Do you know what a sidelight or a highlight is? When you are building or if you are remodelling always consider whether your front entry can entertain a sidelight or highlight. Sidelights are narrow, vertical windows installed on one or both sides of a door. They allow natural light to enter the entryway and can enhance the aesthetics of the door by providing balance and symmetry.
High lights, also known as transom windows, are horizontal windows installed above the door. They can be fixed or operable, allowing for ventilation if desired. Similar to sidelights, high lights let in natural light and can complement the design of the door and surrounding architecture.
What are the benefits of adding a sidelight or highlight?
They allow natural light to enter the entryway and can enhance the aesthetics of the door by providing balance and symmetry. Sidelights come in various sizes and shapes, and they can be clear or frosted glass, depending on the desired level of privacy.
Benefits of Sidelights:
- Natural Light: Sidelights increase the amount of natural light that enters the entryway, creating a brighter and more welcoming space.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Sidelights add visual interest and architectural detail to the exterior of the home, enhancing its curb appeal.
- Improved Security: While not a primary security feature, sidelights can make the entryway more visible from the exterior, deterring potential intruders.
Benefits of High Lights:
- Increased Natural Light: High lights allow even more natural light to enter the entryway, brightening the space and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
- Architectural Interest: Like sidelights, high lights add architectural interest and can help balance the proportions of the door, especially if it is tall or wide.
- Ventilation Options: If the high lights are operable, they can provide additional ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate through the entryway.
Styles?
Wood and fibreglass doors often offer the option of a sidelight if you have room to accommodate them. Some front entry doors have stained glass, or a design motif and the sidelights can be matched or coordinated with the inserts. Sidelights might be full length, meaning the glass runs the majority length of the door or they may feature glass that covers a section of the sidelight.
Custom Sidelights and Highlights
Another option is to just add clear or translucent glass sidelights or highlights to the overall frame. Adding one or two sidelights along with a highlight will dramatically transform a dim foyer into an inviting space. At Doors Apart our team will work with you to create custom sidelight designs, which can be tailored to your specific needs.
