We ended up frosting our sidelights with a film because our dog went bananas. Still tons of light coming in but I miss the glass

^^^^^Same. While I like the privacy, there are times I really miss the clear glass.

What about cellular shades. When mounted on the inside you don't notice them and they block the light when needed.

Your floors are really nice.

Consider looking into window film for the sidelights, that has a similar texture look like the stained-glass ripple appearance, so they tie together.

What do people see at night when they look in? Do they see just your foyer or are they looking into living areas?

Is it an option to put tall plants/trees in pots outside on either side of the door (either at the top or bottom of the front stairs) in order to create some screening of the view into your house?

Usually mor ein yourhead than in fact about people seeing in But I think the plant idea could be the perfect solution.

We have a traditional home and use portieres but your door is so lovely with crisp lines I wouldn’t want anything like that to distract from the look

Temporary solution: some type of windows film with. Lots of patterns/textures that are still "clear".

Permanent solution: there are companies that do custom glass etching. You can sketch a design that complements the stained glass and they can etch it onto the glass side lites.

Easiest solutions probably either potted plants or window film. Check out WallPops online for ideas.

Question from Design Fan hasn’t been answered: what do people see when looking in?

Above is mine, but I really don’t care, everyone has different perceptions, I realize.

Shirred curtains on rods can be used to provide some privacy

You can also buy a spray on frosting.

I used film on my sidelights. Easy peasy, no taking down curtains to wash, basically maintenance free

I have textured glass and like it. My parents made stain glass sidelights with the initial of their last name. The panels fit right in behind the original glass sidelights so my sister was able to take them when we sold the house.

We had shirred curtains as Beverly as shown above. I liked that I could move them to the side to peek out. But I did remove them because I liked the light better and decided I didn't care about the privacy.

If you get the film, I recommend the kind that clings over the kind that is glued on. Or maybe I'm just an idiot.... But I bought a house where the prior owner put a GLUED on frosted film over the sidelights, and I can't get that blasted film off now to save my life.

I don't know why they cared. When you're standing outside at the front door, about the only things you can see inside the house are places you use while you're on the way to ANSWER the front door. And they put a film up that just blurs things, so it doesn't really give any added privacy. Complete waste, blocks nice sunlight, and now I can't get that stupid film off either.

So my vote is either the cling film, or nice shirred curtains. Both come down easily if you ever change your mind. :-)

Thanks everyone for the help & advice! Given me something to think about :)

Re what can people see - the foyer and some living spaces, and part of the kitchen...they can see this from the road, not just while they are at the front door.

Just realized the front garden seems to be missing two trees...so maybe once they are established enough it will give some added privacy without having to change/cover the glass. Thanks again :)

Who would be coming up to your door and peering into your home? Are you concerned about a neighbor? The local police can help you.

Otherwise, leave as is, get a motion detector light installed, and if you want more info on who is watching you, get a security camera and to identify the person.

No not concerned about anyone in particular, thanks :)

Nothing wrong with added privacy if it is what you want in our home. Ours is glued on but it’s there because of our dog. She was wild with jealousy when she could see out

I don't fear someone snooping, but for the rare time that I could be walking by the door or coming downstairs in my jammies or whatever, and someone happens tocome to the door it would be nice for it to be shielded where you can see out without having to be in their view. The house we are in now, had the shirred curtains on the side lights, and I've kept them. They function perfectly. I don't love the look , but I it's fine.

In our previous house it was the upper half of the door that was windowed. So pretty, but so inpractical. We did have shirred lace curtains but I felt they were sort of dated.

I think the cling films are a good solution. I may give it a whirl. I like the non permanent part of it all.