"or should we just remove the extra framing where the sidelites were"

That is one complete door frame by he looks of it and that would require the whole thing coming out to cut it apart to remove the sidelites.

Very odd. What is your budget? If you have the $$, I'd opt for re-doing the interior, replacing the sidelights, and getting a door with some glass inserts.

if it were mine, I'd open it all up.

Whether it requires a new door or not, more light is always an improvement.

And it will be more welcoming.

Are there any concerns with security if we have windows by the door?

We moved from a nice area of LA and most of the break-ins were through rear sliding or french doors. Ring the doorbell first to make sure no one is home and then break-in through the rear where they are less likely to be seen.

If your area is prone to break-ins, get a monitored alarm system with door/window sensors and motion detectors and make sure you use the system when you are out of the house. A few ring cameras (or similar) are also a good idea. And top it off with a few mean looking large loud dogs ... the main reason we never got robbed when most of our neighbors did!

I would do it right, and remove the sheetrock, and get the sidelights back. That looks a bit silly the way it is. Put it back the way it was. If your area is unsafe, then get a security system. Since that is the front of the house, probably not a place for a break in anyway.

IMO if a theif wants in they will get in. I would redo the interior to get the side lights bak and as mentioned this is all one unit so replacing would be the other choice but either way the interior will need work. A big dog or a good security system is the answer for safety.

Thank you all for your comments and feedback. It sounds like the general consensus is that sidelites would be good to have. I should have also mentioned that our house does not have any windows facing the front facade. Its pretty much the garage door, then this walkway to the front door. The sidelites would provide a remedy for this.

The front door goes straight to our living room. Any suggestions for how one would add privacy to sidelites?

Can you post a picture of the front of the house. Wondering why no windows in the front. You can buy blinds for the sidelights.

Do you know if the sidelights are clear glass?

I would have deal with interior wall to get sidelights back, especially if there is not enough natural light.

It seems weird to go to the trouble of adding glass sidelights for the added light, then cover them with shades! You can look at obscure glass or film to add privacy and yet keep the light coming through, but you lose the ability to look out. I agree with the suggestion of double key deadbolts so if someone breaks the glass they cannot just reach in and open the door. I don’t woworry as much about break ins when I’m gone but want to slow down someone when I’m home. We keep key handy right by the door but unreachable from a broken window.

Frosted glass?

For privacy, add a potted plant on each side. I have had tall cactus, I now have flowers. Heavy pots.

It looks like the sidelites were originally clear..i don't know why the previous homeowners had them covered up. Perhaps there was concern over break-ins. But as other folks mentioned - if someone wants to break in, they may try from a location that isn't has visible.  I'm sharing a picture of the front of the house. As you see there are no windows in the front of the house and the front of house is taken up mainly by the garage. Its also on a narrow lot so not much space to bump out sideways.

I would want the sidelight windows back, just so I could peek, out to the front if I wanted to, or felt it was necessary too.

that is a very tempting set up for burglars….if you have things in view for snatch and grab burglars..a strong..secure decorative screen would be a deterrent..but still allow you to see who is at the door…and allow natural light during the day…but i would still want privacy shades for night time…

Another option would be to create a gated courtyard…with a solid fence/wall ….and gate that can be locked…this could give you some nice private outdoor living space..unseen from the street….