When it comes to making a great first impression, your front door is the star of the show. It’s the first thing guests notice and the last thing they see when they leave.
If you want to elevate your home’s curb appeal without a full-scale renovation, front doors with one sidelight are a stylish and practical choice.
They strike that perfect balance between beauty, light, and function—especially for entryways that can’t accommodate two sidelights.
Whether you’re updating your existing entry or designing a new one, here are 20 front door with one sidelight ideas that will inspire you to rethink your home’s welcome.
1. Classic Wood Door with Frosted Glass Sidelight
There’s something timeless about a solid wood door paired with a frosted glass sidelight. The frosted design provides privacy while still allowing soft, diffused light to brighten your entryway.
It’s ideal for traditional homes or those with cottage-style charm. Pair it with oil-rubbed bronze hardware for a warm, classic finish.
2. Modern Black Door with Clear Glass Sidelight
For a sleek and contemporary look, go with a black front door and a single clear glass sidelight. The contrast creates a bold, modern statement that looks great on white or gray exteriors. Plus, the clear glass lets in maximum natural light—perfect if your entryway tends to be dark.
3. Rustic Barn-Style Door with Vertical Sidelight
Bring rustic farmhouse vibes to your exterior with a barn-style wood door and a narrow vertical sidelight. Opt for reclaimed wood or a distressed finish for that lived-in, welcoming touch. This combo works especially well on country-style homes or cabins surrounded by greenery.
4. Arched Door with Matching Arched Sidelight
If your home leans Mediterranean, Tuscan, or Old-World European, an arched front door with an arched sidelight will make your entryway look effortlessly elegant. The curves add architectural softness and a sense of grandeur that rectangular doors simply can’t replicate.
5. Steel Door with Slimline Glass Sidelight
Industrial-style homes or urban lofts look incredible with steel front doors featuring a slimline sidelight. Go for matte black or gunmetal finishes, and consider reeded or fluted glass for added texture and privacy. It’s minimal, bold, and perfectly modern.
6. Craftsman Door with Leaded Glass Sidelight
Nothing says “character” like a Craftsman-style front door with a leaded glass sidelight. The geometric glass designs add artistic flair while maintaining that handcrafted, early-1900s charm. Match it with earthy exterior tones—like olive, taupe, or clay—for a cohesive aesthetic.
7. Painted Door with Contrasting Frame
Sometimes, the simplest design details have the biggest impact. Try painting your front door a bold color—like navy blue, sage green, or mustard yellow—and frame the one sidelight in crisp white or black trim. This contrast makes the entry pop and gives your home instant personality.
8. Fiberglass Door with Textured Sidelight
If you want low maintenance without sacrificing style, fiberglass doors are the way to go. Choose a model with a textured or patterned glass sidelight—like rain or pebble glass—to give your entry visual interest while keeping things practical and durable.
9. Mid-Century Modern Door with Offset Sidelight
Mid-century design fans, this one’s for you! Opt for a flat-panel door with horizontal glass inserts and an offset sidelight on one side. Use clean lines, warm wood tones, and minimalist hardware to channel that 1950s Palm Springs aesthetic.
10. Dutch Door with Half-Length Sidelight
A Dutch door paired with a half-length sidelight offers both charm and functionality. You can open the top half for ventilation or conversation while the sidelight keeps things bright and inviting. It’s a delightful combination for cottages, farmhouse-style homes, or anyone who loves a breezy, open feel.
11. Wrought Iron Detail with Narrow Sidelight
For a touch of Old-World elegance, consider a door with wrought iron scrollwork and a narrow sidelight. This design exudes luxury and pairs beautifully with stone or stucco exteriors. Add outdoor lanterns and wrought-iron railings for a cohesive, upscale look.
12. Double-Panel Door with Full-Height Sidelight
Want to make your entry feel grand without going for double doors? A double-panel front door with a full-height sidelight on one side achieves a similar sense of balance and scale. It feels expansive yet refined, especially with clear or lightly tinted glass.
13. Stained Wood Door with Etched Sidelight
An etched glass sidelight adds artistic flair to a classic stained wood door. Choose a custom pattern—like leaves, vines, or geometric motifs—to complement your home’s theme. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
14. Pivot Door with Full-Length Sidelight
If you’re after something truly statement-making, consider a pivot front door with a full-length sidelight. The pivot hinge gives your entry a sleek, architectural edge, while the glass sidelight enhances the openness and flow. Perfect for high-end modern homes.
15. Coastal-Style Door with Blue Tint Sidelight
Bring the breezy feel of the coast to your front entry with a white or seafoam-colored door paired with a blue-tinted sidelight. The subtle hue evokes calm ocean vibes and pairs beautifully with shiplap siding, beachy decor, and nautical light fixtures.
16. Red Front Door with Beveled Sidelight
Few things are as striking as a red front door. Pair it with a beveled glass sidelight to add sparkle and sophistication. The combination feels bold yet timeless—perfect for traditional homes that want a little extra flair.
17. Contemporary Wood Door with Vertical Slats
A modern wood door with vertical slats looks amazing alongside a minimalist glass sidelight. Choose warm tones like walnut or teak for a natural yet polished aesthetic. This design is ideal for suburban modern homes or those with mid-century roots.
18. Minimalist White Door with Frosted Strip Sidelight
If your design philosophy is “less is more,” a minimalist white door with a frosted strip sidelight will fit your style perfectly. It keeps things clean and simple while still inviting light into your foyer. Add sleek silver handles for a crisp, contemporary touch.
19. Vintage-Inspired Door with Decorative Sidelight Grille
For homes that love a hint of nostalgia, choose a vintage-style door and give the sidelight a decorative grille overlay. This could be wrought iron, wood lattice, or patterned metal. It adds character and helps your entryway stand out from cookie-cutter designs.
20. Glass Door with Patterned Sidelight
For the ultimate in light and openness, pair a full glass front door with a patterned sidelight. Whether you go with geometric prints, frosted stripes, or stained-glass accents, this combination turns your entry into an art piece. It’s perfect for modern homes that prioritize light and transparency.
Tips for Choosing the Right Front Door with One Sidelight
Now that you’ve seen some stunning ideas, let’s talk about how to choose the perfect combination for your home.
1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture
Match your door’s style to your home’s overall design. A Craftsman door might feel out of place on a modern home, just as a sleek steel door could clash with a colonial facade.
2. Think About Privacy
If your entry faces the street, you may want frosted, etched, or textured glass for your sidelight. For more secluded entries, clear glass can help you enjoy extra natural light.
3. Play with Color
Your front door color can completely transform your home’s look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold shades—deep navy, forest green, and even mustard yellow can make a big impact.
4. Don’t Forget Hardware
Handles, hinges, and knockers are the jewelry of your door. Choose finishes that complement your design—matte black for modern, brass for classic, or brushed nickel for transitional styles.
5. Focus on Proportions
A single sidelight works best when balanced visually with the door. If your door is wide, choose a slim sidelight; if it’s narrower, you can go a bit wider to maintain proportion.
6. Add Exterior Accents
Enhance your door and sidelight with complementary exterior touches—planters, lighting, house numbers, or a seasonal wreath. These small details bring your entryway to life.
Why Choose a Front Door with One Sidelight?
If you’re still debating between one sidelight, two, or none at all, here’s why the single-sidelight design might be your sweet spot:
- Perfect for smaller entryways – It adds light without taking up too much wall space.
- Balanced and modern – A single sidelight feels sleek and intentional, especially in contemporary homes.
- Energy-efficient – Less glass means better insulation and fewer drafts.
- More privacy – You can control where the glass is and how much light comes through.
- Budget-friendly – Generally more affordable than double sidelights or full glass entries.
Conclusion
Your front door isn’t just an entry point—it’s the face of your home. Choosing a front door with one sidelight lets you combine functionality, beauty, and personality in a single design statement. Whether you love the clean lines of modern styles, the cozy appeal of rustic designs, or the timeless charm of traditional craftsmanship, there’s an idea on this list that can transform your entryway into something truly special.
At the end of the day, it’s about creating a welcome that feels uniquely you. So take inspiration, play with colors, textures, and finishes, and craft a front entry that makes every homecoming feel a little more magical.