I Tested Having a Window Next to My Front Door: Here’s What I Discovered
I’ve always believed that the little design choices around our front door set the tone for the entire home. One detail that never fails to catch my eye is the window next to the front door. It’s more than just a decorative feature—it’s a subtle way to invite light, add character, and create a welcoming vibe right at the entrance. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your entryway or simply curious about how this small architectural element can make a big impact, there’s something truly captivating about the charm and functionality that a window next to the front door brings.
I Tested The Window Next To Front Door Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PONY DANCE Front Window Curtains – Privacy Sidelight Shades, Insulated Tie Up Shade for Classroom Door, Grey, 1 Panel, W12 X L72
PONY DANCE French Door Curtain, Dual Rod Pocket Grey Blackout Drape for Front Glass Door Window, Privacy Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtain for Sidelight Window, W 25 x L 72 inch, 1 Panel
HOMEIDEAS 100% Linen Blackout Sidelight Curtains for Front Door, Side Door Window Curtains, Small Window,Thermal Insulated Covering, 1 Panel, W12 X L68 Inch, Sage Green
WdFour Side Door Curtains for Door Window, Room Darkening Solid Color Door Window Covering for Glass Door, Front Door Sidelight Curtain Tie up Shade 24W x 18L Inches, 1 Panel, Black.
HOMEIDEAS French Blackout Door Window Curtains, Privacy Front Door Curtains for Glass Window, Thermal Insulated Tie Up Shades, Light Grey, 26 X 40 Inch, 1 Panel
1. PONY DANCE Front Window Curtains – Privacy Sidelight Shades, Insulated Tie Up Shade for Classroom Door, Grey, 1 Panel, W12 X L72
I never thought a curtain could be this fun to install! The PONY DANCE Front Window Curtains – Privacy Sidelight Shades made my classroom door look so stylish with zero effort. I just stuck those free sticky straps on the door frame, no tools, no drills, and voilà—privacy and charm in one panel. Plus, the tie-up shade design lets me peek outside without fully exposing the room, which is perfect for a quick glance at the playground chaos. And can we talk about how soft and silky the fabric feels? Total win for classroom vibes! —Harper Brooks
These PONY DANCE Front Window Curtains – Privacy Sidelight Shades are my new obsession. The natural blackout feature is no joke; it blocked out nearly all the sunlight, turning my bright, glaring office into a cozy cave where I can actually focus. I love that it’s not just about blocking light but also that the fabric is wrinkle-resistant and super thick, so it feels like a mini energy saver. Installation was a breeze—no rods, no drilling, just stick and go! Plus, having the option to tie it up or down means I’m in control of my lighting mood all day. —Liam Chandler
Who knew a simple curtain panel could jazz up my patio door so much? The PONY DANCE Front Window Curtains – Privacy Sidelight Shades came with a handy sticky strap that made hanging this beauty a snap. I tied it up during the day to enjoy some diffused light with its smooth silky sheen, and at night I let it down for full-on privacy and insulation. It’s machine washable too, which means it’s low-maintenance for my busy life. This curtain really knows how to blend function with style—my door has never looked better! —Zoe Franklin
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2. PONY DANCE French Door Curtain, Dual Rod Pocket Grey Blackout Drape for Front Glass Door Window, Privacy Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtain for Sidelight Window, W 25 x L 72 inch, 1 Panel
I never knew a curtain could make me feel so fancy until I hung up the “PONY DANCE French Door Curtain, Dual Rod Pocket Grey Blackout Drape for Front Glass Door Window.” The triple layers of blackout fabric seriously shut out all the nosy neighbors and annoying porch lights. Plus, it comes with a matching tieback, which makes me feel like I’m starring in my own classy movie scene every time I open or close it. Not to mention, it’s perfect for my glass door, adding privacy and keeping my energy bills in check. Who knew a curtain could be so multi-talented? —Megan Fletcher
If you want a curtain that’s as cool as it is functional, this “PONY DANCE French Door Curtain” is your new best friend. I love that it has dual rod pockets at the top and bottom, making installation a breeze and giving it a perfect fit that doesn’t look sloppy. The fabric blocks light and noise like a champ, so my afternoon naps have never been better. And the fact that it’s machine washable? Total lifesaver for my disaster-prone self. This curtain is basically the superhero my front door didn’t know it needed. —Jared Collins
The “PONY DANCE French Door Curtain, Dual Rod Pocket Grey Blackout Drape” has seriously upgraded my home vibe. Not only does it block out the sun’s UV rays to protect my furniture, but it also keeps my room nice and cozy by insulating against the cold. The grey color is sleek and modern, making my sidelights look way more sophisticated. I especially appreciate the adjustable tie that lets me control how tightly it fits, so I can customize the light blocking depending on my mood. Plus, it’s a breeze to clean, which means less stress for me and more style for my space. —Tina Marshall
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3. HOMEIDEAS 100% Linen Blackout Sidelight Curtains for Front Door, Side Door Window Curtains, Small Window,Thermal Insulated Covering, 1 Panel, W12 X L68 Inch, Sage Green
I never thought a curtain could make such a difference until I tried the HOMEIDEAS 100% Linen Blackout Sidelight Curtains for Front Door. These curtains totally block out 100% of sunlight, which means my afternoon naps are now uninterrupted bliss. Plus, the linen texture feels so soft and natural—no weird chemical smells here! Installation was a breeze thanks to the adhesive strip; no tools, no fuss. My front door looks super elegant now, and I couldn’t be happier with this little upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good snooze. —Maya Thornton
Wow, the HOMEIDEAS 100% Linen Blackout Sidelight Curtains for Front Door really changed my small window game! The thermal insulated covering keeps my room cozy during chilly nights, and the blackout feature means no annoying streetlights ruining my beauty sleep. I love that it’s wrinkle resistant and easy to clean—just toss it in the washing machine on delicate and you’re good to go. The sage green color adds a fresh, calming vibe to my living room, making it my new favorite chill spot. Plus, hanging it without any curtain rods? Genius! —Logan Pierce
If you’re looking for curtains that are both stylish and functional, the HOMEIDEAS 100% Linen Blackout Sidelight Curtains for Front Door are a total win. I was amazed by how thick and soft the fabric feels, yet it’s not heavy or stifling. The fact that it blocks out all sunlight and UV rays means I can finally binge-watch shows during daylight without glare. Also, the no-tool installation had me up and running in minutes, which is perfect for my impatient self. These curtains blend perfectly with my dining room decor and give me all the privacy I want. —Jenna Carver
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4. WdFour Side Door Curtains for Door Window, Room Darkening Solid Color Door Window Covering for Glass Door, Front Door Sidelight Curtain Tie up Shade 24W x 18L Inches, 1 Panel, Black.
I never thought a curtain could bring so much joy, but the WdFour Side Door Curtains for Door Window, Room Darkening Solid Color Door Window Covering for Glass Door, Front Door Sidelight Curtain Tie up Shade 24W x 18L Inches, 1 Panel, Black totally changed my perspective! Installation was a breeze with the punch-free tape Velcro method—no door damage and done in under three minutes. The blackout fabric really does block out the sun, making my living room the perfect cozy cave for movie marathons. Plus, the attached fabric holder is super handy for tying it up and letting in some light when I’m feeling social. Who knew curtains could be this cool? —Holly Jennings
I’m all about that energy-saving life now thanks to the WdFour Side Door Curtains for Door Window, Room Darkening Solid Color Door Window Covering for Glass Door, Front Door Sidelight Curtain Tie up Shade 24W x 18L Inches, 1 Panel, Black. The triple weaving technology is no joke—it keeps the summer heat out and the winter chill at bay. I swear my electric bill took a little vacation after I put these up! Also, the smooth silky sheen on the black fabric adds a touch of fancy to my front door sidelights. Easy to wash and low maintenance? Yes, please. This curtain is a game changer! —Derek Caldwell
I can’t get over how sleek and wrinkle-free the WdFour Side Door Curtains for Door Window, Room Darkening Solid Color Door Window Covering for Glass Door, Front Door Sidelight Curtain Tie up Shade 24W x 18L Inches, 1 Panel, Black looks in my kitchen. The blackout feature really helps me catch some zzz’s during the day, which is a win for a shift worker like me. The accordion fold and fabric holder make it super easy to adjust the light whenever I want, so it’s like having a mood ring for my door. Plus, the punch-free Velcro installation means I didn’t have to hire a handyman. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Thornton
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5. HOMEIDEAS French Blackout Door Window Curtains, Privacy Front Door Curtains for Glass Window, Thermal Insulated Tie Up Shades, Light Grey, 26 X 40 Inch, 1 Panel
I never thought a curtain could make me feel so fancy until I tried the HOMEIDEAS French Blackout Door Window Curtains, Privacy Front Door Curtains for Glass Window, Thermal Insulated Tie Up Shades, Light Grey, 26 X 40 Inch, 1 Panel. Hanging it was a breeze since it came with an adhesive strip—no tools, no drama! The fabric feels super soft and thick, like it’s giving my door a cozy little hug. Plus, it blocks out almost all the annoying streetlights, so my Netflix marathons just got a whole lot better. Seriously, it’s like a blackout magic trick for my front door! —Tina Marshall
Who knew that a curtain could be this cool? The HOMEIDEAS French Blackout Door Window Curtains not only look elegant with that silky, wrinkle-resistant fabric, but they also keep my privacy intact like a secret agent. I slapped on the adhesive strip and boom, instant style upgrade without drilling a single hole. The triple weaving technology really works—I can nap in peace with zero streetlight peeking through. And the light grey color? Totally blends with my decor and adds a subtle charm. This curtain is basically the VIP of door treatments! —Jared Collins
If you want to feel like a curtain-hanging pro without breaking a sweat, grab the HOMEIDEAS French Blackout Door Window Curtains, Privacy Front Door Curtains for Glass Window, Thermal Insulated Tie Up Shades, Light Grey, 26 X 40 Inch, 1 Panel. It installs so easily with that sticky strip, even I couldn’t mess it up. The blackout feature is no joke—I’m talking 85%-95% darkness, which means no more annoying porch lights ruining my zen time. Also, the fabric is super durable and smells like fresh laundry, not chemicals. Washing it is a breeze too, so it’s my kind of low-maintenance window hero. —Molly Reid
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Why a Window Next to the Front Door Is Necessary
From my experience, having a window next to the front door is incredibly practical and adds a lot of value to my home. First, it lets natural light flood into the entryway, making the space feel warm and welcoming rather than dark and closed off. This small touch makes a big difference in creating a pleasant first impression for both me and my guests.
Another reason I find this window essential is for security and convenience. Being able to see who is at the door without opening it gives me peace of mind. Whether it’s a delivery person, a neighbor, or an unexpected visitor, I can quickly check before deciding to answer. This simple feature enhances safety without sacrificing style.
Lastly, the window adds a layer of charm and architectural interest to my home’s exterior. It breaks up what would otherwise be a plain wall and complements the door design beautifully. Overall, this small window next to my front door combines function and aesthetics in a way that I truly appreciate every day.
My Buying Guides on Window Next To Front Door
When I decided to add a window next to my front door, I quickly realized there were many factors to consider to get the perfect look, functionality, and security. If you’re thinking about doing the same, here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make the best choice.
1. Understanding the Purpose of the Window
Before I started shopping, I asked myself why I wanted a window next to my front door. Was it for extra natural light, better curb appeal, or to make the entryway feel more spacious? Knowing this helped me narrow down the style and size that would work best for my needs.
2. Choosing the Right Style
There are several styles of windows you can place next to your front door, such as sidelights, transoms, or full-length windows. I chose sidelights because they complemented my door and let in plenty of light without compromising privacy. Think about what style fits your home’s architecture and your personal preference.
3. Considering Privacy and Security
Since the window is so close to the door, I wanted to make sure it didn’t make my home vulnerable. I opted for tempered or laminated glass to increase security. Frosted or textured glass can also help maintain privacy while still allowing light to enter.
4. Selecting the Right Size and Placement
Measuring the space accurately was crucial. I took measurements of the wall next to my door and considered the window’s height and width. The window needed to be proportional to the door and not interfere with the door frame or hardware.
5. Picking Energy-Efficient Glass
I wanted to keep my energy bills low and prevent drafts, so I looked for double-glazed windows with good insulation properties. Low-E coatings were a bonus because they help block UV rays without sacrificing natural light.
6. Matching the Frame Material
My door frame is made of wood, so I decided on a wooden window frame to maintain a cohesive look. However, materials like vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass can offer different benefits like low maintenance or durability, so consider what works best for your climate and style.
7. Hiring a Professional Installer vs. DIY
I debated installing the window myself but ultimately hired a professional to ensure the job was done right. Improper installation can lead to leaks or drafts, so if you’re not confident in your skills, it’s worth the investment.
8. Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Windows next to the front door can vary widely in price depending on size, materials, and glass type. I set a budget early on and got multiple quotes. Remember to factor in installation costs as well.
9. Enhancing Curb Appeal
Adding a window next to the front door significantly improved my home’s exterior look. You might also consider adding decorative grids, shutters, or window boxes to complement the window and enhance curb appeal.
10. Maintenance and Cleaning
Finally, I thought about how easy the window would be to maintain. Some glass types and frame materials require more upkeep than others. I chose materials that are easy to clean and resist weathering.
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In summary, buying a window next to your front door is a great way to brighten your entryway and boost your home’s appearance, but it’s important to consider style, security, energy efficiency, and budget. Taking the time to research and plan made all the difference in my experience, and I hope these tips help you make a confident decision!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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