Should you be in the market for a front door replacement and aim to enhance its visual appeal without compromising on thermal efficiency, sidelights are a commendable addition to consider. Numerous homeowners have chosen this design to elevate their home’s curb appeal and traditionally introduce a luminous element to dim entryways. We invite you to delve deeper into the advantages and choices available when selecting the ideal front door sidelight.
What are the benefits of having sidelights on a front door?
Sidelights, the narrow windows flanking either side of a front door, are more than just decorative elements. They offer a range of practical benefits that can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of an entryway. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages:
- Natural Light: One of the primary benefits of sidelights is the influx of natural light they allow into the entryway. They brighten up the space but also create a warm and welcoming ambiance. This is crucial in making your visitors feel welcome right after they take the first step into your home.
- Bigger Entryways: By visually extending the width of the door, sidelights give the illusion of a more spacious entryway, making it feel less confined. It adds to the whole entry’s appeal and perfectly matches more traditional homes. But it’s also frequently used by architects in modern construction.
- Better Views: These slender windows offer a clearer view of the outdoors, enabling residents to identify visitors before even opening the door.
- Privacy & Security: Sidelights can be customized with frosted or textured glass, ensuring privacy without compromising natural light. Additionally, their design can deter potential burglars, by making forced entry through the door more challenging.
- Improved Aesthetics: Beyond their functional benefits, sidelights significantly enhance a home’s curb appeal. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the front door, elevating its overall appearance.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern sidelights like those made by OKNOPLAST are equipped with insulated glass, which aids in regulating indoor temperatures. This feature can reduce heat loss during colder months and minimize heat gain during warmer ones, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency.
Now you know why so many homeowners consider adding sidelights to their front doors when looking for a suitable replacement. There is no doubt that sidelights are a convenient solution. Now, let’s talk about different customization options you should consider when looking for the right choice for your home.
Let’s talk about the size and shape of the front door sidelights
The most common shape of sidelights – rectangular
Rectangular sidelights are a supreme choice regarding the preferred shape for front doors. Their popularity stems from their versatility, seamlessly blending with many front door designs – no matter what type of material your front doors are made of (uPVC or Aluminum) rectangular shape is always a good choice.
Rectangular sidelights are aesthetically pleasing, providing a clean, classic appearance and practical advantages. Rectangular sidelights are straightforward to measure and install, making them a pragmatic choice for homeowners. While alternative shapes like arched or quarter-light square options exist, the rectangular design remains the predominant choice, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the front door.
Since different manufacturers create sidelights for their specific front doors, you should always consult the installation process with the door specialist or a manufacturer. Sometimes small disparities in measurement techniques can lead to trouble during the installation day.
Size and measurement
Sidelights cater to the most prevalent residential door sizes, notably the 6’8″ and 8’0″ doors. Their width can range from 8″, 9″, 10″, to as wide as 16″. To ensure a perfect fit, always measure from the outer edges of the frame.
While the rectangular design dominates the sidelight market due to its ease of measurement and installation, homeowners aren’t limited to this shape alone. Other intriguing designs include the “¼ light” and “¼ light square”, though the availability of these shapes might differ based on the manufacturer.
Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that sidelights come in various lengths. Depending on the manufacturer’s offerings and design preferences, you can opt for ½, ¾, or even full-length sidelights.
Glass options for sidelights
When it comes to sidelights, the choice of glass plays a pivotal role in determining your entryway’s look and functionality. With many options available, homeowners can tailor their sidelights to their needs and design preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the popular glass options:
| Glass Type | Description |
| Clear Glass | Offers maximum light penetration and an unobstructed view of the outdoors. |
| Frosted Glass | Provides privacy while still allowing light. Available in varying levels of opacity to match preferences. |
| Decorative Glass | Elevates the entryway’s aesthetics with designs like etched or stained patterns. |
| Textured Glass | Combines privacy with unique patterns such as ribbed or frosted designs. |
| Low-E Glass | Enhances energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, potentially lowering energy bills. |
The availability of these glass options might differ based on the manufacturer and the specific design. As with the installation and choosing the right size consulting with a door specialist or manufacturer is always a wise decision for a tailored recommendation. This ensures that your sidelights not only elevate the beauty of your home but also cater to your functional requirements.
Front doors that work best with sidelights – OKNOPLAST Elite System
If you are looking for front doors that fully support modern thermal insulation technologies and allow you to express yourself, consider one of our top aluminum front door lines. Introducing our Elite Door System.
Designed with precision and superior craftsmanship. With a robust thickness of 90 mm, this door features a 76 mm or 90 mm thick panel crafted from dual 3 mm aluminum sheets. Every inch is packed with high-grade insulating material, ensuring optimal thermal efficiency. Sized at a standard 1,200 x 2,250 mm, it boasts an impressive Ud-value as low as 0.69 [W/m²K]. For those seeking enhanced insulation, we offer the option to add thermal insulating inserts to the profile’s central space. Plus, our Elite doors are certified to RC2 and RC3 resistance classes for added peace of mind. Upgrade your space with a door that promises both elegance and security.
Contact our specialists; we will help you choose and install the perfect front doors with stunning-looking sidelights.
About the Author: Oknoplast Team
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