“Not only do custom transoms and sidelights bordering a home’s front door significantly enhance a home’s front entry, but they also help filter a substantial amount of sunlight into the home as well as improve a home’s curb appeal,” said Gabe Schmidt, an Exterior Sales Product Specialist with Callen. “Incorporating a transom and/or sidelights to your home’s front door helps add style and intrigue to your home’s exterior, giving your entryway a grander and more luxurious appearance.”
When it comes to selecting a transom and sidelights, there are various configurations to consider, from glass designs and types to shapes and grilles.
To clarify, a transom is a fixed piece of horizontal glass that is situated directly above a front entry door, which helps to give the front door additional height. Conversely, sidelights are fixed pieces of vertical glass that are positioned adjacent to the front door’s left and/or right side. Sidelights are ideal for filtering additional light into the home without compromising on privacy.
The main design configurations of transoms and sidelights, according to ProVia, a leading manufacturer of professional-class entry doors, include…
- a sidelight located to the left or right of the door without a transom.
- a sidelight on both sides of the door without a transom.
- a transom over the door without any sidelights.
- a transom and one sidelight on either the left or right side of the door.
- a transom with two sidelights – one on each side of the door.
“This type of flexibility gives homeowners the opportunity to choose the style they prefer and what best complements the space they have to work with in addition to their home’s architectural style,” Gabe said. “The highly versatile nature of transoms and sidelights means they can be customized to enhance any type of front door and home design style, whether your home is classified as a Cape Cod, Colonial, contemporary, or something in between.”
As for glass types, many homeowners opt for decorative or patterned glass styles, such as stained glass, beveled glass, leaded glass, or crystals. “Not only do these glass types add texture to your home and are beautiful to look at, but they also obscure the view into your home,” he said. “In other words, decorative glass allows plenty of light to shine through it, while providing privacy at the same time.” For those that wish to maximize the amount of natural light that fills their home’s entryway, clear glass is another option.
“In terms of shape, transoms are typically rectangular or arched, either featuring a rounder top or being more elliptical in nature, while rectangular sidelights are standard,” said Gabe.
Grilles made from wood, vinyl, or even metal, can be affixed to the outside or inside of a glass pane of a transom or sidelight. “Grilles that reside inside the glass pane are better protected from the elements and normal wear and tear,” Gabe said. “Moreover, grilles can be customized to match all types of home exteriors and front door entryways. For instance, they can be stained any color and arranged in virtually any type of pattern. Since grilles are considered a purely aesthetic choice, the decision on whether to incorporate them should be solely based on personal preference.”
Transoms and sidelights are a unique way to further personalize your front entryway, as they have the power to positively influence your visitors’ first impressions of your home. “Not only are transoms and sidelights aesthetically pleasing, but they also invite light inside your home as well as add value to your home,” said Gabe. “Although customization is paramount when it comes to creating a stunning front entryway for your home, it’s also important to achieve a cohesive look in accordance with the design and architectural style of the home’s exterior. The most effective way to achieve this is to contact a professional remodeling company that specializes in home entry doors.”
For more information or to arrange an initial Design Center consultation, call Callen at 414-529-5509 or visit CallCallen.com.
