If your foyer is dark, an entry door with glass is often the simplest fix. Replacing a solid door with one that has glass panels, or adding a glass storm door in front of it, brings natural light into the house while still giving you the security you need.
Once you start looking at a new entry door, you may be surprised by how many glass designs there are to choose from. Here are the main options and how each one affects light and privacy.
Entry Door With Glass: Styles That Brighten a Home
Decorative and Stained Glass
A door with a decorative or stained glass section lets light in and gives the entrance an eye-catching design. It can also boost curb appeal, which helps if you decide to sell the house at some point.
If brightness is the goal, look for glass in light colors. Dark or heavily tinted glass looks rich but lets less sunshine through.
French Doors
French doors are another excellent way to bring natural light through an entryway. Doors with full glass inserts take full advantage of daylight. Doors with half inserts let in less light but give you and your family more privacy.
How Much Glass Is Right?
It depends on where the door faces and how close it is to the street or to neighbors. A door on a private side of the house can carry a lot of clear glass. For a front door close to the sidewalk, textured or decorative glass lets light through without giving a clear view inside.
Add Light With a Storm Door
If you want more sunlight and more protection from harsh weather, a storm door may be the answer. A storm door is installed in front of your entry door and shields it from rain and snow.
Storm doors come with different amounts of glass, and all of them can brighten an entryway. On a sunny day, open the main door and keep the storm door closed. Light pours in while the weather stays out.
There is an efficiency benefit as well. A storm door helps keep warm air inside during a Connecticut winter, which can lower your heating bills. Our post on reasons to choose a ProVia storm door looks at one option in detail.
Why Natural Light Matters
Exposure to natural light is good for your physical and mental health, and a bright entry makes the whole house feel more open and welcoming. It can also mean fewer lights switched on during the day.
If you want daylight elsewhere in the house, old or undersized windows may be part of the problem. New vinyl replacement windows with clear, clean glass can make rooms noticeably brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a door with glass less secure?
A quality entry door with glass is designed to be secure, and a locking storm door in front of it adds another barrier. If security is a concern, ask about the glass options and locking hardware available for the door you like.
Will a glass door make my entry drafty?
A properly installed door with good weatherstripping should not be drafty. Pairing it with a storm door adds a layer of insulation.
What door materials can I choose from?
Aladdin installs entry doors made with fiberglass, wood or steel, in a wide range of styles and glass designs.
Request an Estimate for a Brighter Entry
Aladdin has been serving customers across Connecticut since 1949. If you are thinking about replacing your entry door or adding a storm door, contact us or call (203) 776-9996 to learn about the materials and styles we offer and to request an estimate.