Help Your Entryway Soak Up the Sun

While the entryway into a home might be lower on the list of areas considered for improvement, it might be one of the most important. The entryway is where family and friends are welcomed, and the space gives them an instant impression of the home.

“Many entryways can be dark, typically because foyers and hallways do not have exterior windows,” said Alexander Clementi, Window & Door Sales • Design Consultant.

“However, features on an entry door, especially transom windows and sidelights, can drastically improve the feel of the space.”

Transom windows, which sit on the top part of the entry door, and sidelights, the slim vertical windows on either side of the door, increase the natural light that flows inside. In addition to the natural sunlight that transom and side windows can provide, there are several other benefits to including these features in an entry door:

A Genuine and Bigger Look

With natural light entering the home from the transom and side windows, there is a lesser reliance on artificial lighting. The natural light provides a warmer brightness, which can positively affect the entryway’s ambiance, elevating the surroundings.

“The natural light, along with the placement of transom and side windows, also helps create the illusion of a bigger hall or foyer,” Alexander said.

“The door naturally looks taller with the long side windows and the space for a window at the top. These spaces allow light to travel around the room. The lighter the room, the more spacious it looks.”

An Increase in Curb Appeal and Value

When people are out and about, especially as the weather warms, they’re more likely to notice an attractive door. Adding a transom and sidelights can give an entry door a more elegant and refined look.

“The right product and material selections for the windows on a door make a difference,” said Alexander.“

If your front door looks updated and modern, others will assume the rest of the house follows suit. This assumption makes your house stand out, not only to neighbors, but also to future buyers.”

Added Energy-Efficiency

“Callen offers ProVia fiberglass and steel doors that meet the highest standards for energy efficiency,” he said. With double- or triple-paned transom and side windows, excess warm and cold air is less likely to penetrate the house, stabilizing the temperature.

Some transom windows and sidelights can also be opened during warmer months, meeting a need for allowing cooler air to enter the home.

The Ability to Customize Your Entryway

“We work hard to understand your unique style, and this applies to the entry door as well,” said Alexander. “While most transom windows are rectangular, they come in a variety of different shapes, colors, and styles. The same can be said for sidelights, with various sizes and designs to choose from. There’s no better feeling than selecting window features that fit your personality and the home’s character."

Let's discuss your entryway! Call Callen today at (414) 867-2207 or complete our online form.