Sidelight
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.
Design
[edit]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
[edit]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]
References
[edit]- ^ "Glossary of Architectural Terms | Trust for Architectural Easements". architecturaltrust.org. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2017-12-23.
- ^ Barr, Peter. "Illustrated Glossary Archived 2009-01-25 at the Wayback Machine", 19th Century Adrian Architecture, accessed June 17, 2009.
- ^ "The College Hill Historic District Archived 2006-04-07 at the Wayback Machine", Community Partnership Center, accessed June 17, 2009.
- ^ Wilson, Steve. Exterior House Trim: Creative Ideas for the Exterior of Your Home, (Google Books), Creative Homeowner, 2006, p. 63, (ISBN 1580113192).
- ^ Mouzon, Stephen A. and Henderson, Susan M. Traditional Construction Patterns, (Google Books), McGraw-Hill Professional, 2004, p. 47, (ISBN 0071416323).
- ^ a b c Nielson, Karla J. Window Treatments, (Google Books), John Wiley and Sons, 1989, pp. 92-93, (ISBN 0471289469).
- ^ a b Atlas, Randall I. 21st Century Security and CPTED: Designing for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Crime Prevention, (Google Books), CRC Press, 2008, pp. 248-49, (ISBN 1420068075).