Front Doors with Sidelights: A Brighter, More Welcoming Entry for Canadian Homes

Your front door is more than just an entry point — it’s the first impression your home makes. Adding sidelights to a front door is one of the most effective ways to enhance curb appeal while also improving natural light and the overall feel of your entryway.

Front doors with sidelights combine function and design . From the outside, they create a welcoming, balanced façade. Inside, they brighten the foyer and help natural light travel deeper into the home — a significant benefit in Canadian houses where front entrances often have limited windows.

This guide explains what front doors with sidelights are, how different styles and materials perform, and what homeowners should consider when choosing the correct configuration.

Key Takeaways

• Front doors with sidelights significantly improve curb appeal and entryway brightness
• Sidelights let in natural light without sacrificing privacy.
• Fibreglass and steel doors offer strong energy efficiency and durability for Canadian climates.
• Single and double sidelights create very different visual and lighting effects.
• Glass type, hardware, and finishes allow homeowners to balance light, privacy, and style.

What Are Front Doors with Sidelights?

A front door with sidelights includes one or two vertical glass panels installed alongside the main door. These panels bring daylight into the entryway while visually framing the door, making the entrance feel wider and more inviting.

Because sidelights are part of the door system, they are designed to meet insulation and security requirements — unlike adding standalone windows near an entry. You gain natural light and architectural interest without compromising the structure or performance of your front entry.

Why Homeowners Choose Sidelights for Front Doors

Natural Light Where It’s Needed Most

Front foyers are often among the darkest areas of a home. Sidelights allow sunlight to enter without needing additional windows or skylights.

Result: a brighter, more welcoming entry — especially valuable during shorter winter days.

Stronger First Impression

From the street, the sidelights visually expand the front door, creating a balanced, upscale look. This can enhance curb appeal and contribute to long-term home value.

A Sense of Openness Without Feeling Exposed

Because sidelights are narrow and vertically oriented, they can be glazed for privacy while still allowing light to enter.

Design Styles: Finding the Right Look for Your Home

Front doors with sidelights work across architectural styles, from contemporary builds to classic homes.

Modern & Contemporary Designs

Modern front doors with sidelights typically feature:

• Clean, straight lines
• Full-height or near full-light glass
• Minimalist hardware
• Neutral or bold solid colours

Floor-to-ceiling sidelights are especially popular in modern Canadian homes, helping create a more open, connected feel at the entry.

Tony Wong, Project Manager , notes:
“Many homeowners are choosing wider doors and larger glass areas to make the entrance feel open and connected to the rest of the home.”

Traditional & Craftsman Styles

Traditional and craftsman-inspired designs often include:

• Raised or flat panel doors
• Decorative or divided-light glass
• Transoms above the door
• Grilles or classic hardware finishes

Modern vs. Traditional: Quick Comparison

Sidelights are flexible — they don’t force you into a specific aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Front Door Material

The door material affects insulation, durability, maintenance, and cost.

Popular Front Door Materials in Canada

Fiberglass

• Durable and low-maintenance
• Excellent insulation with foam core
• Can mimic real wood grain
• Available in smooth or stained finishes

Steel

• Strong and secure
• Often prehung for easier installation
• Insulated for energy efficiency
• Requires minimal upkeep

Wood

• Natural beauty and warmth
• Higher maintenance
• More sensitive to moisture and temperature changes

In Canada, wood doors require more ongoing maintenance to manage moisture and temperature changes.

Helen Sin, Consumer Success Manager , advises:
“Fibreglass and steel doors provide the best balance of durability, efficiency, and low maintenance for most Canadian homes.”

Material Comparison

For most climates and budgets, fibreglass or steel offers the best long-term value.

Single vs. Double Sidelights: Which Is Right for You?

Single Sidelight

• More common
  Single sidelights are the most popular option because they fit easily into existing entry layouts without significant structural changes.
• Adds light without overwhelming the entry
  A single glass panel brightens the foyer while keeping the front door as the main visual focal point.
• Works well in narrower foyers
  This configuration is ideal for smaller or tighter entryways where space is limited but natural light is still needed.

Double Sidelights

• Glass panels on both sides of the door
  Two sidelights create a symmetrical, balanced entrance that visually widens the front door area.
• Maximum brightness and openness
  With glass on both sides, significantly more daylight enters the home, making the entry feel larger and more open.
• Can be paired with transoms for a dramatic effect
  Adding a transom window above the door and sidelights enhances height and creates a grand, architectural statement.

Privacy note:
More glass may require privacy glazing or interior blinds — both are easy to integrate.

Personalizing Your Front Door with Sidelights

Customization options allow homeowners to balance light, privacy, and style.

Popular Enhancements

• Decorative glass: frosted, glue chip, bevelled, or patterned
• Grilles: classic or modern grid patterns
• Hardware finishes: black, stainless steel, brass, and more.
• Sidelight blinds: adjustable privacy without blocking light
• Kick plates: protection with visual contrast

You can design a front entry that’s genuinely unique without custom construction.

Balancing Light, Performance, and Budget

While front doors with sidelights cost more than a basic door, they often provide strong return on investment through improved appearance and comfort.

To manage cost:

• Choose fibreglass instead of wood
• Opt for clear or simple glass designs.
• Focus on performance upgrades, such as insulation and glazing, before decorative extras.

Elevating Your Home’s First Impression

Front doors with sidelights are one of the most effective ways to upgrade a home’s exterior while also improving interior comfort and light. With the right materials, glazing, and configuration, they offer a practical and visually striking solution for Canadian homes.

Whether you prefer a bold, modern entry or a warm, traditional look, sidelights let you create a front door system that feels open, welcoming, and built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions: Front Doors with Sidelights

What is a front door with a sidelight?

A front door with sidelight includes one or two glass panels installed beside the main door, allowing more natural light into the entryway.

What styles are available?

Both modern and traditional designs are available, with options ranging from minimalist glass to decorative grilles and transoms.

Are double doors with double sidelights possible?

Yes. Double doors with sidelights on both sides create a grand, bright entrance.

How can I maintain privacy?

Privacy glass, frosted designs, or interior blinds allow light in while limiting visibility.

What materials are best?

Fibreglass and steel are the most popular for their durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.

Can I fully customize my entry door?

Yes. Glass styles, finishes, hardware, and layout options allow for extensive personalization.