Front Door Side Panel Curtain Styles

Adding stylish side panel curtains is an easy way to elevate the look of any front door area. These specialty window treatments frame the entryway, provide privacy, and filter light in an attractive manner. With the right side panels, you can truly transform the aesthetics of your home's entrance while enjoying the functional benefits.

But what exactly are front door side panel curtains? Let's explore everything you need to know about choosing and installing these versatile decor items.

What Are Front Door Side Panel Curtains

Front door side panel curtains, also called sidelight curtains or French door curtains, are a type of window covering designed specifically for the narrow panels bordering exterior doors. They serve both decorating and privacy needs by softly framing the entry space.

Definition and Purpose

Side panel curtains differ from regular window treatments in their elongated narrow shape and the fact that they flank an entry door on one or both sides. Their purpose is to complement the door, provide varying levels of light filtration, boost curb appeal, and add a layer of privacy and security.

Benefits of Adding Side Panels

There are many advantages to installing custom side panel curtains for your home's front door area:

• Soften the architectural lines and balance proportions
• Filter bright sunlight entering through sidelights
• Insulate against temperature extremes and boost energy efficiency
• Contribute aesthetic appeal with colors, patterns, and textures
• Create a transition between indoor and outdoor spaces
• Provide adjustable privacy and security
• Absorb sound and noises from outside
• Protect interior furnishings from UV ray damage

Popular Locations to Use Side Panels

The most common spot for side panel curtains is alongside exterior doors that feature narrow sidelights or side panels made of glass or other transparent materials. Typical installations include:

• Front entry doors with sidelite panels
• Patio or terrace doors opening to backyards
• French door sets with full-length narrow side panels
• Side panels flanking garages and basement entries

Side Panel Styles and Designs

Front door side panels come in an array of colors, fabrics, textures and decorative details. Choices include:

• Sheer: Made from lightweight, translucent fabrics to gently filter light.
• Privacy: Thicker opaque fabrics provide insulation and blackout dark rooms.
• Patterned: Visually interesting motifs, floral designs or geometric shapes.
• Textured: Materials with woven, nubby, embroidered or chased finishes.
• Colorful: Vibrant, saturated solids from across the color wheel.
• Themed: On-trend styles matching coastal, farmhouse, modern or traditional decors.
• Decorative: Options with elegant details such as cords, trims, embellished headers or decorative rods.

The specific side panel style you select should coordinate with your existing front door and entryway motif. This ensures a cohesive, pulled-together aesthetic.

Selecting Side Panels for Your Front Door

Choosing the right side panel curtains for your home's entrance requires careful consideration of size, fabric, color/pattern and hardware needs. Keep these tips in mind as you shop:

Measure Correctly for a Custom Fit

Precisely measuring the dimensions of your door side panels is imperative for proper fitting curtains. Be sure to note the exact width from molding edge to molding edge, as well as the length from top to bottom of the window opening. Also account for any clearance depth your chosen hardware requires. Measure separately for each side panel, as they may not be identical in size.

Choose Suitable Fabrics and Materials

Consider factors like room use, light control needs, durability requirements, and desired aesthetic effect when selecting side panel fabrics. Delicate sheers work for low traffic guest rooms, while durable dimout draperies are better for home theater media rooms. Linen or cotton blends provide casual texture in informal spaces, while sophisticated silks contribute elegance in formal living rooms and master suites.

Match Style and Color to Existing Decor

Side panels make the most decorative impact when the style and color palette coordinates with the rest of the space. For a seamless look, match the door and hardware finishes, wall colors and flooring tones. Contrasting shades can add striking drama, but beware intensive contrasts that feel chaotic and disjointed.

Consider Privacy Needs and Light Control

Sheer, lightweight panels are ideal for rooms needing just a hint of privacy, such as powder rooms. Bedrooms and media spaces require thicker light-blocking fabrics for both privacy and darkness. South-facing front doors may necessitate thermal blackout panels to prevent intense sun damage and keep interiors cooler. Adjustable cords or wands make it convenient to vary privacy and light as needed.

Hanging Front Door Side Panel Curtains

Once you've selected the perfect custom side panels for your entry space, it's time to tackle installation. Carefully mounting front door sidelight curtains ensures they hang beautifully for an optimally polished look:

Prepare the Doorway for Installation

Start by taking precise measurements and making note of any obstructions near the window openings. Carefully clean the surrounding molding or trim to remove dust and debris. Decide on appropriate mounting method and acquire necessary hardware, tools, level and screwdriver. For bay windows, prepare extension brackets if needed.

Mount Appropriate Hardware and Brackets

Using a level, install mounting brackets evenly across the top casing molding as required for your chosen hardware system. Options include tension rods, specialty traverse rods, sash rods or decorative poles. Follow specific hardware instructions for properly securing all components.

Attach Panels to Hang Properly on Both Sides

With brackets and rods in place, attach the custom side panels using clips, rings or hook tape based on the style. Adjust length as needed allowing panels to generously puddle on floor for a luxurious effect. Pull panels evenly across openings so leading edges frame the sidelights attractively on both entry sides.

Finish Panels Evenly Across Opening

Give your front door sidelight curtains the perfect polished finish by double checking for even, symmetrical hanging across the openings. Adjust side hems so they appear parallel along molding edges. Beauty is in the details!

Decorating with Front Entry Side Panels

The impact of your new front door side panels depends greatly on thoughtful coordination with adjacent decorative elements. Enhance overall entryway allure with these savvy design tips:

Coordinate Panels into Overall Entryway Design

Tie your side panels visually into the whole foyer space by repeating fabric colors/patterns on nearby furnishings like console tables, side chairs or area rugs. Echo door/hardware finishes in mirror frames, pendant lights or artwork for a collected custom look.

Accent Panels with Decorative Rods or Finials

Supplement basic side panels with coordinating decorative traverse rods or pole finial caps. Match metals provide continuity, while an unexpected bright brass rod over neutral linen adds lively contrast. Consider wide crowned rods that conceal basic hardware for a cleaner aesthetic.

Showcase Panels with Lighting or Other Details

Draw attention to your new side panels with delicate sconces that graze the fabric planes with narrow beams of light. Flanking floor vases, slender table lamps or minimal pieces keep the focal point on the window treatments vs. competing decorative elements.