Sidelight Window Covering Ideas for Stunning Entryways

Front entryways make first impressions on everyone who walks up to your home, but front door window coverings are often the last thing most homeowners think about. At Alexander Blank Fabrics & Design, we beautifully decorated homes with bare sidelight glass or plain, sheer curtains covering their windows—and this leaves the interior open and vulnerable.

Don’t neglect those sidelight windows because you haven’t really considered them fully. We offer options to provide flexible coverage for sidelight windows to create a result you’ll love.

So What Are Sidelights, Exactly?

Sidelights are the narrow vertical windows that border a front door, French doors, or sliders on one or both sides. They’re designed to draw natural light into an entryway and give it an open, welcoming feel.

These openings are typically tall, slim, and non-standard in size, so they don't play well with generic window treatments. For example, curtain rods rarely fit the frames, and off-the-shelf blinds rarely look right. And while open views let in light, they also give clear sightlines to anyone walking up your path: neighbors, but also strangers like delivery drivers and solicitors.

So, Why Do Homeowners Stick With the Wrong Ideas for Sidelight Windows?

Since sidelights are smaller than standard windows, they often don’t get the attention they deserve. Homeowners might pick whatever's easiest: a sheer panel on a tension rod, adhesive frosted film, or nothing at all. Basic sheers are familiar and inexpensive but offer little privacy, while frosted film blocks light but has a less pleasing profile.

The best sidelight window treatments give you light and privacy control, without compromising style. Let’s look at two of our favorite front door sidelight window coverings that are the opposites of quick fixes.

Cover Your Front Door Sidelight with Shutters

Interior shutters are a natural fit for well-designed entryway sidelights. Shutters can be built into custom frames and fitted directly to uniquely-shaped openings. That means no gaps at the edges.

But shutter material matters near front doors, because of the humidity and temperature swings that come with some exterior entryways. That’s we offer custom Hunter Douglas shutters in three options:

• Heritance® Wood Shutters: Crafted from 100% sustainably sourced hardwood poplar or basswood, these custom-made shutters feature Truemill® dovetail construction for superior strength.
• Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters: Built for humidity-prone spaces and everyday use, these shutters are made from Hunter Douglas Polysatin™ vinyl material supported by interior aluminum bracing and resin blocks. They resist warping, cracking, fading, and moisture, backed by the Palm Beach Promise™ to never fail to the elements. Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters are able to be motorized shutters, compatible with PowerView® Automation.
• NewStyle® Composite Shutters: Combining the appealing appearance of painted wood with the toughness of vinyl, these shutters are beautifully suited for high-traffic areas. NewStyle® Composite Shutters also have Truemill® dovetail construction, but with a Finetech® finish that resists soil, dust, and common spills.

Duette® Cellular Shades: The Best Sidelight Window Treatments

Duette® Cellular Shades offer exceptional insulation and versatility, attributes that some say make them the best for sidelights and entryways. They have a honeycomb cell structure that creates an air-trapping barrier to buffer drafts and regulate room temperatures.

Low-Profile Metal Mini-Blinds for Sidelights

For homeowners who prefer a cleaner, more streamlined look, metal mini blinds can be another smart sidelight window covering idea. Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds are especially well suited to narrow glass because they keep a slim profile, resist moisture, and hold up well in busy areas near an entry door. These come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes for spaces that lean more modern, transitional, or understated than traditional homes.

We Can Show You Even More Front Door & Sidelight Window Coverings

Sidelights might be smaller windows, but they have proportionally larger effects on how entryways look and function. Our design experts will help you make the most of your sidelights— with the full line of Hunter Douglas window treatments to work with. 

Visit our showroom or contact us for a consultation in Lutherville-Timonium and the greater Baltimore Metro area to explore our range of custom window coverings and design options like upholstery, wall coverings, and more.