Spice Up Your Entryway With Side Panel Curtains

A beautiful front entryway leaves a lasting first impression on guests. While the front door makes a statement, don't overlook the narrow side windows flanking it. Front door side panel curtains add privacy, function, and personality to your home's entrance. Read on to discover how these versatile window treatments can transform your entryway style.

Side panel curtains, also called door sidelights or sidelight curtains, enhance the windows on either side of the front door. Typically sheer or semi-sheer, these curtains filter natural light while obscuring direct views into the home's interior.

Benefits of Front Door Side Panels

Why add side panel curtains to your entryway windows? Here are some of the top reasons:

• Increase privacy - Obscure views inside without fully blocking light
• Filter natural light - Soften sunlight streaming through side windows
• Provide insulation - Reduce heat transfer for energy savings
• Visually enhance entryway - Inject style into the front door area
• Easy to install and customize - Available in standard or custom sizes
• Multipurpose uses - Also work as room dividers or cabinet covers
• Affordable way to elevate style - Inexpensive decor upgrade for your entry

With benefits spanning aesthetics, function, and cost, side panel curtains are a versatile solution for entryways. Keep reading to discover popular styles and expert tips for choosing, measuring, and installing door side panels.

Popular Side Panel Curtain Styles

Front door side panels come in a spectrum of fabrics and colors to complement your existing decor. Consider these top styles:

Sheer Curtains

These lightweight curtains allow filtered daylight to enter while maintaining privacy. Choose from lace, voile, gauze, muslin and more.

Opaque Curtains

Thicker opaque fabrics like cotton, linen, velvet or faux silk offer full privacy day or night. Blackout side panels also help insulate.

Patterned Curtains

Make a bold statement by selecting side panels with colorful or artistic prints. Florals, geometrics, and more available.

Modern Panel Curtains

Streamlined solid colored curtains in neutral hues lend an airy, contemporary vibe.

Rustic or Romantic Curtains

Feminine details like lace, ruffles, woven textures and ties channel cozy, vintage appeal.

Whether you want understated and breezy or vivid panache, side panel styles abound for your perfect entryway accent.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

Fabric selection impacts the look, function, and durability of sidelight curtains. Analyze pros and cons of popular textiles:

Lightweight Sheers

• Allow light through while obscuring views
• Won't provide blackout or insulation

Linen

• Natural fiber with elegant texture
• Prone to wrinkling

Velvet

• Luxurious look, insulating capacity
• Shows wear from sunlight over time

Faux Silk

• Mimics silk sheen at lower cost
• Less durable than real silk

Cotton

• Breathable and easy to launder
• May shrink or fade over time

Polyester

• Wrinkle and fade resistant
• Not as breathable as natural fibers

Focus on the right blend of aesthetic appeal, insulation, and durability for your lifestyle and decor.

Side Panel Curtain Measurements

Achieving a custom side panel fit starts with precise measurements. Follow these steps:

Take Window Measurements

Use a steel tape measure to find the exact width, height, and depth of each sidelight window. Record to 1/8 of an inch.

Consider Hardware Allowances

Add extra width and height to account for your chosen curtain hardware. Rods need 1-3 inches above and below the window. Track systems require 3-4 inches side to side.

Order Custom Panels

For the best fit, opt for made-to-measure side panels tailored to your exact window dimensions. Avoid gaps or bunching.

With detailed measurements and custom panels, you can achieve a flawless sidelight curtain installation.

Side Panel Installation Tips

Once you've selected the perfect door side panels, it's time for hanging. Use these pro tips:

Use Extendable Curtain Rods

Adjustable extendable rods allow you to fine-tune the width to fit your side windows precisely.

Install Ceiling to Floor

For full coverage, mount the rod or track to extend from ceiling to floor. This also adds height to rooms with high ceilings.

Follow Hardware Instructions

Carefully follow the included directions for installing rods, tracks, brackets and finials. Measure twice to drill or mount into wall studs.

Use Command Hooks

Self-adhesive command hooks allow for damage-free curtain hanging. Great for rental properties.

With the right tools and techniques, hanging side panels is simple. Now for the fun part - styling options to showcase your entryway!

Style Ideas and Inspiration

Take your entrance from boring to beautiful with these clever side panel styling ideas:

• Tie panels back for a gathered, bustled effect. Use ribbon, twine or fabric ties.
• Stack panels atop one another when open for soft folds.
• Add side panels to flanking front windows for a coordinated look.
• Layer panels with drapes or other window treatments for dimensions.
• Use patterned curtains to complement or match the front door.
• Match panel color to interior paint or decor for cohesion.

Explore panel placement, stacking, color coordination, and layering to showcase your unique style.

Energy Saving Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, door side panels also provide year-round energy saving perks:

• They act as insulation to reduce heat transfer in and out.
• Well-insulated panels can lower heating and cooling bills.
• Vinyl-backed curtains offer the most energy efficiency.
• Closing curtains at night adds extra insulation.

In summer, side panels can reduce reliance on air conditioning. During winter, they prevent precious heated air from escaping through entryway windows. Opt for insulated fabrics to maximize these energy-saving effects.

The final touches? Personalize your side panels to complement your existing front door and interior decor.

• Choose colors and patterns that match your overall aesthetic.
• Coordinate panel color with the front door hue.
• Use different panels on each side for an eclectic mismatched look.
• Add decorative tiebacks or finials for flair.

Accentuate the adjoining wall color with your curtain shade. Echo door details with printed patterns. Express your style inside and out.

Unlock the potential of your front entryway with the versatility and function of side panel curtains. With custom sizing, innovative styles, energy savings, and endless design options, door side panels are an easy and affordable way to elevate your home's first impression.