Custom Front Entry Doors With Sidelights: Adding Drama and Natural Light

by | Dec 8, 2025 | Doors and Windows

The front entry door of a home serves as a visual anchor, setting the tone for the rest of the property. When designed thoughtfully, it can serve not only as a functional entryway but also as a striking architectural feature that enhances curb appeal and draws natural light into the home. Custom front entry doors with sidelights have become increasingly popular for homeowners looking to create a dramatic, welcoming entrance that seamlessly combines beauty and functionality.

In Phoenix, AZ, where the sun is abundant, integrating glass into the entryway can help bring in more light while maintaining privacy and security. Front doors with glass and sidelights offer a perfect solution, allowing natural light to flood the hallway or foyer without compromising the overall look of the home. When paired with custom design options, these doors can become a focal point that reflects the homeowner’s unique style and preferences.

What Are Front Entry Doors With Sidelights?

Front entry doors with sidelights are doors that incorporate narrow panels of glass on either side of the main door. These sidelights allow natural light to enter the entryway, brightening up the space without sacrificing privacy. Sidelights can be made from clear, frosted, or decorative glass, offering a range of options to suit the home’s design.

The beauty of custom front entry doors with sidelights lies in their versatility. Homeowners can choose from various configurations, including single sidelights on one side of the door or double sidelights on both sides. The size and shape of the sidelights can also be customized to match the proportions and style of the door, making it a perfect fit for any home.

These doors add visual interest to the entryway, creating a sense of openness and warmth. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, sidelights also help with ventilation and can provide a greater sense of space in smaller entryways. When customized with front doors with glass, the door can offer an elegant, open feel while still maintaining a sense of privacy and security.

For more information about custom front entry doors, homeowners can consult a trusted custom door company, like Anasazi Architectural Door, which offers expert craftsmanship and design.

How Do Sidelights Enhance Natural Light in the Home?

One of the primary reasons homeowners choose front entry doors with sidelights is the significant increase in natural light they provide. Sidelights are designed to complement the front door by allowing light to filter into the entryway, making it brighter and more inviting. This can help reduce the reliance on artificial lighting during the day and create a more energy-efficient space.

In Phoenix, where sunlight is abundant, homeowners can use front doors with glass and sidelights to take advantage of the natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere as soon as you enter the home. These doors are particularly useful for homes with darker hallways or entryways, as they help open up the space and create a more airy and expansive feel.

Additionally, sidelights can be customized to control the amount of light that enters the home. For example, frosted or etched glass options allow light to pass through while maintaining privacy, making them ideal for homeowners who want to brighten their space without exposing the interior to the outside world.

What Are the Design Options for Custom Front Entry Doors with Sidelights?

The design flexibility of custom front entry doors with sidelights is one of their biggest advantages. Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles, materials, and finishes to match their home’s overall aesthetic. Some popular design options include:

1. Glass Styles:

  • Clear Glass: Provides the most natural light and an open, airy feel.

  • Frosted Glass: Offers privacy while still allowing light to pass through.

  • Decorative Glass: Includes patterned or textured glass, adding style and privacy.

  • Leaded or Stained Glass: Adds an elegant, traditional look with colorful glasswork.


2. Wood and Material Choices:

  • Wood Species: Homeowners can choose from a range of wood options, including oak, mahogany, and walnut, for a traditional, warm look.

  • Fiberglass or Steel: For those seeking durability, energy efficiency, or a more modern design, fiberglass or steel doors can also be customized with sidelights.


3. Door Configuration:

  • Single Door with One Sidelight: A simple yet elegant option, offering light and openness without overpowering the space.

  • Double Doors with Sidelights: For a grand entrance, double doors with sidelights on either side make a bold statement and create a sense of symmetry.

  • Arched or Rectangular Shapes: Custom sidelights can be shaped to match the door’s design, whether it’s a traditional rectangular door or a more contemporary, arched style.


These design options allow homeowners to create a front entry door that perfectly complements the architecture and style of their home.

Why Should Homeowners Consider Custom Front Entry Doors with Sidelights?

Custom front entry doors with sidelights offer several key benefits that standard doors cannot match:

1. Enhanced Curb Appeal

Custom doors with sidelights make a lasting first impression, adding elegance and sophistication to the home’s exterior. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of the entryway and can dramatically increase a home’s curb appeal.

2. Increased Natural Light

The inclusion of sidelights allows for more natural light to enter the home, brightening up the entryway and improving the atmosphere inside.

3. Improved Security and Privacy

While sidelights offer additional light, they can also be designed with frosted or textured glass options to maintain privacy. Furthermore, custom doors can be fitted with high-quality locking systems to ensure security.

4. Energy Efficiency

By choosing energy-efficient glass options and quality materials, homeowners can improve the overall insulation of their home, leading to lower energy costs.

Create a Beautiful and Welcoming Entryway with Custom Front Doors

For homeowners in Phoenix looking to enhance their entryway with custom front entry doors with sidelights, the options are endless. Whether choosing traditional wood front entry doors or contemporary glass designs, custom doors provide the perfect balance of beauty, function, and performance.

A trusted custom door company like Anasazi Architectural Door can guide homeowners through the design process, helping them select the perfect door that matches their style and needs. With their expertise in custom door design, homeowners can create an entrance that not only welcomes guests but also adds lasting value to their home.

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