Top Types of Front Doors With Glass: A Visual Guide

Front doors with glass offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, transforming any entrance into a stunning focal point. Whether you’re upgrading your home or enhancing your business storefront, selecting the right entry door with various designs and materials can make all the difference. In this visual guide, we’ll explore the top types of glass front doors for both residential and commercial spaces, helping you navigate your options and find the perfect fit for your needs. From classic designs to modern marvels, let’s discover how glass front doors can elevate your property’s appeal and functionality.

Benefits of Glass Front Doors

Glass front doors offer numerous benefits that can enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and energy efficiency of a home. Here are some of the key advantages of glass front doors:

1. Natural Light: One of the most significant benefits of glass front doors is the abundance of natural light they allow into your home. This influx of sunlight creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to energy efficiency. Imagine walking into a sunlit entryway that feels both warm and inviting.
2. Curb Appeal: Glass front doors can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal. The transparency of glass provides a clear view of the interior, creating a sense of openness and warmth that can be very attractive to potential buyers or visitors. A well-chosen glass front door can serve as a stunning focal point, boosting your home’s overall aesthetic.
3. Energy Efficiency: Modern glass front doors are designed with energy-efficient features such as insulated glass, low-E coatings, and gas fills. These elements work together to reduce heat transfer, minimize energy loss, and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Investing in an energy-efficient glass front door can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.
4. Durability: Despite their delicate appearance, glass front doors are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy use, and potential impacts. This makes them a long-lasting and low-maintenance option for homeowners who want both beauty and resilience in their entry doors.
5. Design Flexibility: Glass front doors come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and materials, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your home’s architecture and decor. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional design, there’s a glass front door that can meet your needs and enhance your home’s aesthetic.

Top 5 Residential Glass Front Doors

When choosing a glass front door for your home, consider factors such as your home’s architectural style, desired level of natural light, and privacy needs. Each type of door offers unique benefits that can enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality.

Glass front doors can dramatically enhance the appearance and functionality of your home’s entrance. Here are the top five types of residential front doors with glass, each offering unique benefits and style options:

1. Wood Front Doors with Glass

Wood framed doors with glass panels are a classic choice that suits a wide variety of home styles. These doors offer:

These doors offer:

• Timeless aesthetic appeal
• Customizable glass options to suit your preferences
• Versatility in design, from traditional to contemporary
• Warm, natural look that enhances curb appeal

The combination of wood and glass creates a welcoming entrance that balances privacy with natural light.

2. Fiberglass Doors with Glass

Exterior doors, particularly fiberglass doors with glass inserts, are known for their durability and energy efficiency. Key features include:

• Excellent resistance to weathering and wear
• Low maintenance requirements
• Various glass designs available to suit different tastes
• Energy-efficient construction to help reduce heating and cooling costs

These doors are an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, practical solution without sacrificing style.

3. Steel Doors with Glass

Steel doors with glass panels offer a perfect blend of security and style. They provide:

• Enhanced home security due to the strength of steel
• Decorative glass front door options for aesthetic appeal, including obscure glass designs like frosted glass and tinted glass
• Durability and resistance to warping or cracking
• Modern look that can complement various architectural styles

For those prioritizing both safety and design, steel doors with glass are an ideal option.

4. All Glass Front Doors (Frameless)

Each of these options provides a unique balance of privacy, light transmission, and aesthetic appeal, allowing you to customize your glass front door to your specific needs and preferences.

Frameless glass front doors offer a sleek and modern appearance. These doors feature:

• Unobstructed views, maximizing natural light in your front entryway and creating an inviting space
• Seamless integration with contemporary architecture
• Illusion of more space in your entryway
• Customizable privacy options through different glass treatments

Perfect for modern homes or those looking to make a bold design statement.

5. French Doors with Glass

French doors with glass are an elegant choice, particularly suited to traditional homes. They offer:

• Double front doors with glass for a grand entrance
• Multiple glass panes for a classic, sophisticated look
• Increased natural light and improved ventilation
• Versatility in both interior and exterior applications

French doors with glass can add a touch of luxury and openness to any home’s entrance.

Each of these door types offers unique benefits, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect blend of style, functionality, and energy efficiency for their specific needs and preferences.

Additional Residential Glass Door Types

In addition to glass front doors, there are two more types of residential glass doors that are very popular that can’t be left out!

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are an excellent choice for connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces. They provide unobstructed views, allow for ample natural light, and create a seamless transition between your home and your garden or patio. These doors are perfect for homeowners who love to entertain or simply enjoy the beauty of their outdoor surroundings.

Glass Bifold Doors

Glass bifold doors are a modern and versatile option that features multiple glass panels hinged together. These doors can be folded back to create a wide opening, making them ideal for entryways, patios, and balconies. They offer a sense of openness and flexibility, allowing you to easily merge indoor and outdoor spaces.

These additional residential glass door types can enhance the functionality, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency of a home, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces.

The Myth of Solid Wood Doors: Why Engineered is Better

When shopping for a wood front door or primed doors, it’s important to understand that these doors are not typically made of solid wood, despite common misconceptions. Both wood front doors and primed doors are usually constructed with an engineered core, featuring a composite material interior with a wood veneer or paintable exterior finish. This construction method offers significant advantages over traditional solid wood doors:

1. Increased stability: The engineered core resists warping, twisting, and shrinking, issues that often plague solid wood doors due to moisture absorption and temperature fluctuations.
2. Better insulation: The composite core provides superior insulation compared to solid wood, contributing to improved energy efficiency.
3. Durability: These doors are less likely to crack or split over time, offering longer-lasting performance.
4. Consistency: Engineered doors maintain their shape and fit more reliably, ensuring smooth operation year-round.
5. Eco-friendly: Using engineered cores often allows for more efficient use of wood resources.

While solid wood doors may seem appealing for their perceived authenticity, the reality is that modern engineered wood and primed doors offer superior performance, longevity, and stability. They provide the beautiful look of wood without the drawbacks associated with solid wood construction, making them an excellent choice for discerning homeowners.

Learn more about Solid vs Engineered Doors

For an in-depth look at different wood options and their characteristics, be sure to check out our comprehensive Wood Species  Guide – Slab and Prehung Doors” blog. 

Photo Cred: Reeb Doors

Understanding Door Frames: Wood vs. Primed vs. Fiberglass

When selecting exterior doors with glass, it’s important to understand how different frame materials affect the overall appearance and functionality of your door, particularly in terms of front door glass insert size.

Comparison of Glass Panel Sizes

The overall width of the door, and the width of the frame’s stiles (vertical sides) determines the size of the glass insert. Wood front doors with glass primed doors typically feature narrower stiles, allowing for WIDER glass, while fiberglass doors often have wider stiles, resulting in MORE NARROW GLASS. The graphic below illustrates the differences in door glass insert sizes for wood, primed, and fiberglass doors across various standard door dimensions we offer.

It’s helpful to understand the anatomy of a door – for a comprehensive overview, check out our blog “Everything You Need to Know About Parts of a Door.

Unique Features and Benefits

Wood Doors:

• Timeless, natural beauty
• Customizable with various stains and paints
• Larger glass inserts for maximum natural light
• Traditional craftsmanship and elegance

Primed Doors:

• Versatile canvas for custom color choices
• Smooth surface ideal for painting
• Cost-effective option for personalized style
• Similar glass insert size to wood for ample light

Fiberglass Doors:

• Exceptional durability and weather resistance
• Low maintenance requirements
• Excellent insulation properties
• Available in wood-grain textures for a natural look
• Distinctive appearance with slightly narrower glass inserts

The choice between wood, primed, and fiberglass frames can significantly impact your door’s appearance, maintenance requirements, and longevity. Consider your local climate, budget, and personal preferences when making this important decision.

Top 5 Commercial Glass Front Doors

Commercial glass front doors play a crucial role in creating a positive first impression for businesses. They not only provide security and functionality but also contribute to the overall aesthetics and branding of a commercial space.

All Glass Commercial Entry Doors (Frameless)

All glass front doors, also known as frameless doors, offer a sleek and contemporary look that’s perfect for modern businesses. These doors create a striking first impression while maximizing visibility and light transmission. It’s worth noting that these are essentially the same as the all glass doors mentioned in the residential section, demonstrating their versatility across both home and commercial applications, and the high end quality they bring to a residential installation.

Popular uses in retail and office spaces

Frameless glass doors are frequently used in high-end retail stores, boutiques, and professional office buildings. They’re ideal for showcasing products or creating an inviting, transparent entrance to your business space.

Modern and open feel

The absence of visible frames gives these doors a clean, minimalist appearance. This design creates an illusion of more space and seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments, contributing to an open and airy atmosphere.

Benefits for businesses

All glass doors offer several advantages for commercial establishments:

• Enhanced visibility: They provide an unobstructed view into your store or office, attracting potential customers.
• Increased natural light: The full glass design allows maximum daylight to enter, creating a brighter, more welcoming interior.
• Versatile aesthetics: These doors complement various architectural styles and can be customized with different glass types or subtle branding elements.
• Durability: Despite their delicate appearance, these doors are made of tough, tempered glass that can withstand heavy use in commercial settings.

Frameless glass doors make a bold statement about your business, conveying a sense of transparency, modernity, and sophistication to your clients and visitors.

Aluminum-Framed Glass Doors

Aluminum-framed glass doors offer a perfect balance of functionality, durability, and style for commercial spaces.

Lightweight and durable properties

• Exceptional strength without bulk
• Resist corrosion and weather damage
• Low maintenance, saving time and money

Ideal for storefronts

• Provide support for large glass panels
• Offer robust security features
• Energy-efficient options available with thermal breaks and insulated glass

Customization options

• Various colors and finishes (anodized or powder-coated)
• Multiple glass types (clear, tinted, or decorative)
• Flexible configurations to fit different entrance sizes

Aluminum-framed glass doors provide a versatile and professional solution for businesses seeking an inviting entrance.

Steel-Framed Glass Doors

Steel-framed glass doors offer unparalleled strength and security for commercial spaces, making them a top choice for buildings requiring extra protection.

Strength and security features

• Superior structural integrity
• Resistant to forced entry attempts
• Can accommodate larger, heavier glass panels

Common uses in office buildings and hospitals

• Ideal for high-traffic areas
• Meet stringent safety regulations in healthcare facilities
• Provide sound insulation for privacy in professional settings

Durability advantages

• Exceptional longevity even in harsh conditions
• Resist warping, rusting (when properly treated), and wear
• Maintain appearance and functionality over time with minimal maintenance

What’s the difference between aluminum and steel framed doors?

While both materials offer durability, they have distinct characteristics:

• Strength: Steel is stronger than aluminum, allowing for slimmer profiles and larger glass areas.
• Weight: Steel doors are heavier, which can be advantageous for security but may require more robust hardware.
• Corrosion resistance: Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, while steel needs protective treatments.
• Cost: Aluminum doors are generally less expensive than steel.
• Thermal efficiency: Aluminum conducts heat more readily than steel, potentially affecting energy efficiency.

Choose steel for maximum strength and security, or aluminum for a lighter, cost-effective option with natural corrosion resistance.

Automatic Sliding Glass Doors

Automatic sliding glass doors offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility for commercial spaces with high foot traffic.

Convenience for high-traffic areas

• Smooth, hands-free operation
• Efficient flow of people in and out of buildings

Typical locations and benefits

• Common in supermarkets, airports, and hospitals
• Ideal for areas where people often carry items or luggage
• Enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges

These doors combine functionality with a modern aesthetic, making them a popular choice for businesses prioritizing customer convenience and universal access.

Glass Rotating Doors

Glass rotating doors, also known as revolving doors, offer a sophisticated and efficient entrance solution for commercial buildings. These doors combine style with functionality, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

Key characteristics:

• Circular design with multiple glass panels
• Continuous rotation allows for smooth traffic flow
• Can be manual or automatic
• Available in various sizes to accommodate different building needs

Benefits for businesses:

• Energy efficiency: Creates an airlock effect, minimizing heat loss or gain
• Traffic management: Facilitates smooth entry and exit for large numbers of people
• Impressive aesthetics: Adds a touch of elegance and modernity to building facades
• Weather control: Reduces drafts and helps maintain indoor climate
• Security options: Can be equipped with access control systems for enhanced security

Glass rotating doors are particularly well-suited for:

• Hotels and resorts
• Office buildings
• Shopping centers
• Airports and transportation hubs
• Healthcare facilities

These doors not only serve as a functional entrance but also as a striking architectural feature, enhancing the overall appeal of commercial buildings while providing practical benefits in terms of energy savings and traffic flow management.

Front Glass Door Privacy

While glass doors offer many benefits, privacy can be a concern. Here are some options to enhance or create privacy for your glass front door:

Frosted Glass Front Door Designs:

• Sandblasted or acid-etched glass that diffuses light while obscuring view

Stained Glass Front Door Designs:

• Colorful, artistic panels that add beauty and limit visibility

Cast Glass:

• Textured glass created by pouring molten glass into molds, offering unique patterns and privacy

Machine Textured Glass:

• Glass with patterns pressed into the surface during manufacturing, providing varied levels of obscurity

Window Film:

• Adhesive layer applied to existing glass, offering affordable and customizable privacy solutions. While this is the most cost-effective option, window film is not as durable as the other choices. Common problems include peeling, bubbling, and discoloration, especially in high-humidity environments or with frequent temperature changes. Quality films typically last 5-10 years, but lower-grade options may need replacement within 2-3 years.

Curious about different privacy glass options? Learn more about our various types of privacy glass in our comprehensive guide.

Explore why frosted glass is the perfect choice for your home — Learn More About the Benefits of Frosted Glass.

Discover everything you need to know in our detailed article, How to Clean Frosted Glass: The Ultimate Guide! Top 19 FAQs, for expert tips and answers.

Common Questions about Front Doors with Glass and Glass Front Doors

Is a glass front door a good idea?

Yes, a glass front door can enhance curb appeal and bring in natural light.

What is the glass front door called?

It’s typically called a glass front door or front door with glass. Specific names depend on the frame material, like wood framed or steel framed glass doors.

How much should I expect to pay for a new front door with glass?

Front doors with glass and glass front doors have a huge price range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the material, glass type, and custom features.

What glass is best for a front door?

Tempered or laminated glass is best for front doors due to its strength and safety properties. Most front doors with glass are made with tempered glass. Laminated glass is used for windshields and sliding glass doors.

What is a door with glass panes called?

A door with multiple glass panes is usually called a French door or a divided light door.

What are Glass Double Doors called?

Glass double doors are often referred to as French doors, especially when featuring multiple glass panes.

What are windows or doors with two layers of glass?

These are called dual pane, double pane or insulated glass (in the industry you’ll hear the term “IG” being used) windows and doors, designed to improve energy efficiency.

Common Questions about Glass Safety

What happens if laminated glass is broken?

When laminated glass is impacted hard enough to break, the outer glass layer may crack, but the interlayer (typically made of polyvinyl butyral or PVB) holds the glass fragments together. This prevents the glass from shattering into sharp pieces and reduces the risk of injury. The broken glass stays largely intact within the frame, creating a spider-web-like pattern, but maintaining its structure and providing a level of security and protection until it can be replaced.

What happens if tempered glass is broken?

When tempered glass is impacted hard enough to break, it shatters into small, blunt pieces that are typically less than a half-inch in size. This is due to the internal tension created during the tempering process. The glass breaks into these pebble-like fragments instead of sharp, jagged shards, reducing the risk of severe injury. The entire pane will usually break simultaneously, making tempered glass safer but less structurally intact than laminated glass after impact.

Is tempered or laminated glass better for security?

Laminated glass is better for security. It’s designed to stay intact even after breaking, making it harder to penetrate. In contrast, tempered glass, while strong, shatters completely upon impact, making it easier to access the space behind it.

Does laminated or tempered glass provide better soundproofing?

Laminated glass provides better soundproofing. The interlayer between the glass sheets helps dampen sound vibrations, making it more effective at reducing noise compared to tempered glass.

Learn more about Tempered Glass and Laminated Glass.

To discover how different glass types can help improve insulation and reduce energy costs, learn more about Energy Efficient Glass in our detailed guide.

Conclusion

Front doors with Glass and Glass front doors offer a wide array of options for both residential and commercial spaces, each with its own set of benefits and aesthetic appeal. From classic wood-framed designs to modern frameless glass, there’s a perfect door for every style and need. Consider factors such as durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements when making your choice.

Remember that the right glass front door can dramatically enhance your property’s curb appeal, increase natural light, and create a welcoming entrance. Whether you’re updating your home or designing a storefront, investing in a quality glass front door is a decision that combines functionality with style.

As trends evolve and technology advances, glass front doors continue to offer innovative solutions for both homes and businesses. By understanding the various options available, you can make an informed decision that not only meets your practical needs but also reflects your personal style or brand identity.