View Full Version : Privacy for front door sidelights
patfla06
08-03-2021, 02:33 PM
I need ideas for the front door sidelights that allow light during daytime and privacy at night. The sidelights are pretty so I don’t want to cover with privacy film.
Did you put something on yours that you like and, if so, what vendor did you use?
Thanks!!
davem4616
08-03-2021, 03:21 PM
there's a fellow at the Marion County Flea Market (it's in Summerfield or maybe Belleview off 441/27) that sells designs that can be applied to glass doors, shower doors, etc.....you pick out the design, or no design and he has it in a week
we put one on a full glass door once we enclosed the screened in porch
might be something you're interested in
retiredguy123
08-03-2021, 03:25 PM
Custom mini blinds
hotpotato
08-03-2021, 06:45 PM
Entrypoint by Perry in the La Plaza Grande Shopping Center..Lovely designs.
Boomer
08-03-2021, 07:03 PM
I like top down/bottom up custom cellular shades because you can open them for as much light as you like without uncovering the entire height of the window — so you can pick your own amount of privacy — all, none, or in-between.
I have used them on bigger windows and French doors up north, but I don’t know about sidelights. I would guess it could be done.
They have a cord on either side which, on a French door, can get in the way of the handle sometimes when opened. But you can flip the long side over the top of the shade to get it out of the way. I don’t know if that would be a problem on a sidelight.
I have had only the corded kind. I don’t know if all top down/bottom up cellulars are corded though. If so, that could be too many cords for a sidelight.
I like cellular shades because they sort of disappear to almost nothing when opened.
Boomer
JohnN
08-03-2021, 07:06 PM
Custom mini blinds
We got custom mini-blinds and I think they're perfect. Security/privacy when closed and plenty of view and light when open.
Villages Kahuna
08-04-2021, 05:03 AM
Perry’s Decorative Glass in La Plaza Grande. They’ve installed thousands of door, side light and overhead window treatments in The Villages. I’m sure they could come up with a design to meet your needs. They did our front door and side lights in a design which would meet your objectives perfectly.
sdeikenberry
08-04-2021, 05:46 AM
There’s a company right beside the golf cart parking lot Publix grocery store in Spanish Springs that does glass inserts for sidelights they can also put them on your door and they do a wonderful job.You can get designs frosted glass whatever you want.
Jean G
08-04-2021, 05:51 AM
“Wall paper for windows “
Use a basic one to still see your design but have privacy
Serendipatti
08-04-2021, 06:09 AM
I have a custom made white plantation shutter on my one sidelight.
Ritagoyer
08-04-2021, 06:15 AM
“Wall paper for windows “
Use a basic one to still see your design but have privacy
There are window films that you can get at hardware store that you can cut your self and put on the windows.
coconutmama
08-04-2021, 06:23 AM
Entrypoint by Perry in the La Plaza Grande Shopping Center..Lovely designs.
Another vote for Perry’s. We have their mini blinds on our front door side windows. They come with their own casings which attach over yours. No strings. Blinds are inside the glass. Can pull them all the way up to enjoy the design of your glass. We open them days & close at night for privacy.
Luggage
08-04-2021, 06:41 AM
Our side lights are plastic with designs already which pretty much blur out the front. However our sliders will have Klingon stencils you can buy at the markets which are more for safety to remind us the glass doors are there and the bonus are small ones if you have dogs or pets and you put in the bottom
Ckbarger2
08-04-2021, 06:58 AM
I need ideas for the front door sidelights that allow light during daytime and privacy at night. The sidelights are pretty so I don’t want to cover with privacy film.
Did you put something on yours that you like and, if so, what vendor did you use?
Thanks!!Give us a call! We are Blind Gallery and we can come by and show you some options. Call Kathryn today to schedule your free shop at home appointment!
239-206-1238
kendi
08-04-2021, 07:43 AM
I’m not a fan of shades and such on my side lights when not in use. It distracts from the beauty of the window. So I made a flat panel shade with loops on the top corners. Then I put small hooks on the top outside corners above the molding around the window to hang it on. I lay them over a hanger in closet when not in use. Hooks match the paint so are barely noticeable.
BigSteph
08-04-2021, 08:39 AM
I was having a hard time following this thread at first. I grew up a son of a general contractor and worked the trades as a helper in my teen years. I've been a DIY person ever since. I never knew these side panels were called sidelights/sidelites. I was fixated on actual lights on the side shining in.
Anyway, good to learn something new.
donnar216
08-04-2021, 10:02 AM
I need ideas for the front door sidelights that allow light during daytime and privacy at night. The sidelights are pretty so I don’t want to cover with privacy film.
Did you put something on yours that you like and, if so, what vendor did you use?
Thanks!!
I made small Roman shades that everyone seems to like. I’m not a professional but we can talk if you’d like. You can email me at donnar216@hotmail.com
nancyre
08-04-2021, 10:23 AM
see if ODL add on blinds are made in your size
Boomer
08-04-2021, 10:42 AM
I made small Roman shades that everyone seems to like. I’m not a professional but we can talk if you’d like. You can email me at donnar216@hotmail.com
Thank you for showing us the pictures. That is a practical solution and a beautiful, elegant look for sidelights.
butlerism
08-04-2021, 11:36 AM
Put clothes on.
lol
SUENRAN
08-04-2021, 02:23 PM
I made stained glass inserts for my sidelights. Used clear glass to let the light in but selected glass that was textured. Even put in a couple of small 1.5 inch x 1.5 inch diamonds that are clear so I can see who is at the door. The sidelights are even made to accept the frame! Looks great and something unique to you.
Bertram00
08-04-2021, 06:25 PM
I need ideas for the front door sidelights that allow light during daytime and privacy at night. The sidelights are pretty so I don’t want to cover with privacy film.
Did you put something on yours that you like and, if so, what vendor did you use?
Thanks!!
I'm a bit confused. It sounds like you already have sidelights with a design you don't want changed, but want a way to add privacy when you want to. If that's the issue, I would suggest looking into adding another pane onto them with the ability to flip on a low level electrical charge which makes the window opaque. I've seen it on TV but admit I know little else about it, whether it could be done, or cost. Here's a link I just found. Switchable Glass | Privacy Glass | Smartglass International (https://www.smartglassinternational.com/electric-switchable-glass/) Good luck finding what you're looking for.
DaleDivine
08-04-2021, 06:36 PM
Yes, Check out Perry's.
:welcome:
patfla06
08-04-2021, 11:59 PM
Thanks for all the great ideas!!
bruce213
08-06-2021, 01:01 PM
Google amazon wallpaper for windows.
Villageswimmer
08-06-2021, 05:23 PM
I made stained glass inserts for my sidelights. Used clear glass to let the light in but selected glass that was textured. Even put in a couple of small 1.5 inch x 1.5 inch diamonds that are clear so I can see who is at the door. The sidelights are even made to accept the frame! Looks great and something unique to you.
That sounds great. Could you please post a photo?
patfla06
08-11-2021, 02:43 PM
Perry’s Decorative Glass in La Plaza Grande. They’ve installed thousands of door, side light and overhead window treatments in The Villages. I’m sure they could come up with a design to meet your needs. They did our front door and side lights in a design which would meet your objectives perfectly.
Thanks for the reply. We are headed up there today.
batty444
08-20-2021, 07:20 AM
I purchased a custom made accordion pleated blind that I push up during the day and pull at night...works beautifully.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.