skip to main content

Windows Design Dilemma entry

What would you do? Privacy that still looks good for front entry?

cara alyn interiors

3 years ago

What is your opinion? Our front entry door has 6-glass panes that are beautiful but allow anyone who comes to our door to pretty easily see into our entryway and even into our living room if they try. We would like to create more privacy, however 1) don't want to block all light and 2) want it to look aesthetically pleasing and keep with the classic + current vibe of our home.

Would you....

A) add a rod pocket shade that matches the side light shades?

B) Use some kind of window film?

C) Any other solution? I'm open to ideas. (Ex. A different storm door? A different kind of shade? If so, what kind / style?)

Thanks in advance for your opinions! I should be able to solve this but I'm stumped because I don't love the look of the two options I list above, but also we would like a bit more privacy.

Featured Answer

Mrs. S

3 years ago

If it were me, and budget allowed it, I'd replace the door and the sidelights with a solid door for safety reasons, and you can match the period of the house.

If that's not your concern, then how about just a roll-up shade mounted on the door to cover the glass, and then uncover it when you want the light. Or match the nice sheers you have.

I would NOT want anyone to see in through my front door, but maybe that's me, and certainly would depend on the neighborhood you live in.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

mmilos
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I would add rod pocket sheer to match your sidelights. I think the film will look cheap and funny. The sheers will give a consistent look.

You say you like the light, but since you have sidelights, you could replace the door with a full paneled wood door - which could still look very classic.
PRO
cara alyn interiors
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks! I'm leaning towards the rod pocket for the reason you said, but I want to make sure there's not an idea out there I'm not thinking of. I like the look of a full paneled door too, but our door is original to the 100 year old house and it's actually quite cool, I'd hate to get rid of it.
Related Discussions
What would look good/do well here?
Q
Comments (11)
Ooh, so many good ideas that would be great in terms of color and shape. As for caladium, we have tons of elephant ears that grow happily here but they're plain green and too much like the philodendron, but I'll look into smaller colorful ones. and turks cap looks terrific. I've never heard of crotons so I'm off to look them up. I forgot to mention that I have 3 early daylilies there that seem to do okay -- they blossom, though not much. I like the novelty ideas re art or benches, but this particular area isn't a good place for sitting, and Art Will Be Stolen. (I have a neighbor who had a potted tomato plants stolen from his yard, and another had a bench lifted from his open front porch. Sometimes it's a student prank, sometimes not, but we don't leave valuables near the road. Thank you all so much for the great ideas. Now I have a list to consider. (BTW, I realized that it was my zone info that was causing the per cent marks.)
...See More
Love my New Front Door, But It's Still Cold in Entryway
Q
Comments (4)
Thanks for your input. I don't yet have a shot from outside (we just got snow, and it's March!), but here is a pic from the inside. Door is so pretty. WindowsonWashington - the entryway does not have a porch. There is a stoop and a few steps. And I do remember the installer saying something about the new door unit being slightly smaller than the old door's opening. I think he also said that the Timberframe is harder to adjust for that than a wood frame, but I am not certain.
...See More
What kind of rug would look good in this entry?
Q
Comments (5)
maybe you could do a bench there a place to take off shoes or set stuff. or you could do a large canvas. I think you need to increase the size of the mirror over the table as well, perhaps circular shape to break it up a bit.
...See More
Do you think this chandelier would look good for my DR?
Q
Comments (7)
I like your last two. It’s really just personal preference — I don’t like the one in your OP because it looks like they started building the light, then at the last minute couldn’t find the style of shades/bulbs called for and tacked some on they got from a different chandelier. These last two fit your room well, I think. Out of them, I like the last one best. But again, it can only be your choice! We don’t live there. :)
...See More
suzyq53
3 years ago
Frosted film has come a long way. When applied correctly, it looks fine and allows light while obscuring the view in.
mmilos
3 years ago
I agree then. Keep the door.

You could also look for a privacy film that is applied to the sidelights and door.

Whatever you decide I would keep it consistent.

The sheers look nice and in keeping with a 100 year house.
PRO
cara alyn interiors
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you for the input! We do have the opportunity to get a new storm door - would you think a storm door with rain glass do the trick, or is this just adding another element of complexity to the design?
mmilos
3 years ago
Keep the storm door plain glass. You don't want to put a shower door in front of your old, nice wood door.
cara alyn interiors thanked mmilos
K Laurence
3 years ago
Our house has something even more open than yours, we leave them open but our front is walled & our house is contemporary & I’m not a curtain fan. . Some neighbors have opted for film, looks fine if done correctly.
PRO
cara alyn interiors
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes, I agree that if it were only the entry way a person could see, I wouldn't be so concerned. Thanks for your input!
Kim
3 years ago
Could you contact a glass company and see if they could replace the glass planes with privacy glass similar to these pics?
Transitional Cottage Home · More Info

Transitional Cottage Home · More Info
chloebud
3 years ago
Based on our experience, replacing the glass can be very pricey.
suzyq53
3 years ago
Another option that has not been mentioned is spray window frost. Very economical. Rustoleum has it.
wdccruise
3 years ago
Home Depot sells all sorts of decorative window films. They apply with water spray, no adhesive. If you applied one and later decided you didn't like it, you could remove it and try something else.
suedonim75
3 years ago
I'm with everyone else who said window film. It's inexpensive, looks good and is super easy to do.
PRO
cara alyn interiors
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for all your comments. For those saying window film, have you done this on beveled panes with success? I think that makes it more complicated?

Related Stories

ENTRYWAYS Put On a Good Face: Design Principles for Home Fronts

By Liz Miller Interiors

Set the right tone from the get-go with an entry that impresses and matches the overall design of your home

CURB APPEAL Entry Recipe: Warmth, Style and Privacy in Toronto

By Annie Thornton

A front porch dominated by wood and glass rises and pivots toward a side courtyard sheltered from street traffic

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 6 Front Yards That Balance Privacy With Curb Appeal

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

Selective screens, layered plantings and low walls boost privacy but still keep yards welcoming to neighbors

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Good Fences, Good Neighbors — and Good Views

By Carol Crotta

See-through vertical fencing connects a yard with its surroundings while keeping children and pets safely inside

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Simple Ways to Personalize Your Front Entry

By Kerryn Ramsey

Set a welcoming tone for your home with stylish updates to your doorway, pathway and porch

ENTRYWAYS Having a Design Moment: The Front Entry

By Becky Harris

Here are 10 ways to show off your personal style and help your home make a positive first impression

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Fresh Ideas for Good-Looking Wood Fences

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

There’s a wooden fence style for every garden, from horizontal boards to windowed designs and black painted panels

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Look Good From Any Angle (the Garden Edition)

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Does your garden pique interest from one vista but fall flat from another? These tips and case-study landscapes can help

BATHROOM DESIGN Here's (Not) Looking at Loo, Kid: 12 Toilet Privacy Options

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Make sharing a bathroom easier with screens, walls and double-duty barriers that offer a little more privacy for you

DOORS The Perfect Front Door for Your Entry

By Mitchell Parker

Learn about material and style choices, how to get a front door installed and how much it will cost

Sponsored

Navid's Construction Inc.

2 Reviews

Loudoun County's Boutique Residential Remodeling Company

More Discussions

Okna Windows pricing 2023

6

need help finding a new entry door and window system

9

Exterior folding glass walls / bi-fold doors

4

help needed with basement window trim

6

Window with opening on top and bottom?

6