A sidelight or sidelite in a building is a window, usually with a vertical emphasis, that flanks a door or a larger window.[1] Sidelights are narrow, usually stationary and found immediately adjacent to doorways.[2][3] While most commonly found as supporting elements emphasizing the importance of a primary entrance, sidelights may be employed at any interior or exterior door where a visual emphasis is desired, or where additional light or visibility is needed.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Old_pretty_door_KGDs.jpg/220px-Old_pretty_door_KGDs.jpg)
Design
Sidelights are often found in tandem with transom windows and generally the pane size in the sidelights matches that of the transom.[4] Typically narrow, sidelights can be placed on both or just one side of a door and can include a sash or have glass that is stopped into the frame.[5]
Security and privacy concerns
While transom windows generally do not have any privacy concerns associated with them because of their height, sidelights usually need to be covered to ensure privacy.[6] Any number of window treatments can be employed to enhance privacy in doorways with sidelights. Miniblinds, micro-miniblinds, and shirred curtains are among the window treatments that offer an increased level of privacy.[6] Another choice is stained or beveled glass, which can offer some privacy while also contributing to the overall beauty of a building's design.[6]
When approaching building security sidelights can factor into entrance security. For instance, for proper security a sidelight should only be installed on the side of the door without the door knob or handle.[7] Sidelights provide people on a building's interior with a narrow view of the outdoors and as such doors without sidelights, especially in apartment buildings, should be equipped with a peephole.[7]