When choosing a custom iron entry door, you may wonder if you should add sidelights, a transom, or both.
The short answer? Not always.
These are design options that can help your door fit the space and create the look you want. The right choice depends on your opening, door size, and the style of your home.
When Do Sidelights Make Sense?
Sidelights are a good option when you want the area beside your door to be part of the overall entry design. For example, if you want a single door but don't want the entrance to look too narrow, adding one or two sidelights can create a wider overall look without making the main door oversized.
Sidelights can also help create symmetry. A single sidelight gives the entrance a more open or asymmetrical look, while two sidelights create a more balanced appearance.
Consider sidelights if you:
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Have extra space beside the door
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Want a wider overall entry
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Prefer one main door but want a larger door system
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Like a symmetrical design
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Want the door and surrounding panels to look like one unit
But if you prefer a clean, simple entrance, you may not need them at all.
When Does a Transom Make Sense?
A transom can be used when you want to incorporate the space above the door into the overall design. It can make a standard door feel taller and give the entrance a more finished look. The shape can also become part of the design. A simple rectangular transom can create a clean look, while an arched transom can complement an arched iron door. A transom isn't required just because you have a tall opening. Sometimes it's simply the look you prefer.
Consider a transom if you:
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Have extra space above the door
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Want a taller-looking entrance
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Want more architectural detail
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Like the look of an arched or shaped entry
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Want the area above the door to be part of the door system
Do You Need Both?
Not necessarily. For a larger opening, you may prefer:
Single Door + Sidelights or Double Door + Sidelights
If you also want to incorporate the space above the door, you can add a transom.
For example:
Single Door + Two Sidelights + Transom or Double Door + Two Sidelights + Transom
These are common configurations, but they are not rules. Your door should be designed around the actual opening and the look you want.
Single Door or Double Door?
Before adding sidelights, consider whether you actually need a double door.
A single door is a good choice if you want a simple entrance and don't need a wider opening for everyday use.
A double door gives you a wider operable opening and can be useful when you regularly move large furniture or other items through the entrance.
If you want a larger-looking entry without making the main door wider, a single door with sidelights can be a good alternative.
How Do You Choose?
Start with three things:
1. Your Rough Opening
Measure the width and height of the opening first.
2. Your Door Size
Decide how large you want the main door to be. Then see how much space is left around it.
3. Your Home's Style
Look at the architecture of your home.
A simple door may work best on its own. A larger opening may look better with sidelights or a transom. An arched home may call for an arched door and matching upper design.
There is no standard combination that works for every home.
The Bottom Line
You don't need sidelights or a transom just because you have a large opening.
Think about what you want the finished entrance to look like.
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Want a simple entrance? A single door may be enough.
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Want a wider-looking entry? Consider sidelights.
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Want to use the space above the door? Consider a transom.
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Have a large opening? You may want a combination of a double door, sidelights, and a transom.
The best configuration is the one that fits your opening and looks right with your home.
Planning a custom iron entry door? Send Glory Iron Doors your rough opening dimensions and a photo of your entryway. Our team can help you explore different door, sidelight, and transom configurations for your home.
