We just got a price for the same set up (front door 3/4 glass with pattern plus the 2 sidelights all in fiberglass woodgrain, etc.) from the Albany Door rep. Price is $6300. Much easier to digest than $16,000 from the Provia rep. Both include installation, stained aluminum wrap to match the door, etc. We did place the order with the Albany Door guy but now I have some reservations because I think Provia is probably higher quality door. I might put a hold on the order until I get another local Provia company rep here to get another quote on their product. I hate to do that to the Albany sales guy though since he was here for 3.5 hours!!

I have never used them but they are an accepted option. We usually call them a French sidelite. It is somewhat equivalent to that of a French door. Keep in mind that that option for a door will neither be as secure or as airtight as a fixed sidelite. They are helpful if the door in question is your primary pathway for getting items in and out of the home.

Why not a post a pic of your house and the door. BTW why blinds at all on a door unless the heat or UV rays are an issue? We have no clue as to your style but IMO you start taking apart something you better know how to put it back together .

What is your goal in covering up the sidelights? Privacy? Light/sun control? I'm another one who doesn't like plantation shutters! If privacy is your primary issue, have you considered having the glass etched with a pattern? There are artists who do this.