Remove Sidelights from Your Glass Entryway Door

Front door sidelights—those narrow vertical windows flanking your main entry door—are a common architectural feature. While they are intended to bathe your foyer in natural light and add aesthetic appeal, many homeowners find them problematic. Whether your concerns are about privacy, security, energy efficiency, or simply an outdated style, you’ve probably wondered how to get rid of the sidelights on your front door.

The good news is you have several options, ranging from simple, budget-friendly fixes to a complete entryway transformation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the reasons you might want a change and provide detailed solutions to reclaim your entryway.

Why Homeowners Are Ditching Their Front Door Sidelights

Before diving into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Understanding the common pain points associated with sidelights can help you choose the best solution for your home. Many homeowners feel their sidelights create more problems than they solve.

Privacy is often the number one concern. Clear glass sidelights can offer an unobstructed view into your home, leaving you feeling exposed to anyone who approaches your door. This lack of privacy can be especially uncomfortable in the evenings when interior lights make it easy to see inside.

The Security and Energy Dilemma

Security is another significant issue. A pane of glass next to your door lock can be a vulnerability. An intruder could potentially break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door from the inside. While modern sidelights often use tempered or reinforced glass, the perceived risk remains a major drawback for many.

Energy efficiency is also a factor. Older, single-pane sidelights are notorious for heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, leading to higher energy bills. Even modern double-pane units may not offer the same insulating properties as a solid, well-insulated wall, which can impact your home’s overall thermal performance.

Full-Scale Removal: A Permanent Solution

For those who want to completely eliminate their sidelights, the most definitive solution is to remove the entire door unit and reframe the opening. This is a significant renovation project that typically requires a professional contractor, but it offers a complete transformation of your entryway.

The process involves tearing out the existing door, sidelights, and frame as a single unit. Once removed, a carpenter will frame in the openings where the sidelights were, effectively reducing the overall width of the rough opening to accommodate a new, standard-sized door. This is an extensive project that involves both interior and exterior work, including drywall, siding, and trim.

Upgrading to a Wider or Double Door

Alternatively, you can use the existing wide opening to your advantage by installing a larger, more impressive door. An oversized single door can create a grand, modern entrance. Another popular option is to replace the door and sidelights with a set of double doors. This not only solves the sidelight problem but also adds a touch of elegance and makes moving large furniture much easier.

Replacing the entire unit is the most expensive and labor-intensive option. Costs for a new pre-hung door with sidelights can range from $1,500 to over $4,000, depending on the materials and design. The complete removal and reframing process will add significant labor costs to the final price.

Less Invasive Solutions: Covering and Obscuring Sidelights

If a full-scale renovation isn’t in your budget or timeline, there are many effective ways to address the downsides of sidelights without removing them. These methods focus on covering or obscuring the glass to enhance privacy and security while retaining the existing structure.

These solutions are perfect for DIYers and can often be completed in a single weekend. They offer a great balance of affordability, ease of installation, and immediate results. You can dramatically change the look and feel of your entryway without the dust and disruption of a major construction project.

Window Films: The Quick and Easy Fix

Window privacy film is one of the most popular and cost-effective solutions. Available in a vast array of styles, including frosted, etched, stained glass, and mirrored finishes, these films adhere directly to the glass. Frosted or decorative films obscure the view into your home while still allowing natural light to filter through.

Application is a simple DIY project. You just need to clean the glass thoroughly, cut the film to size, and apply it using a squeegee and a soapy water solution. It’s a forgiving process, as the film can be repositioned until it’s perfect. For a few simple steps, you could learn how to cut toilet shims, which might come in handy for other home projects requiring precision.

Curtains, Shades, and Blinds

Another excellent option is to install window treatments specifically designed for sidelights. Sidelight curtains, cellular shades, and mini blinds offer adjustable privacy and light control. You can open them to let in light and enjoy the view, or close them for complete privacy.

Magnetic curtain rods or tension rods are easy to install on metal or wood door frames without drilling holes. For a more permanent and polished look, custom-fit blinds or shutters can be professionally installed. These options provide a sophisticated appearance and are highly functional.

Creative and DIY Alternatives

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, there are several creative ways to deal with unwanted sidelights. These projects allow for more personalization and can be tailored to match your specific home decor style. They can also be very budget-friendly.

From simple paint applications to building custom panels, these DIY solutions empower you to solve the problem yourself. Before starting a larger renovation, consider if a smaller-scale project like understanding why your fireplace ash pit has no cleanout door could build your confidence for bigger tasks.

Painting the Glass or Building Inserts

A simple yet effective method is to paint the interior side of the glass. Using glass paint or a high-quality primer followed by your interior trim color can completely block the view. For a less permanent option, you could create removable panels.

These inserts can be crafted from thin plywood or beadboard, cut to the exact size of the glass, and painted or upholstered to match your decor. They can be held in place with small clips or Velcro, allowing you to remove them if you decide you want the light back. This approach also adds a layer of insulation.

Solution	Estimated Cost	Difficulty Level	Key Benefits
Complete Removal & Reframing	$2,000 – $7,000+	Professional	Permanent solution, maximum security, improved aesthetics.
Install Double Doors	$2,500 – $8,000+	Professional	Grand entrance, increased functionality, modern look.
Privacy Window Film	$20 – $100	DIY (Easy)	Affordable, easy to install, maintains natural light.
Sidelight Curtains/Blinds	$50 – $300	DIY (Easy-Moderate)	Adjustable privacy, adds soft texture, various styles.
Replace Sidelight Glass	$300 – $1,000+	Professional	Enhanced privacy, updated look, retains light.
DIY Painted Panels	$30 – $80	DIY (Easy)	Highly customizable, inexpensive, adds insulation.

Replacing the Sidelight Glass Itself

If your main goal is to improve privacy and update the style without losing natural light, consider replacing the glass panels. You can swap out the plain, clear glass for something with more character and obscurity. This is a great middle-ground solution.

Frosted, textured, or decorative glass panels are excellent choices. They obstruct the view while beautifully diffusing the light that enters your foyer. This can be a more involved project than applying film, often requiring a professional to ensure a proper fit and seal, but the results are permanent and high-quality.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Ultimately, the best way to get rid of your front door sidelights depends on your budget, timeline, and primary motivations. If security and a modern aesthetic are your top priorities and you’re planning a larger renovation, a complete removal and replacement might be the ideal path. Thinking about other significant home changes? You might even wonder, can you lower a fireplace box, as you plan your dream entryway.

For those seeking a quick, affordable, and effective fix for privacy concerns, window films and custom blinds offer fantastic value and immediate results. By carefully considering your needs and exploring these options, you can transform your entryway into a space that is secure, private, and perfectly aligned with your personal style.