There are a few accessories and related components that are often considered along with a new entry door you’re thinking about installing in your home, and the use of glass is commonly on this list. Among a couple different kinds of glass that may be used for an exterior door installation, one of the most aesthetically pleasing is known broadly as decorative glass.
At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we offer a huge range of custom exterior doors and entry door installation services for clients around Boise, Meridian, Nampa and other parts of Idaho, including help with any glass needs you may have for your doors. Here’s a look at how decorative glass differs from functional glass on an entry door, some of the benefits of decorative glass as part of your door, and some of the common styles often used for decorative glass on entry doors.
Decorative Glass Vs. Functional Glass
The two broad categories of glass used in many situations are functional and decorative. As you might guess, the former refers to glass that has a specific function – this could be for security or privacy reasons, or it may relate to energy efficiency through insulation features.
On the other hand, decorative glass is not primarily designed with these functions in mind – rather, it’s meant to enhance the overall appearance of a door or window. For exterior doors, this is often done through the use of unique patterns, textures, colors and other design elements.
Benefits of Decorative Glass
So why might you consider decorative glass for your new entry door? Here are some potential reasons:
- Aesthetics: As mentioned above, decorative glass can greatly enhance the visual appeal of a door. This is particularly important for the entryway of a home, as it can create a strong first impression for guests or potential buyers. It also makes guests feel welcome and adds a touch of personality to your home.
- Natural Light: Decorative glass can allow natural light to enter your home while still maintaining privacy. This is especially useful for rooms without windows or areas that you would like to keep private, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.
- Customization: With decorative glass, the design possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look that reflects your personal style and complements the rest of your home’s exterior.
- Complements to other home designs: If you have other glass features on your home, such as windows or skylights, decorative glass can help tie everything together and create a cohesive design.
Popular Styles of Decorative Glass for Entry Doors
Some of the most commonly used styles of decorative glass for entry doors include:
- Stained Glass: This type of decorative glass is created by adding color pigments to molten glass, resulting in a beautiful and intricate design.
- Leaded Glass: This is created by fusing different pieces of glass together with lead strips to form a pattern. It’s often used for more traditional or classic homes.
- Etched Glass: This style involves using acid to create unique designs and patterns on the surface of the glass.
- Frosted Glass: With this style, the glass is etched or sandblasted to create a frosted effect that provides privacy while still allowing natural light to enter.
Decorative Glass Door Alignment Options
While this is far from an exhaustive list, and many other customizable options are also regularly available, here are some of the most common formats used for decorative glass on entry doors today:
- Full glass: If you want to maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home, full glass entry doors are a great choice. They also offer unobstructed views and enhance the visual appeal of your home’s exterior.
- Top third: This style features a panel of decorative glass at the top third of the door, with solid wood or metal below. This is a popular choice for homeowners who want to maintain privacy while still allowing light into their home.
- Side lights: Instead of using decorative glass on the door itself, you can opt for side lights – narrow panels of decorative glass that are placed on one or both sides of the door. This is a great option if you want to add more natural light into your entryway.
- Double doors with half glass: This style consists of two doors that each have wood or another material as their bottom base, but then each door’s top half is made of decorative glass. This allows for some privacy while still creating a grand and impressive entrance.
At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we have a vast selection of entry doors and decorative glass options to choose from. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with our experienced team, whether you’re in Boise, Meridian, Nampa or any nearby part of Idaho.