What is a Sidelite?

Sidelites, or sometimes referred to as sidelights, appear often with front doors. But what are sidelites and do you need a sidelite for your home?  

Sidelite Definition 

A sidelite is a narrow, vertical window that sits to the side of an entry door. Sidelites often get built into the same frame assembly of the door and can appear on one side or both sides of a door. Sidelites typically serve decorative purposes but they’re a good way to add natural light to a home, too. 

Sidelite Benefits 

• Add More Natural Light: Especially if paired with a transom window 

• Add Personal Style: Sidelites have design flexibility so you can style them to fit your home. Adding details like divided lites heighten architectural appeal. You can also decide on having a sidelite on one side of an entry door or both sides. Plus, sidelites blend in with contemporary and traditional homes to make your entryway more of a focal point.

• Make Your Entry Seem Larger: Sidelites extend your front door to make it feel larger. The additional daylight that enters through the windows can create the impression of a bigger space, too, by illuminating the space more. White walls and mirrors can amplify the effect of natural light to make the area feel larger.

• Natural Light: Natural light has several benefits, like less reliance on artificial light. It also provides warmth and makes a space feel more welcoming.

• Better Views: Not only do sidelites bring natural light, they also extend outdoor views. Sidelites can help you peek outside to see if your package has arrived or to see who is approaching your front door.

• Privacy: You can maintain privacy with sidelites by choosing options like frosted or textured glass. Decorative glass still allows daylight to fill a space while preventing views into your home.

• Improved Aesthetics: Sidelites often appear on historic and traditional style homes because they add appeal. They also pair well in contemporary style homes for extra flair. A sidelite next to a large front door helps with symmetry while providing a view outside.

• Energy Efficiency: Dual-paned sidelites can help with a home’s energy efficiency because they’re insulated to help prevent any heat transfer from the outdoors and indoors.

Marvin Replacement proudly offers TruStile front doors with multiple sidelite configurations in complementary or matching door styles. 

• Direct-Set Sidelites—TruStile’s Direct-Set Sidelites maximize the available natural light. 

• One-Lite In-Sash Sidelites—one lite in-sash sidelites offer a classic look that can pair well with more traditional looking doors. 

• Complementary Sidelites—Complementary sidelites pair well with your front door for style continuity. 

• Matching Door Sidelites—Matching sidelites match your front door so it takes the guesswork out of figuring out sidelite styling.  

* Savings reflects installing ENERGY STAR certified products compared to non-certified when replacing single pane windows based on the average savings among homes in modeled cities. Actual savings will vary by product type, location, method of installation, individual home characteristics, local climate and conditions, utility rates, and other factors.

FAQs

What is the standard size of a sidelite?

The standard size of a sidelite typically ranges between 12 to 14 inches wide, but you can find a variety of sidelite sizes. Some homes feature narrow sidelites while others will extend wider. Sidelites usually match the height of a front door. Sidelite size can depend on whether you have one or two sidelites. Doors with flanking sidelites can have narrower sidelites than those with just one.

Can I add sidelites to my existing door?

Yes, you can add sidelites to an existing door. The area must meet construction requirements for a rough opening. A Marvin Replacement design consultant can help evaluate your entryway to determine if it’s possible to add a sidelite to your existing door.