7 Sidelight Window Covering Ideas

Published 5/6/2024

Sidelight windows, those vertical, small windows flanking your door or entryway, serve as functional and aesthetic elements in your home. These slender panes allow natural light to filter into the interior and add a touch of architectural charm. 

We’ll cover the top window trends so you can update your sidelight window treatments with confidence and creativity. Learn how to choose the best covering for this type of window and get inspired!

Sidelight Window Treatment Challenges

Due to their narrow and elongated design, sidelight windows often limit traditional window covering options. In some cases, their proximity to entryways means finding solutions to maintain privacy can be particularly daunting, and their unique size and dimensions don’t fit the typical ready-made treatments. 

How To Choose Your Ideal Window Covering

• Budget: Determine a budget that allows for quality and functionality. Be sure to consider the cost of the window treatment itself and any necessary installation or customization fees.
• Light: Think about how much natural light you want in the space and choose a functional window treatment with a corresponding level of light filtration or control. 
• Privacy: Consider your privacy needs and choose a window covering with appropriate coverage. Options range from room darkening shades for complete privacy to sheer shades for partial privacy while still allowing sunlight in.
• General style: Be mindful of your overall aesthetic and select color, texture, and patterns that enhance your space’s decor rather than detract from it.

Ideas For Your Sidelight Windows

The right window treatments for sidelight windows can enhance your home’s curb appeal, boost privacy without sacrificing natural light, or simply add a touch of personality to your entryway. Let these styles serve as inspiration to cover your sidelight windows.

Rustic Charm with Wood Blinds

Versatile and stylish, Wood blinds offer a natural warmth, texture, and a touch of elegance while providing practical benefits. Ultimate™ Normandy® Wood blinds offer excellent light control, allowing you to adjust the slats to filter in just the right amount of natural light. Perfect for sidelight windows near entryways, where privacy and light control are paramount. 

High-quality wood blinds are built to last and are a practical investment for your home. Choose from a variety of sophisticated wood finishes and stains to complement your home’s interior design. Opt for custom-made wood blinds to ensure a perfect fit for your sidelight windows or french doors.

Aluminum Blinds: Simple And Inexpensive

Budget-friendly, durable, and stylish Aluminum blinds are a new customer favorite due to their practicality and friendly prices. They provide varying levels of privacy depending on the slat size and how tightly they are closed. 

Known for being extremely sturdy and easy to clean, CityLights™ Aluminum Blinds are built to withstand everyday use. They are a great choice for kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, and entryways.

A Sleek Look with Roller Shades

For a contemporary option to compliment a modern aesthetic, choose roller shades. Soluna™ roller shades are available in hundreds of colors, patterns, and premium materials. Designed to fit snugly within the window frame, the right custom vertical shades are a space-saving solution for narrow sidelight windows. Their compact design won’t obstruct the view or take up valuable space in the entryway.

One main difference between Roman shades and Roller shades is that the latter are typically operated using a simple cordless mechanism, chain, or motorized system for effortless operation. Their smooth surface makes them easy to clean with a quick wipe-down, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.

Cellular Shades for Privacy and Energy Efficiency

Constructed with multiple layers of fabric that form honeycomb-shaped cells, cellular shades create pockets of air that act as insulation. The added benefit of a cellular construction is the ability to regulate indoor temperatures and improve energy efficiency. 

Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades feature a compact and energy-efficient design that fits neatly within the window frame and offers effective privacy control. Choose from light-filtering options to gently diffuse natural light, providing a soft and inviting ambiance in your entryway or room, or opt for blackout shades for maximum light blockage and enhanced privacy, particularly in areas where security is a concern.

A Touch of Elegance with Roman Shades

Roman Shades provide a timeless & stylish look for dressing sidelight windows. These popular window shades feature soft fabric panels that fold neatly when raised and create either a smooth & flat or a cascading silhouette when lowered, depending on the style desired.

They look elegant on the side of a door, on corner windows, skinny windows, and glass side windows. Available in a range of fabrics, patterns, and textures, Centerpiece™ Roman Shades allow for extensive customization to match your home’s foyer. Custom-made fabric Roman Shades are the ultimate style statement. 

Sheer Shades for Soft Illumination

Delicate and sophisticated, PerfectSheer™ shades feature translucent fabric panels and S-shaped vanes that gently diffuse natural light while allowing for visibility both in and out of the window. The look of soft folds creates a luminous effect, adding dimension to the room while maintaining privacy. They are a modern alternative to traditional front door curtains, and one of the main advantages of sheer shades is their ability to balance privacy and light control.

A Sophisticated Design with Shutters

Shutters have adjustable smaller louvers, so you can easily regulate the amount of natural light while still maintaining privacy. Luxurious and resilient Normandy® wood shutters feature wood graining with elegant natural characteristics that instantly enhance your French doors sidelights.

Custom window shutters feature sturdy construction and timeless appeal that enhance the aesthetic of your side lights and add long-term value to your entry windows. Interior shutters are an elegant simple solution for small businesses and offices that require a little privacy. 

Cordless Options for Child Safety

Ditch that dangerous tangle of cords! Perfect for windows of any size, cordless blinds and shades provide unparalleled safety and convenience. Modern cordless solutions provide the convenience of a shade and reliable protection for your family against potential accidents.

With a simple pull or lift, you can easily adjust your window coverings to let in just the right amount of light at your entry door. With a streamlined look and low-maintenance easy cleaning, these window treatments are a must-have for the house!

Sidelights Aren’t a Problem for Norman®

As the industry leader in custom window treatments, Norman® has the best collections of high-quality products for your unique needs. Whether you desire light-diffusing sheers, cellular honeycomb shades, or sidelight blinds, Norman® has the perfect solution. Explore all of our window treatment ideas and talk to a retailer today.