Door with left sidelight

What are doors with sidelights, and why should you consider purchasing them?

Among the options for modern front doors, one of the most appealing choices is doors featuring so-called sidelights. These designs are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary architecture, mainly because they combine unique aesthetic appeal with practicality. They perfectly complement building designs that emphasize large glass surfaces. What are the advantages of doors with sidelights, and can they be incorporated into any style of interior or exterior design? In our brief guide, we highlight the benefits of installing doors with sidelights and explain the concept of their energy efficiency.

Definition and design of doors with sidelights

Glass door panels allow some natural light to enter the entry hallway, but additional lighting is usually necessary regardless of the time of day. However, if there is a technical option to design the entrance differently from the standard plan, it’s worth considering. It’s important to make this decision before finalizing the plans and starting construction, as installing such doors requires a larger door opening, which must be accounted for early in the building process. Structurally, entrance doors with sidelights are essentially traditional door panels surrounded by larger glazed areas. Sidelights—decorative windows set within frames—are positioned alongside the door panel, unlike doors with integrated glazing. Their arrangement is important, as there are several possible configurations, including fixed or operable sidelights that can be opened or remain stationary.

Different types of doors with sidelights and their uses

The most popular options include doors with a top glass panel or entrance doors featuring one or two sidelights on either side, arranged symmetrically. There are also configurations combining, for example, a single side sidelight with a top sidelight, creating an appealing visual effect. In total, between one and three sidelights can be used, and door manufacturers offer various layout options and different sizes of sidelights in their catalogs. Regardless of the chosen arrangement, every door with sidelights consists of a frame and glass infill available in multiple designs. Depending on the customer’s preferences, sidelights can be installed on one side, both sides, above, or alongside the door panel, allowing for flexible combinations limited only by the size of the door opening. Side sidelights match the height of the entrance door, while top sidelights have the same width as the door.

Advantages of Having Doors with Sidelights

The overall effect achieved after installation makes the entrance door appear taller and more spacious, while the vestibule interior feels brighter and cozier. These visual enhancements, provided by doors with top or side sidelights, are among the key benefits of choosing this design. Typically, this solution is used for exterior doors located in less sunny areas, such as those facing north. This approach allows for maximum use of natural daylight, making entryways more functional. From an aesthetic perspective, the most important component is the glass unit, which ensures optimal thermal and acoustic insulation. A common choice is security glass, which enhances safety by creating a barrier that is difficult to break or force open, effectively deterring potential intruders.

How Do Doors with Sidelights Enhance a Home’s Energy Efficiency?

Getting ready to leave the house, searching for shoes or outerwear, and smiling at your reflection – all these daily activities can be enjoyed in the presence of natural light instead of relying on artificial lighting every time. This directly contributes to energy savings, as having natural daylight available eliminates the need to turn on electric lights during the day. A common concern is the airtightness and insulation properties of doors with sidelights. However, just as window manufacturers have successfully developed triple-glazed windows, modern glazing used in sidelights follows the same standards. Top door manufacturers make every effort to provide the right glazing package, ensuring the entire structure offers excellent thermal insulation. This means valuable heat won’t escape your home during winter, and in summer, the risk of rooms overheating will be greatly reduced.

The Aesthetic Benefits of Doors with Sidelights – How Do They Enhance Interior Design?

There’s no doubt that upper and side sidelights in entrance doors are both practical and visually appealing. Typically, the door panel and the sidelight frames are made from the same material, featuring matching texture and color. This consistency creates a harmonious overall look that pleases homeowners and impresses guests. The mere presence of sidelights enhances the appearance of a building, both inside and out, while glass panels with various patterns and decorations add a distinctive character. Choosing to install doors with sidelights brings multiple benefits that will be appreciated for years to come.

However, it’s worth considering whether doors with sidelights have any drawbacks. One should be prepared for a higher price compared to standard door panels and potential installation limitations in older buildings. If enlarging the existing door opening is technically challenging or requires significant structural modifications, it might be best to forgo sidelights. In all other cases, they are an excellent choice—especially in hallways or entryways without windows—brightening up what would otherwise be dark spaces and creating a welcoming atmosphere.