us directly at (801) 675-8723.

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