Can aluminium composite doors be fitted with side panels or top lights? Yes—and the right aluminium composite door layout can transform your entrance.
What You’ll Learn:
- The layout options available for glazed or solid panels
- Your choice of glass types for privacy or light
- Why side panels don’t compromise insulation or security
- How to customise your configuration for a seamless look
(Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 Minutes)
Introduction
Looking to brighten up your hallway or make a grand entrance? Adding side panels or top lights to your aluminium composite door is a smart way to boost natural light, style, and kerb appeal. In this guide, we’ll look at how aluminium composite doors can be fitted with these features, what layout options are available, and how they affect things like security, insulation, and design flexibility.
The Short Answer: Yes, Absolutely
Aluminium Composite Doors from GFD Homes—including the Smart Signature and Smart Designer ranges—can be paired with:
- ✅ One or two side panels
- ✅ Top lights (fixed glass above the door)
- ✅ Full framed sets with sidelights and toplights combined
Each setup is made to measure to suit your property and style. Whether you want more natural light, to fill a wider opening, or to create a more architectural entrance, there’s a configuration to match.
What Are Side Panels and Top Lights?
Side Panel (Sidelight):
A fixed glazed or solid panel installed to the left or right (or both sides) of the main door.
Top Light (Transom Light):
A horizontal glazed panel installed above the door to let more light in.
These features:
- Enhance natural daylight in your hallway
- Add visual width and height to the entrance
- Create a striking contemporary look
- Can be styled to match or contrast the main door
Common Layout Options
| Configuration | Description |
| Door only | For standard-sized openings (up to ~1000mm) |
| Door + 1 side panel | Ideal for openings ~1200–1500mm wide |
| Door + 2 side panels | Creates symmetry for openings 1800mm+ wide |
| Door + top light | For tall openings (2200mm+) |
| Door + side & top lights | Statement entrance for large spaces |
All Smart systems are designed with modular frames, so they can seamlessly incorporate multiple glazed elements in one cohesive unit.
Glazing Options for Panels
When adding side or top lights, you can choose from:
- Clear triple glazing – to maximise natural light
- Satin glazing – for privacy while still brightening the interior
- Decorative or patterned glass – to echo traditional door styles
- Coloured or tinted glass – for visual flair
- Obscure laminated glass – for added security and privacy
All Smart systems use triple-glazed, internally beaded units, so you get outstanding thermal and acoustic performance as well as security.
What About Solid Side Panels?
Prefer more privacy or a bolder look? GFD also offers:
- Solid aluminium side panels to match the door slab
- Grooved or flat profiles that mirror the door’s styling
- Contrasting finishes or colours for a design-led statement
This is ideal for homes where the layout doesn’t favour extra glazing or where insulation is a higher priority.
How Secure Are Side Panels?
This is a common concern—but rest assured, all Smart systems are engineered with PAS24:2022-compliant security features across the entire entrance set:
- Laminated security glass to EN356 P1A standard
- Internal glazing beads so panels can’t be removed from outside
- Fully reinforced aluminium frames
- Multi-point locking systems extend into side panels (on keyed options)
You don’t lose any security by adding side or top lights—just more light and visual appeal.
How Do Side Panels Affect Energy Efficiency?
Not much—if built right.
Smart door systems use:
- Triple-glazed sealed units
- Low-E coatings
- Warm-edge spacers
- Argon-filled cavities
- Thermally broken frames
This means your door set will still achieve U-values of ~1.2 W/m²K, even with multiple glazed panels—well within Part L building regulation limits.
Customisation Tips for a Balanced Design
- Pair glazed doors (e.g. Richmond or Harley) with solid side panels for balance
- Use matching bar handles across door and panel for architectural symmetry
- Choose satin glazing in urban or overlooked settings
- Use a contrasting colour frame to highlight side/top panels as design features
- For modern homes, opt for a flat threshold with wide glazing
What About Frame Colour Matching?
GFD Homes offers:
- ✅ Single colour sets (door, frame, panels all matching)
- ✅ Dual colour sets (e.g. Anthracite outside, White inside)
- ✅ Custom RAL colour matching across panels and doors
This gives you full flexibility to create a seamless or striking look—depending on your personal style.
Popular Styles with Side Panel Setups
| Model | Best Paired With | Why It Works |
| Carnaby | Clear or satin side panel | Minimalist and modern |
| Abbey | Decorative glazed sidelight | Classic entrance with charm |
| Ascot | Side panel with vertical glass | Full-height impact + light |
| Cromer | Solid or half-glazed sidelight | Secure and contemporary |
| Grainger | Wide glazed panel with satin glass | Sleek privacy in urban homes |
Final Thoughts
Aluminium composite doors can absolutely be fitted with side panels or top lights—and doing so can transform your entranceway. Whether you’re going for elegance, openness, or security, Smart’s modular designs and GFD’s made-to-measure service ensure you get a door that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Still deciding? You might be wondering:
- “How much space do I need for a side panel?”
- “Will a glazed panel reduce privacy?”
- “Can I match side panel glass to my windows?”
Our team can help you visualise the perfect configuration—and bring it to life.
Let’s talk. The GFD Homes team is here to help you choose a door that protects what matters most.
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Common Questions About Side Panels & Top Lights
1. Will a side panel make my hallway warmer or colder?
Neither. Smart’s triple-glazed, thermally broken systems maintain top insulation—so you don’t lose efficiency.
2. Is adding a side panel more expensive?
It increases cost slightly, but much less than building structural glass walls. It’s a cost-effective way to enhance space and light.
3. Can I add a side panel to an existing Smart door later?
Not easily—frames are made to measure. It’s best to plan for side/top panels during initial configuration.
4. Can I get a side panel with a letterplate?
Yes, though it’s more common on the main door. We also offer glazed side panels with letterboxes for some layouts.
5. Are there limits to panel size?
Side panels can be made up to around 600mm wide; top lights can span full door width. Larger units can be split into sections.
