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Design Dilemma Home Decorating Windows

Clear glass in front door & sidelight?

4 years ago

My front door is ugly. We are going to paint it and we are also going to replace the glass panels in the door and sidelight.

There are all sorts of glass options (clear, frosted, beveled etc). We are removing the ornate stained glass and will install a new trim kit. We want something more up to date.

I want to maximize light. Is is wrong to install clear glass?

If someone wants to peer inside they see a set of stairs. They could peer in with our current glass too but it would be more difficult to see through properly.

Featured Answer

millworkman

4 years ago

Make certain you know the brand and exact size of the sandwich frame as 98% if the brands are not interchangeable and you do not really want to start cutting a steel door.

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Comments (7)

bpath
4 years ago
How close is your house to the street or sidewalk? What kind of traffic do you get?
User
4 years ago
I have clear glass in sidelights on both sides of my front door. I absolutely love the light that comes streaming in and there is no chance I will cover them.

If you walk around your house naked...then yeah, people who happen to be at the front door will get an eyeful. I've been know to peer around the corner before I make a quick dash. Ha ha. Only you will know if the thought of that bothers you.

Some people say the thought of clear glass makes them feel on display. I've never felt that way. People walking by aren't peering in. People who come to the door can obviously see in.....but I don't care. If you would care, then that tells you perhaps frosted glass is the better choice for you.
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I keep mine uncovered, as we live on several acres of land in the mountains here, but I have to admit that walking past them in my skivvies still gives me pause sometimes. If I lived in town, those glass sidelights would bother me. Would a frosted glass paint work, I wonder? Something that you could do yourself or hire a professional to do. With yours being leaded glass, I'd hate for you to ruin it with something permanent. I hope someone has a better idea for you. Lynn
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LOL! I get the willies knowing everyone can see in too. Okay, here's the thing. As much as I'd like to just change out the door and might very well end up doing it in the end, the "glass" in the doors is actually leaded crystal custom made by the original owner and they sparkle and look very beautiful. It would ruin the appearance of the doors by putting blinds or that sort of thing over them. Since posting last night, I checked out a drapery book and saw some very nice heavy drapes on rings that can easily be pulled to both sides. I don't have a lot of room on either side of the door so the sidelights would probably be partially covered even with the drapes open. If someone will give me a tip on how to insert a piccie into a message without having to switch to the gallery, I'll gladly scan it to show everyone. Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it!
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We don't have an updated elevation showing windows grids, garage door style or portico design. However, here is a basic elevation. Things to note that are not shown on this elevation: 1. The portico is slightly wider than shown here (about a foot wider - 11.5' wide) and will not have an arch. 2. The garage doors will be carriage style with windows at the top. 3. The windows on the right and the windows flanking the picture window on the left will have grids. Grid design is 2 across and 3 down (equal size). 4. The front door design has glass on the top half and will l likely have 2 over 2 grid design (equal size) Roof will be black and house will be white board and batten (lap siding will be eliminated). Windows are white. Front door will likely be navy. If we do sidelights, we can either paint navy like the door or keep them white. 6. House is a 1959 ranch in the SF bay area. 7. If we don't do sidelights, we could consider doing a dutch door. Weather is pretty nice here and we have low humidity so minimal bugs. I don't think we'd keep it open all the time but it might be a charming detail. Thanks, Julia
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I live in a 1976-1980 tract home development, maybe 1,000 homes on ~300 acres. About 75% of the homes have front door similar to yours, but with the window on one side. Including mine. Some have installed: drapes, window film, stained glass, mini blinds, wood blinds, bubble glass, and for the last 5+ years, wider doors, eliminating the side windows. Do you have a budget? I have seen the Sunday Comics and kraft paper used. I added bubble glass, a panel was ~$20, 40 years ago, probable less expensive today. A couple of years ago, I added wood blinds, ~$350. If your budget is Wall Mart Panels, either install to cover the floor of ceiling. If you go to the floor, your curtains will not cover the top, but that will allow light.
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decormyhomepls
4 years ago
I have a full glass door that is open all day until sundown. I love it. The amount of light it lets in is wonderful. I do live close to curb but no one looks in. And they wouldn’t see much unless they were right Up to door
iheartsix
4 years ago
We re-did our door and sidelight (8 lite) with baroque glass. If someone wants to stand and peer into our front entry, chances are we will see them first or if we’re not home our neighbors will see them. We love our front door...
blublublubly
Original Author
4 years ago
We live on a cul de sac so only local traffic.

To get to the front door a person needs to walk down a driveway about 1 car length long.
wdccruise
4 years ago
I like the clear glass proposal. It's nice to be able to see whose waiting at the door and to get the extra light through it. Remember, nobody is paying attention to what you're doing inside your house (The Spotlight Effect).

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