How to Cover Up the Window Next to the Front Door

Cover sidelight windows to increase the privacy of your home.

Your front door is the primary portal for anything and anyone entering or leaving your home. The more solid your front door, the more secure you feel as outside elements are left on the doorstep until you welcome them in. Some front doors feature side panels inset with glass, known as side lights. While allowing you to look out and scan your walkway, they also let people on the outside look in. Covering that window puts another barrier between you and the exterior, adding to your privacy.

Window blinds in a slatted configuration provide adequate coverage, allowing you to open or close the blind as you want. The narrow composition of the blinds often results in the two “tapes” running vertically down the blinds being off-camber if the blind is pulled up and down frequently. Resolve this by choosing a tape that is the same color as the wood, camouflaging it. Metal blinds, known as mini-blinds, are also available in a variety of colors and sizes.

Some manufacturers of the “honeycomb” style window shade offer one color on the side facing outward and another, more decorative color on the side facing your entryway. Shades operate with a rope pull or can be manually pulled down and pushed up, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers do not make the more complicated lift systems in a narrow shade. Silhouette shades in narrow widths are also available but won’t operate on a pull system to move up and down; the vanes tilt to open and close.

Inside Mounted Curtains

Hang spring rods that fit onto the inside of the window frame, creating tension that holds them in place. You’ll need at least ½ inch of side clearance between the glass and the window frame for the rods to fit at the top and bottom of the glass. Using a curtain fabric that corresponds well with your decor and other window treatments, slip the curtains through the rod pockets and fit into place. This is a snug fit from top to bottom.

Conventional Rods

An alternative to spring rods is to hang curtains over the side light. Install a rod that’s mounted above and to the sides of the small window. This allows a free-hanging curtain to be used. A tighter fit uses a bottom rod, also fitted below and to the sides of the window. Choose sheer fabric or a more dense cloth for added privacy.

Opaque Film

Do-it-yourself stores carry opaque film cut to size for your sidelights. The frosted appearance allows light in while hiding actual images from view. This is a permanent solution that doesn’t allow “peeking” to ascertain who’s outside. Film also provides protection from harmful ultraviolet rays and helps retain heat within the home.

Stained Glass

A customized solution to covering the sidelight is to install stained glass panels made to your specifications. The cost is appropriate to custom design, but this permanent solution individualizes your home. Choose colors that will survive a change in interior decor and a design that isn’t specific to your family in case you sell your home in the future.

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About the Author

Jann Seal is published in magazines throughout the country and is noted for her design and decor articles and celebrity *in-home* interviews. An English degree from the University of Maryland and extensive travels and relocations to other countries have added to her decorating insight.