Up until I worked for Doorsan I had never considered what a door side panel was, my previous properties had not had a grand entrance configuration. Obviously I had seen sidelights, as they are called if glazed, on many front entrances but never put a name to them or particularly given them much thought. Having now been steeped into the world of timber doors I am enlightened to these interesting and sometimes very useful details of entrance design.
What is a sidelight?
A sidelight is a glazed panel (like a narrow door) used adjacent to an external or internal door, usually to create a visual highlight and to allow in additional light when for example, a solid door is fitted. Historically, narrow sidelights were used either side of a solid panelled door to create a grander entrance. In properties built in the early 20th century there are many examples of sidelights used singularly and installed on the side of the door without the handle or knob, for additional security. This singular use is not as necessary today due to more secure glazing and the availability of better locking systems.
External Sidelights
Doorsan Ltd offer a range of door sidelights designed specifically to compliment many of the external entrance door styles, allowing customers to create Grand Entrance, sets, which are very popular. Some existing properties have part stone or brick half sidepanels and many of our customers have removed the built structures to accommodate either double doors or a door with sidelights during a renovation project. If embarking on this type of entrance design then consideration needs to be given to the type of timber frame required for the door and sidelight. Refer to Kershaws Doors website via the external frame sections on Hardwood and Oak frame combinations and the Grand Entrance section for further ideas.
Internal Sidelights
Recent trends in interior design has created a demand for room dividers, bi-folding doors and along with this has been the increase in demand for French style doors with glazed sidelights and sidepanels which are either fixed or hinged for folding when necessary.
Doorsan have always supplied internal room dividers and external doors and sidelights. Recently we have extended our ranges of contemporary doors with matching sidelights for both external and internal applications. Take a look at the Tokyo and Mega styles for internal qualities and the external Mega and Patter 10 and Pattern 20 for external quality.
For Door Fitting ideas look at our Grand Entrance section and remember if you need further information do not hesitate to contact our sales team.