Modern front doors with side panels are a smart way to make an entrance feel bigger, brighter and more welcoming. That slim strip of glazing beside the door pulls daylight into the hallway and gives the front of the house a bit of presence. Here are style ideas and practical tips to help you get the look right.
Why add a side panel?
A side panel, sometimes called a sidelight, is a fixed glazed section fitted next to the door within the same frame. It does two main jobs. It floods a often-dark hallway with natural light, and it makes a standard doorway look grander and more in proportion, especially on a wider opening. If your hall feels gloomy the moment you shut the door, a side panel is one of the simplest fixes.
Layout options
One side panel
A single panel to the left or right of the door is the classic look. It suits doorways with a bit of extra width and works on almost any house style. Put the panel on the side that faces the room you most want to light.
Two side panels
A panel either side of the door gives a symmetrical, formal entrance that looks smart on wider or more traditional properties. It brings in the most light but needs a generous opening.
Side panel plus fanlight
Adding a glazed fanlight above the door as well, sometimes an arched one, creates a real feature entrance. This works beautifully on Georgian and Victorian properties, of which York has plenty, where a fanlight over the door is part of the original style.
Glazing ideas
The glass is where you balance light against privacy.
- Obscure or frosted glass keeps the hallway private while still letting light through, ideal for a front that faces the street
- Clear glass maximises light and suits doors set back from the pavement or opening onto a private porch
- Decorative, leaded or stained glass adds character and suits period homes
- Toughened or laminated safety glass is sensible for security and is worth having near the lock
You can mix these, for example clear glass in the door and obscure glass in the side panel, to get the light without putting your hallway on show.
Matching the door style
Side panels work with almost any door, and the material choice shapes the look.
Composite doors
A composite door gives a solid, secure feel and comes in a huge range of colours and finishes, from bold modern shades to traditional woodgrain. Pair it with matching glazed side panels for a coordinated, contemporary entrance. Our composite doors in York page shows the range.
uPVC doors
uPVC is the budget-friendly route and still looks great with a side panel, especially in a coloured finish such as anthracite grey or a heritage shade. See our uPVC doors in York page for the options.
Whichever you choose, keeping the door and side panel in the same colour and glazing style gives the cleanest, most modern result.
Colour and finish ideas
Colour is where a side-panel entrance really comes to life:
- Anthracite grey is the go-to modern choice and pairs well with grey window frames
- Black looks sharp and contemporary, especially with clear or geometric glazing
- Deep green or blue adds character without being loud
- Classic white keeps it clean and timeless, and lets the glazing do the talking
Practical points to check
Before you settle on a design, a few things to bear in mind:
- Opening width: side panels need room, so measure how much space you have around the door
- Security: more glass means the lock, cylinder and safety glazing matter even more, so spec these well
- Privacy: choose the glass to suit how exposed your entrance is to the street
- Structure: widening an opening to fit a side panel may involve building work, so get it checked and priced
FAQs
What is a front door side panel?
A side panel, or sidelight, is a fixed glazed section fitted beside the front door within the same frame. It brings natural light into the hallway and makes the entrance look larger and more welcoming.
Do side panels make a front door less secure?
Not if specified properly. Use toughened or laminated safety glass, a good multi-point lock and an anti-snap cylinder, and keep any glass away from where it could be broken to reach a latch. A well-made door with side panels is very secure.
Can I add a side panel to an existing doorway?
Sometimes, if there is enough width. Often it means widening the opening, which can involve building work such as a new lintel. It is best assessed on site, so get the opening measured and the job priced.
What glass should I choose for privacy?
Obscure or frosted glass keeps the hallway private while still letting light through, which suits doors facing the street. You can combine obscure glass in the side panel with clear glass in the door if you prefer.
Want to see the full range of door styles, colours and side-panel options? Download our latest brochure, or request a free quote and we will pop out for a look.