A Guide to Entry Door Window Design for House Upgrades
Like doors, entry windows can add instant curb appeal to a home. Windows are inviting, opening up the exterior of your home and maximizing the amount of natural light inside.
And when making first impressions, the front of your home, along with its door and entryway, are the first things people notice.
But an entryway is more than just a door. By adding windows to any entryway in your home, you can increase natural light, enhance views of the outdoors, and complement the architectural character of your home.
So consider brightening up your entry with these window ideas.
Ways to Add Appeal to Your Windows
Big Window Views
Floor-to-ceiling windows, also known as glass window walls, make the most of natural light and views of the outdoors.
You can have unobstructed views with glass doors and massive fixed windows. Or, you can create a unified look with French doors flanked by matching full-length windows and glass-filled gables.
Gorgeous Grids
For visual texture in your entry windows, consider window grids, similar to those seen on French doors.
Shutters
Shutters on your entryway windows provide both light and privacy when you need it. They also help frame doors and entryways while adding character to your home.
Like shutters, there are various window treatment options for entryways to suit both the interior and exterior décor.
Sidelight & Transoms
Sidelight windows frame doors and provide ample light in entryways. Sidelights can be the full length of the door, half-height, or partial-height depending on the size of the home.
Consider painting the trim of your sidelights the same colour as the door. Matching the sidelights with the door will make these windows look like they are extensions of the door, which will help to make the entryway appear wider.
You can add a window above the door as well, such as an arched topper window or transom commonly seen in the entryways of Victorian homes.
Boost Your Curb Appeal
Finding the right window placement will complement your home and entryway while also boosting curb appeal. Depending on the architectural style of your home, you can have windows flanking your door, above your door, or high up near the roof of your home, such as dormer windows that help add height and light to your home’s interior.
Distinctive Windows with Shapes and Forms
Make a statement with unique windows in your entryway. Unique window ideas include:
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- Windows that are shaped to fill gables and follow the roofline—e.g., curved or triangular
- Skylight windows in place of roof shingles
- Awning windows
- Clerestory windows—windows placed high on the wall, drawing the eye upward, and increasing the perceived space in the home
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Dramatic Windows with Unusual Shapes
Windows come in many shapes, with some being works of art, e.g., with decorative grillwork.
Here is a sample of some of the window shapes available to you:
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- Circular
- Semi-circular
- Oval
- Arched top
- Square
- Rectangular
- Diamond
- Quatrefoil
- Keyhole
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Consider repeating shapes throughout the entryway to add continuity and interest.
Or, consider a combination of window shapes and custom windows to add character to your home and complement its architectural style.
Muntins
Muntins are narrow (often white) strips that divide windows into multiple panes—for example, muntins can create the square grid pattern found on French doors. But muntins don’t necessarily have to be square. There are many designs that can be made with muntins, such as curved diamonds.
No matter the size of your windows, you can create visual harmony by using the same muntins consistently throughout the windows of your entryway.
Stained-Glass Windows
Stained-glass windows will add character and elegance to your entryway, along with natural light, while still maintaining privacy. These types of windows are also an excellent way to bring in some colour to an otherwise neutral entryway.
Focus on the Interior
Curb appeal shouldn’t be the only thing on your mind. It’s also important to consider how your entryway windows will look from both the inside and outside of your home, as you will want your front door and windows to complement your interior décor.
Also keep in mind that your interior window and door trim colours do not need to match the exterior trim colours. Use colours that work best for the features you want to highlight on the interior side as well.
And if you want to highlight interior architecture, use windows to do so, e.g., tall windows showcasing a large, multi-storey entryway.
Glass doors also allow you to create a seamless transition from the inside of your home to the outdoors (e.g., backyard), providing an unobstructed view of the outdoors and making the entryway appear larger from the inside as well.
Also consider frosted or etched glass on patio doors for privacy without sacrificing light.
An entryway is so much more than just a door—it’s a focal point of your home that welcomes guests in and makes lasting first impressions. So, make the most of your entryway with custom window design. Unique windows can complement your home, boosting curb appeal while enhancing the view of the outdoors and the natural light beaming in.
