Sidelight
Encyclopedia
A sidelight is a window
, usually with a vertical emphasis, that flanks a door. Sidelights are narrow, usually stationary and found immediately adjacent doorways. While most commonly found as supporting elements emphasizing the importance of a primary entrance, sidelights may be employed at any interior or exterior door where a visual emphasis is desired, or where additional light or visibility is needed.
windows and generally the pane size in the sidelights match that of the transom. Typically narrow, sidelights can be placed on both or just one side of a door
and can include a sash or have glass that is stopped into the frame.
s can be employed to enhance privacy in doorways with sidelights. Miniblinds, micro-miniblinds, and shirred curtain
s are among the window treatments that offer an increased level of privacy. Another choice is stained
or beveled glass
, which can offer some privacy while also contributing to the overall beauty of a building's design.
When approaching building security sidelights can factor into entrance security. For instance, for proper security a sidelight should only be installed on the side of the door without the door knob or handle. Sidelights provide people on a building's interior with a narrow view of the outdoors and as such doors without sidelights, especially in apartment buildings, should be equipped with a peephole
.
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
, usually with a vertical emphasis, that flanks a door. Sidelights are narrow, usually stationary and found immediately adjacent doorways. While most commonly found as supporting elements emphasizing the importance of a primary entrance, sidelights may be employed at any interior or exterior door where a visual emphasis is desired, or where additional light or visibility is needed.
Design
Sidelights are often found in tandem with transomTransom (architectural)
In architecture, a transom is the term given to a transverse beam or bar in a frame, or to the crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window or fanlight above it. Transom is also the customary U.S. word used for a transom light, the window over this crosspiece...
windows and generally the pane size in the sidelights match that of the transom. Typically narrow, sidelights can be placed on both or just one side of a door
Door
A door is a movable structure used to open and close off an entrance, typically consisting of a panel that swings on hinges or that slides or rotates inside of a space....
and can include a sash or have glass that is stopped into the frame.
Security and privacy concerns
While transom windows generally do not have any privacy concerns associated with them because of their height, sidelights usually need to be covered to ensure privacy. Any number of window treatmentWindow treatment
A window treatment is an interior decorating element placed on, in, around, or over a window.It may more specifically refer to:* Cornice board* Curtains* Drapery* Molding * Pelmet* Sheer fabrics* Window blinds** Venetian blinds** Shutters...
s can be employed to enhance privacy in doorways with sidelights. Miniblinds, micro-miniblinds, and shirred curtain
Curtain
A curtain is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light, or drafts, or water in the case of a shower curtain. Curtains hung over a doorway are known as portières...
s are among the window treatments that offer an increased level of privacy. Another choice is stained
Stained glass
The term stained glass can refer to coloured glass as a material or to works produced from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant buildings...
or beveled glass
Beveled glass
Beveled glass is usually made by taking thick glass and creating an angled surface cut around the entire periphery. Bevels act as prisms in the sunlight creating an interesting color diffraction which both highlights the glass work and provides a spectrum of colors which would ordinarily be absent...
, which can offer some privacy while also contributing to the overall beauty of a building's design.
When approaching building security sidelights can factor into entrance security. For instance, for proper security a sidelight should only be installed on the side of the door without the door knob or handle. Sidelights provide people on a building's interior with a narrow view of the outdoors and as such doors without sidelights, especially in apartment buildings, should be equipped with a peephole
Peephole
A peephole is a small opening through which one may look.In a door, a peephole allows people inside the security of seeing outside without opening the door...
.