Adding a sidelight to your door is a simple way to upgrade the look of your home’s exterior. The sidelight must be mounted to the door’s hinge side for this to work, though, so a little more care is required. The swinging door cannot be secured to the wall studs under these conditions.
Front door sidelights: what are they?
Sidelights is a misleading name. Indeed, these door accents are typically vertical, narrow pieces that run down a door’s left and right sides. No, they typically don’t have any lights to illuminate the entrance. Rather, the term describes how these extensions to an exterior door typically consist of glass—in some cases, more than 50% glass—which lets more natural light into a living area.
Personal preference determines a sidelight’s glass content as well as its dimensions, shape, and composition. A sidelight’s glass can also be altered to provide more or less light, seclusion, or elaborate ornamentation.
Essential Items for Installing a Sidelight on a Door
Screws
2 1/2-inch screws for the top hinge
Trim screws for external jambs
Sidelight Dimensions
Sizes: 12″ to 15″
Width variations based on manufacturer
Materials Required
Tempered glass for sidelight glazing
Building wrap
Door sill protectors
Flashing materials
Tools Needed
Drill
Screwdriver
Measuring tape
Level
Utility knife
Safety glasses
Caulking gun
Steps to Prepare for Sidelight Installation
Measure the opening for accuracy.
Ensure the door is plumb and level.
Correctly install building wrap around the opening.
Protect the sill with suitable materials.
Flash the top of the door properly.
Watch instructional videos on door flashing for visual guidance.
Installation Tips
Use a temporary brace to hold the sidelight in place during installation.
Apply caulk generously around the edges to prevent moisture intrusion.
Inspect for any gaps after installation and fill them appropriately.
Illustration of Sidelight Installation
Step
Description
1
Measure the sidelight opening.
2
Install building wrap around the frame.
3
Position the sidelight next to the door.
4
Secure the sidelight with screws and verify level.
🛠 What Sidelights Are
Narrow vertical windows flanking your front door that:
Boost curb appeal
Flood entryways with natural light
Create a grander, more welcoming entrance
✨ Key Benefits
✅ More natural light – Brightens dark entryways ✅ Better visibility – See your porch/yard from inside ✅ Design upgrade – Makes your door look more expensive ✅ Matches glass doors – Extends the style of doors with built-in windows
📏 Standard Sidelight Sizes
Feature
Measurement
Width
12″-18″ per sidelight
Height
Same as your door (typically 80″)
Total width (with 36″ door)
48″-72″ (depending on 1 or 2 sidelights)
Typical Errors to Avoid When Selecting the Wrong Front Door Size:
To guarantee that your new front door will fit correctly, adhere to the detailed instructions provided above.
Ignoring the Door Swing Direction: When deciding whether your new door should swing from the left or the right, consider traffic movement.
Disregarding your HOA or building regulations: Before making changes to your entryway or buying a replacement door, always check with your local building department and HOA regulations.
Foregoing Quality: For insulating protection, your new front door should be made of premium materials and energy-efficient glass.
Mismatching Door Style and Home Aesthetic: Spend more time researching and selecting a front door that blends well with the colour scheme and architectural style of your house.
🏡 Design Options
Single sidelight (one side of door) – Asymmetrical modern look
Double sidelights (both sides) – Balanced, traditional appeal
Match glass style – Coordinate with your door’s windows (if any)
⚠ Trade-offs to Consider
Less privacy – More glass = more visibility inside
Security – Potential weak point vs solid walls
Energy efficiency – Proper seals/glass prevent drafts
💡 Pro Tips
For privacy: Use frosted or textured glass.
For security: Choose laminated or tempered glass.
For cold climates: Opt for insulated glass units (IGUs).
🧰 Who Should Get Them
✔ Homeowners wanting a brighter, high-end entryway ✔ Those with glass-panel doors (sidelights enhance the look) ✔ Anyone upgrading 1970s-90s solid-door entries
📌 Quick Facts
Sidelights make small entries feel larger.
They’re not just for fancy homes – even basic ranches benefit.
Total width matters – measure your porch space first!
*Example: A 36″ door + two 15″ sidelights = 66″ total width.*
Finding the Right Front Door with Sidelights: A Guide to Help You Choose
You may achieve higher curb appeal, let more light into your home, and receive an attractive welcome home every day by installing a front door with sidelights. This is an ideal approach to accomplish all of these goals. Due to the fact that entryways function as such a focal point in our homes, it is logical to conduct research and ensure that you are comfortable with your pick. At what point do you make the decision regarding the appearance of the entrance to your house?
Estate door and sidelites with leaded glass are included in the front door with sidelights package. In order to find the ideal entry door with sidelights, it is important to take into consideration the following factors, regardless of whether you are replacing an existing door or choosing on an entryway for a new home. In the event that you choose not to install sidelights, this article will still be of assistance to you in your search for a front door that is suitable for your house.
To begin, precisely what is meant by the term “front door with sidelights”? The sidelights of a door are small pieces that are often made of glass and are positioned to the side or sides of the door. This allows for the creation of a unique doorway by allowing for customization of their style, size, and glass alternatives. If you want more light, you can choose between a door that is solid or a door that also includes glass.
