How to Add Glass Panels to Your Entry Door Without Sacrificing Privacy

August 15, 2025

Glass is an interesting design element in front entry doors. While windows are not always a part of the door itself, they can completely transform the way an entryway looks, bringing in natural light, adding visual interest, and giving entrances an elevated feel. But they also reduce privacy, which is a concern for many homeowners.

The good news? With the right design, you don’t have to choose between light and privacy. At CAMBEK, we build fully custom wood entry doors from scratch, meaning your glass panels, privacy needs, and design goals are all considered from day one. Whether you’re designing a door for a contemporary home or a classic estate, here’s how to incorporate glass into your entryway without compromising comfort or security.

Choose the Right Glass Type for Privacy and Style

Not all glass is created equal, especially when it comes to entry doors. Simply choosing a different type of glass for your entry door can change the way it looks and provide privacy and natural light. There are many popular privacy-forward glass options that still allow for light and style:

Frosted Glass: softens light while obscuring clear views into the home. Perfect for modern, transitional, or minimalist designs.
Textured or Patterned Glass: options like rain, reed, or glacier glass offer artistic patterns that distort visibility but still let in light. These create a beautiful visual effect that complements both traditional and contemporary door styles.
Seeded or Antique Glass: mimics the look of vintage glass with embedded bubbles or slight distortions. Great for craftsman, farmhouse, or classic architectural styles.
Tinted or Reflective Glass: dark or mirrored coatings can help obscure the view from outside during the day, while still providing outward visibility and light.
Leaded Glass or Beveled Glass Designs: combine privacy and elegance. These designs use geometric or floral lead lines that break up clear views while maintaining artistic appeal.

Customize Your Glass Placement on Your Entryway

Where the glass is placed on the door makes a big difference in terms of privacy. With our custom design process, you can fully control the shape, size, and position of each glass panel on your entryway, allowing you to create a door that offers everything you want. Which types of windows can you add?

High Glass Panels

Positioning glass near the top of the door allows for daylighting while keeping interior views protected. A great choice for single or double doors in high-traffic areas.

Narrow Vertical Lites (Sidelights or Inset Panels)

Slim glass inserts along one or both edges of the door (or within it) allow ambient light in without offering a direct view inside. These can be subtle, sleek, and privacy friendly.

Asymmetrical or Offset Windows

For a more modern design, consider non-traditional layouts that add interest and visual balance, while keeping direct lines of sight away from eye level.

Transom Windows Above the Door

Add light from above with a fixed transom panel. This keeps the door itself solid while still bringing in daylight and enhancing the entrance’s scale.

Consider Double or Triple Glazing for Security and Comfort

Privacy is as much a visual concept as it is about peace of mind and storm performance. At CAMBEK, we offer insulated glazing units (IGUs) that include glass that is sealed for efficiency and durability.

Our wet-glazed glass offers:

Better sound insulation, reducing street noise
Improved energy efficiency, keeping interiors comfortable
Enhanced security, harder to break or shatter
UV protection, helping protect interior finishes from fading

For the ultimate level of privacy and performance, consider laminated glass with an embedded interlayer that remains intact even when broken.

Use Glass as a Design Accent, Not the Focal Point

Adding glass to an entry door doesn’t have to dominate the design, it can complement the overall aesthetic as a secondary element.

Custom Millwork Options Include:

Wood muntins or grilles that divide glass into panes
Decorative panel frames that integrate glass seamlessly
Modern flush panels with embedded lites for a minimalist look
Matching sidelights and transoms designed as part of a full entry system

With our build-from-scratch approach, you’re not limited to a catalog. Every detail—from the shape of the door to the angle of the light—is shaped by your vision.

Coordinate Privacy Needs with the Home’s Layout

Privacy concerns often depend on the specific context of your entry:

Urban Homes: frosted or textured glass is ideal for homes close to the street or neighboring properties.
Rural or Secluded Homes: clear or low-tint glass may be perfectly acceptable where sightlines are less of a concern.
Covered Entryways: homes with deep overhangs or porches may not need as much visual shielding due to natural shading.
Smart Layouts: if the door opens to a foyer or wall instead of a direct living space, a clear glass panel might be a viable option.

Working with an experienced design team ensures these architectural details are taken into account, so your door works with your home, not against it.

Light, Beauty, and Privacy—You Can Have All Three

Adding glass to your front door is one of the best ways to enhance curb appeal, elevate your home’s design, and bring natural light into your space. And with the right materials, layout, and craftsmanship, you never have to sacrifice privacy to get there.

At CAMBEK, we work with homeowners, designers, and architects to create fully custom doors, including unique glass configurations tailored to your style and your needs. Whether you’re aiming for bold and modern or warm and timeless, we’ll help you find the right balance of beauty, light, and discretion.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Check out our Inspiration Guide or contact our team to start designing your one-of-a-kind entry door today.