Thank you for your input!

I would probably do opaque on the sides and the lower panels of the door and leave the upper one clear so I could see out. Or if there is an option of a divided sidelight, do the same there.

Or do it all with reflective glass so that you can see out but no one can see in. As long as the outside light is brighter than inside the house. So a properly placed porch light will keep it brighter than a dimly lit or dark foyer

here is a pic of an opaque door with clear sidelight.This would give you a little more privacy with someone approaching the front door.

It depends your privacy need., what you see when standing at the door. These usually are sold as a builder replacement, one unit, meaning a mix of glass might elevate the price as well. Would I mix? Probably not. I don't see the point. You can see in or you cant. Would be a different issue if the front door were solid, and the sidelight the only consideration for transparency or opacity.

In daylight, you usually need a nose to the glass to get a view from outside........in the evening with lights on and dark outside? There' lies the fishbowl effect.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to help me sort this through. The reason i was thinking of doing transparent sidelites and opaque door is because i can put roller shades in the frames of the sidelites to close them at night but i can’t do that on the door since its made up if panels. The sidelites are very wide- at least 18 inches each. It’s a beach town with a lot of peple taking walks and riding their bikes at night and I’ll be uncomfortable with people being able to see in as the house is pretty close to the steeet.

So with all, could i do a door with opaque glass and transparent sidelites that would have shades or will it look strange to mix glasses?

Again, thank you all! what an amazing community!!!

I would not mix two types of glass on the same door unit. To me, it doesn't look quite right, like you ordered the wrong product.

Just found a photo example from a window film company. Clients door/sidelites has clear glass, but they wanted privacy. The smaller rectangles of opaque film give you privacy, but still let you see out around the edges. Another positive is that it isn't a permanent solution.

You care what it appears in daylight. Nobody passing by gives a rats u know what.

Do all clear, and do what you must for the NIGHT HOURS, on the inside.

Or bite the bullet to Iron doors, switch/remote options from clear to opaque.

https://ironwroughtdoors.com/pages/iwd-steel-doors-switchable-privacy-smart-glass?campaignid=17885797866&adgroupid=139511498396&content=613627535660&;}&keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17885797866&gclid=CjwKCAiAncvMBhBEEiwA9GU_fptbvOHWBTMqh4k0G_AIBOzfrzRnFCubaDn3wsn0BFpB6GypejUd_hoCZXQQAvD_BwE

wow! I didnt know that option even exists! unfortunately I was told that because of the unusual size i need them to be customized and the company only does wood in custom sizes. But ill ask because that awesome!

thank you so much!

Years ago we rented a townhouse on the beach in Santa Monica with a master bathroom that faced the beach and walking/biking path. The large bathroom window had that same/similar technology and could be turned from clear to opaque with the flip of a switch.