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Aluminium French Doors With Sidelights
7 August, 2023
One topic of conversation that comes up frequently at the AluFold office is whether to include sidelights with French doors and we’ve yet to reach a consensus on it. Some of our staff swear by sidelights and think that French doors benefit enormously from them, but others are more traditionally minded and prefer to leave them out.
It’s always a lighthearted chat but in truth, there’s no wrong answer. If you prefer not to attach sidelights to a French door, that’s fine. It’s a personal decision and we always encourage people to pursue their own design ideas. However, if you’re unsure, here is some information that might help you decide.
What Are Sidelights?
Before going further, we should probably explain what we mean by ‘sidelights.’ In short, they’re glass panels that are attached to either side of a door. The name is slightly misleading and sometimes people assume that they’re a type of lightbulb, but essentially, they’re small windows.
Sidelights can be fitted to most types of doors, but they pair especially well with French doors. These have an abundance of glass, so adding even more can take them to the next level. If you’re working for a homeowner who wants to let in as much light as possible, fitting sidelights to a French door is the perfect solution.
The Benefits Of Extra Glazing
Having a brighter home is one advantage, but it’s not the only one. Sidelights can also increase a home’s kerb appeal, which has a knock-on effect on the property value. It’s impossible to put a precise figure on it, but when the time comes to sell the house, the sidelights will help raise the asking price.
Modern sidelights are also thermally efficient. When fitted with double glazing and low-emissivity coatings, they can reduce heat transfer and make it easier to maintain a comfortable home temperature. Having additional windows improves ventilation and allows for greater airflow, and let’s not forget; they also look great. More than one of our collaborators has referred to sidelights as “charming,” and we’d have to agree. There’s an understated elegance about them and when combined with the traditional vibe of French doors, we find they complement one another.
These are all compelling reasons to consider sidelights as part of your next French doors project. If you’re looking for a way to enhance a set of aluminium doors or just give them a delightful finishing touch, we’d certainly consider sidelights. They might not be for everyone, but they can really enrich a house.
If you’d like to learn more about pairing French doors and sidelights in your next home improvement task, AluFold are here to help. We proudly work alongside installers, architects, builders and all trade professionals. Contact us today or request a free quote online. We can’t wait to work with you.
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