Entryway

Let’s Talk About Glass Front Doors!

Last Updated on March 7, 2019 by

I’ve kind of been obsessing over glass front doors today. Here’s why!

I’ve been mulling over the idea of a getting a new front door for a while now, but I didn’t really feel a sense of urgency. For some reason, that changed last night. My living room and entryway have come a long way in the last few days, and I’m feeling so encouraged and energized by the forward momentum. I also know that my front room won’t feel complete until I get a new door. So the time is now. And fortunately, I texted my people to see if they had time in their schedule to install it before Christmas, and it looks like they do!

I’m not going with anything fancy. I’m going to choose from one of the in-stock steel doors at Home Depot, and I’m just gonna get it done. I don’t need anything fancy, and I don’t need anything expensive or custom made. Remember that door I had on my wish list with the window in it that opened on side hinges? Well, a much as I’d love to have that door, I just don’t need it. My door is in a room filled with windows, so if I want fresh air in that room, I can just open the windows.

Are Glass Front Doors Safe?

So my options are somewhat limited. I actually know exactly what I want. The problem is that Matt isn’t quite sure about it, because it’s almost all glass.

I’ve always heard that glass in front doors isn’t really a good idea. It’s not safe. And yet, I see them all over Pinterest, Houzz, HGTV, etc. And of course, we all live in houses filled with windows. The last time I checked, those were glass also. I also have a glass sliding door in the sunroom. That’s definitely not the most secure type of door. So if someone was determined to get into my house, they have plenty of entry options, so a glass front door doesn’t really seem to take my house from “perfectly secure” to “extremely dangerous.”

Oh, and plus, we just got a Ring doorbell, which I love!! I LOVE IT! I absolutely love that thing. Y’all, if you don’t have a Ring doorbell, you need one. As in, you need it today. As in, everyone should have one of these. It’s amazing being notified any time there’s motion at my front door and being able to answer the doorbell no matter where I am.

The other day I was in my car halfway to Home Depot when my doorbell rang. I was able to pull over, pick up my phone, and see who was at my front door. (Spoiler alert: It was UPS.) You can speak to the person at the door using your phone, and it also records video each time there’s motion at the door. I really can’t say enough about it. This is the one I got…

ring-doorbell-in-antique-brass

But they have several different colors to choose from. And if you already have doorbell wiring, you can get the Ring Pro, which is sleeker looking and offers a few additional features.

Anyway, I could gush about my Ring doorbell for an hour. It has been an awesome purchase! All of that to say that I’m already feeling like my front porch area is a little more secure, and we plan to add additional security cameras around our house, and probably even a security system of some sort with the glass break detection.

Back To The Topic Of Exterior Doors With Glass

So now that I’ve already been completely long-winded, let’s get to the door options. This is my favorite…

I love the thought of all the light one of these glass front doors will let into the room!

I think a single pane of glass would not only let in so much light, but I love the clean look of it without a bunch of little rectangles.

Single pane entry doors with glass like this are my favorites!

Photo by Raymond Design LPSearch contemporary entryway design ideas

I love the look of frosted glass in the door also. That gives a little privacy but still allows the light.

I’m not worried about privacy at night. I already have a couple of ideas on that front.

64 Coachwood Road

Photo by Galko HomesBrowse contemporary hallway photos

So that’s my absolute favorite, but the fact that it’s almost completely glass gives me pause. But again, I’m not sure why that is. It’s a mental thing, I suppose, because there are five windows in this same room, windows all around the house, and a sliding glass door in the back.

My second favorite is a 15-lite door.

15-lite-prehung-front-door-from-home-depot

Of course, this offers 0% added security over a full-lite front door, right? It’s still glass! But as far as the look of it, while I think it’s beautiful, I am concerned that all of those added rectangles would be very busy in a room filled with windows with those same small rectangles. It’s rectangle overload, and I just got rid of that in the front room. But they really are very pretty doors.

Exterior Doors With sidelights

These next two doors are really nice, too. But again… all those rectangles would just be too much.

A front door with sidelights is a beautiful option... just not my favorite!

Photo by Adrienne DeRosaSearch farmhouse entryway design ideas

Entry doors with sidelights do light up a room!

Photo by Polhemus Savery DaSilvaSearch Victorian entryway design ideas

Another option is a 9-lite door with the glass just on the upper half.

Exterior doors with glass have been around forever. I remember seeing these when I was growing up.

I think somehow that seems more secure, and yet, in reality, this door also offers 0% additional security over the full-lite glass front doors. I mean, if someone can break glass in a full-lite door, they can break glass in this one. And if they break the lower right pane, the door lock is well within reach. Plus…more rectangles.

New Construction - Lewes, Delaware

Photo by Dewson Construction CompanyBrowse Victorian exterior ideas

Four Seasons Vacation Home

Photo by Henderson Design GroupMore eclectic entryway photos

Mill Valley Residence

Photo by Rasmussen ConstructionSearch traditional entryway pictures

My final option is Craftsman style front doors. They have glass but offer a bit more safety in that, even if someone broke out the glass, the door lock is very hard (if not impossible) to reach from the glass.

craftsman-3-lite-prehung-front-door-from-home-depot

This is definitely my least favorite of all of the glass front doors, simply because my house isn’t Craftsman style, and it lets in the least amount of light. It’s a very pretty door, but it’s far from my top choice. It would be my “safe” choice, though. (Safe, as in, if the glass is going to be an issue.)

So What Do Y’all Think?

I don’t really need input as far as style. The first one is my favorite, and all other things equal, it would be my first choice, hands down.

What I really need is to hear from those of you who actually have glass front doors, and especially those who have glass that’s near the door handle/locks. Does it make you feel any less secure? Have you had issues at all? Are you glad you chose it? If you could have a do-over, would you choose it again?

I told the guys that I’d buy the door today and have it at the house so that it’s ready to go whenever they have a break in their schedule and can fit it in. So I’m anxious to hear what y’all have to say.

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155 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Beth
    December 16, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Why not get the door you love but put a solid door behind it? Then you can open the solid door when you want to let some light in. And if you choose you can paint the solid door for some added color visible from the street.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:17 am

      I really don’t want two doors. My mom has that, and it’s nice, but I just want one door that lets in light.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Mehgan
      December 16, 2016 at 9:24 am

      Was thinking something similar. We have a Storm Door that is small frame/large single-glass pane along with our regular solid exterior door. Not sure about you, but I’m a wreath-hanger so I like having the ability to hang the wreath on the solid door but when both doors are shut the wreath can be seen through the storm door. It also protects it from the elements.

      Oh, one other thing I want to mention. Not sure which direction your house faces but the front of my house is hit by the sun nearly all day. The sun shines through the glass, which is very warm (dog loves to lay in the rays) but it quickly fades rugs and if you decide to forego rugs, may fade your hardwood flooring. I love love love the idea of a full window-pane door but wanted to mention that. We keep our solid door open every sunny day and I have to rotate the foyer rug often so that it doesn’t fade in just that one spot the sun is always hitting.

      Of course, only con of having 2 doors like that is that the cost now just skyrocketed to nearly twice the price, give or take.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Nancy
      December 16, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      I like this option also. I don’t know if you have cold winters but the added glass storm door is a major plus in a cold climate. The key is to have your glass storm door treated with that film that helps with heat buildup on dark painted entry doors. I personally do not like being exposed by an all glass door especially at night.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Suzette
      December 16, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      I totally agree!
      I would never feel comfortable with just a solid glass door.
      I would not sleep a wink!
      The full glass door is my pick, but not just one door.
      It really seems like you have made your mind up already though.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carmen
    December 16, 2016 at 9:08 am

    I don’t think I could ever do a full glass door like you show. I would just feel so exposed. We have a Craftsman style door very similar to what you show also. I like that you can’t just see clear into our house from the street. We do have a large sliding glass patio door, but that is in the back of the house opening to a private yard. Are you opposed to a full glass storm door that would allow light in?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:18 am

      I am. I just want one door that lets light in.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Tina
        December 17, 2016 at 3:32 am

        I have the full clear glass door in the first picture. Mine has built in mini blinds in between the glass. I HATE mini blinds as a general rule, but these slide all the way up and are hidden unless you need them. They also tilt up and down all the way for privacy when you need it or for light control. Most of the time I have them all the way up and hidden but it is nice on occasions that I need them.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kelsey
    December 16, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Do you have a Menards near you? Replacing my front door was something near the bottom of my to-do list, but then I got an email about a pretty stellar steel door sale (I think it runs through Sunday). There were a lot more style options, and you could pick different types of glass for the openings. Just a thought! 🙂 If nothing else, it’s kind of fun to play with their “Door Designer” tool! https://www.menards.com/main/e-MastercraftDoorDesigner.html

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rebecca
    December 16, 2016 at 9:15 am

    The other consideration with glass is heat. We have a glass door in one area and a wooden one in another. The glass is significantly colder. But I think that would be true for metal doors in general.

    I do find the glass door to be too little privacy in my house. If I were you I’d go with option 1 with frosted glass.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Jens
      December 16, 2016 at 10:07 am

      I agree with getting frosted glass. We have a largely glass front door (which we cover with a curtain at night) but although I enjoy looking out of it during the day I would prefer something more private. Plus the security factor. Where I come from, most people have a mesh security door as well as the wooden/glass door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Regi
    December 16, 2016 at 9:17 am

    I love both of your choices because I HAVE both of your choices! Ha ha! We have the full light frosted door as our front door, and I absolutely love the amount of light it lets in. I have the 15-lite door as the door to my upper deck at the back of the house (and sliders downstairs to the patio). Again, I love the light it lets in. I don’t have any insecurities about either door, and we’ve had them for over 11 years. Now that you’ve installed some extra security with the Ring doorbell and some cameras, I think you’d be good. But it’s all up to you and how you feel.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      BeckiB
      December 16, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      One thing to consider, if u are pretending to be at the front door, with the nifty Ring Doorbell, a full glass door, frosted or not, will probably spoil the illusion.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alyssa
    December 16, 2016 at 9:18 am

    We have two entry doors with big glass close to the locks. You install a door lock that requires a key on both sides. I would check with your insurance agent to see if door style affects your insurance too, since it’s a security concern.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laura Tallant
    December 16, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Get the full glass door!! It’s SO much prettier.
    And I’m wondering- maybe it could come in shatter-proof glass? Is that a thing?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:30 am

      I’m pretty sure tempered glass is standard in doors and windows. It’ll break with enough force, but it’s not easy to break.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Cathy
        December 16, 2016 at 9:48 am

        Kristi, if you have a window tinting place near you (it’s Texas, I’m sure you do!) there are clear protective film options that are shatterproof, reduce UV rays and helps mitigate thermal transfer. Here’s a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96x2tO9Xuxw. Showes that you can have a glass door and have security.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Mara Smith
        December 16, 2016 at 9:51 am

        Tempered glass breaks into tiny pieces, just like a car window. You want laminated glass. It’ll break into small pieces like the tempered, but you need at least 3 times the force to break it. Basically you’d have to drive a car thru the glass to shatter it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Brenda Pawloski
    December 16, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Kristi, get as much uninterrupted glass as you want and train a motion detector on your front door from the inside. I vote for 1/2 light. You did not show a 3/4 light but I have that in wood grain fiberglass double doors and love them. The only thing I would do differently is get real wood next time.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sarah
    December 16, 2016 at 9:23 am

    We have a full glass door and I love it. It’s original(ish) to the house so I put a clear protective film on the glass so it’s less likely to hurt someone if it ever breaks. We also have a full glass storm that is a necessity for energy savings in the winter. I love the look and have never been too worried about safety. As you say, we have so many other windows, how does one more make a difference? But what does make a difference is the enjoyment I get from the added light and architectural “fit” of our front door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Micah
    December 16, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I love the last one with the 3 glass planes at the top. I agree with the coldness of the all glass, but with all glass there’s a privacy issue too. Curtains on a window is definitely not your thing. Adding privacy film would take away from the open glass. But having the 3 panes at the top helps with both issues.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Carol F
      December 16, 2016 at 9:42 am

      I agree with you on the last one as well. There really is a lot of cold with an all glass door, something to consider.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        [email protected]
        December 16, 2016 at 2:01 pm

        But she is in Texas, so would the cold be a consideration?

        • Reply To This Comment ↓
          Michelle W.
          December 20, 2016 at 10:59 am

          It was 29 degrees yesterday here in Texas!

          • Reply To This Comment ↓
            Kristi
            December 20, 2016 at 11:12 am

            With a wind chill of about 11 degrees. 🙂 But now we’re heading back up to the 50s, 60s, and even 70s on Christmas Day.

            • [email protected]
              December 20, 2016 at 3:23 pm

              Sorry for my ignorance! We are at -15C, so about 3F? I always think of Texas as warm!

            • Kristi
              December 21, 2016 at 7:40 am

              Texas is generally warm. We have very hot summers, warm spring and fall, and very short mild winters, as a general rule. During winter, we might have a handful of really cold days scattered throughout otherwise relatively mild days. But those handful of really cold days can be brutal here, not only because of the cold, but because of the icy roads it brings with it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lauren
    December 16, 2016 at 9:24 am

    I think I’d need to see your house from the outside again to be sure, but I’d go with the frosted full panel or the craftsman, and here’s why. The difference between multi and single panes is really psychological – I don’t feel like I’ve truly entered a private, sheltered space if I have to worry about walking around in my bathrobe. The multi-pane thing gives a sense of barrier without blocking light. But so would frosting. My hesitation is only: how will it play with your windows? I agree that the craftsman-style doesn’t give you the light (as in lumens as well as opposite of heavy) look you like, but if it continues the line of panes out of the windows right next to it, then it might be less disruptive to the overall look than something totally different.
    So, that didn’t answer your question AT ALL! LOL.
    My parents have a 16-pane front door and a sidelight, and I’ve never felt less safe, but that could also be because they have quite a deep covered porch so there’s a significant transition/approach area between Out There and In Here. But no one ever sits in the furniture that’s visible from the front door.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:44 am

      What my house looks like now is far less important than what it WILL look like in the future. 😉 Here’s the front elevation that a reader did for me a while back. But keep in mind that she was testing out a free version of this software and had limited choices for the details. The front elevation shows a Craftsman style door to go with the Craftsman style columns on the front porch. When we actually do our remodel on the front, it will be more traditional in style. I do NOT want a Craftsman style front porch. –> https://www.addicted2decorating.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/double-gable-1.jpg

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Sue
        December 16, 2016 at 8:27 pm

        Oh good, I was trying to remember what your future vision looked like. To me the full glass pane goes with modern style houses. Any of the other more traditional ones seem to suit the house style better. I especially like the half solid half glass style.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sherre
    December 16, 2016 at 9:25 am

    Three things.
    1. If you go to a local millwork place, it will save you SO MUCH MONEY. Home Depot and Lowe’s are so overpriced on that kind of stuff.
    2. Fiberglass is better than steel. Won’t rust or dent as much!
    3. They make doors with blinds between the glass. I have a half-lite one in my kitchen, and my mom has the full-lite one in her house. That way you could control how much light and privacy you can get.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Judy
    December 16, 2016 at 9:26 am

    I have your first choice, full glass, in my kitchen and love it for the light and for the view across my yard and into the woods. The only drawback back is during really cold weather, even with the double glass, it is cold, so I lower the Roman shade to provide one more layer of protection.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Michelle
    December 16, 2016 at 9:26 am

    The current house we live in has a full glass door. We bought it that way. The one thing I don’t like about it is that on more than one occasion, a person suddenly appeared at the front door and scared me out of my wits. If you do not see someone coming up to your house, you may be startled to see someone standing there. If you really like the full glass door, I would see if you can get one with blinds between the panes. I have a roman shade on mine and because it is a door that we are constantly entering and leaving the shade can get a little bedraggled. We actually will be replacing the door because it is rusting. That is one problem with steel doors they can rust. I personally will be choosing a different type of door.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      TinaG
      December 16, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      I agree with your observation about the lack of privacy. I have had an all glass front door and had that same experience of looking up to find somebody standing right in front of my door without me realizing it. The only other thing I would consider is your furniture arrangement inside. I know I would not be comfortable sitting in front of a glass door at night. If none of these things are a concern for you, I would get the one you love!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lena
    December 16, 2016 at 9:27 am

    We have 3/4 glass door with a key needed on both sides to open the look installed by the builder. Thinking of changing it to a code type one on the inside to avoid having to use a key there.

    For the doors if you go with a full glass at least it would be more noticable if someone broke the glass as the whole thing would be broke vs. if there is an individual pane. I’d go with the full glass one.

    We have leaded type glass pieces in ours that help with privacy and some pattern on the glass. I’m not worried about someone seeing in as they would have to stop and stand at the right angles to do so and if someone wants to see in that bad then it is likely they’d find another way to do so as well.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Joyce
    December 16, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Myself, i am not fond of the all glass door. Not because of security but for privacy. And i am not fond of curtains on a front door, but that is just me. The door with the 9 panes up top looks like something that would be more of a back door entrance. We were looking a new doors a few weeks ago at Home Depot and there were some very nice ones with windows up top yet not craftsman style. Good luck, I will be watching to see what you find. As with everything you do I always love it even if it isnt something I could do in my house.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sherri T
    December 16, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Is not your answer for a front door under the Goal tab for your Front Exterior vision?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:40 am

      No, the door used on that front elevation picture wasn’t my choice. It’s Craftsman style, which goes with the Craftsman style columns, but when we actually remodel the front, I’ll be using more traditional style columns. I’m definitely not going for a Craftsman look on the front of my house.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Carla from Kansas
    December 16, 2016 at 9:30 am

    I had a solid door but those panels beside it were glass and someone did break in the panel and open the door and break in my house. This was when I lived in Austin.

    I would personally get a full glass storm door and then a solid metal door. I could then open the solid door anytime and have full glass option.

    The difference between windows and doors is that lots of windows can be fixed so they only open so wide. With a door busted out someone could walk right in.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen
    December 16, 2016 at 9:31 am

    I say go for the full glass, if that is the one you really want. I agree that with so many entry points for a person determined to get in, this door is not making you unsecure-er. I have heard that locks are only made to keep honest people out.
    The Ring System should give you more comfort. I have glass and I am never concerned.
    I love all the light I can get.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Patricia
    December 16, 2016 at 9:32 am

    That glass door is very modern looking and the frosted glass even more so . I didn’t think your house had a particular modern aesthetic .
    I like the craftsman door — craftsman is charming and your house is charming .
    I’m interested in what your options are for privacy with the full on glass door – shutters, blinds , roman shades or curtains is all I can think of . Who wants to dust blinds ?
    How do you feel about a Dutch door ? That’s probably a whole different price point but they are full of personality and light .

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 9:56 am

      I LOVE a Dutch door, but it’s impractical for my indoor kitty and mosquitoes in the spring and summer. I’ve researched all of the different options for adding a sliding screen to the top part when it’s open, and I just don’t like any of them.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Julie
      December 16, 2016 at 10:18 am

      I agree about the modern aesthetic coming through too much in a full glass door. I really think the craftsman matches the home more.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Skt4me
    December 16, 2016 at 9:33 am

    You were concerned about privacy when you chose window coverings for your living room last year, a glass window will show everything! Open your front door And have lights on inside and go stand on the street in the dark and see what you see. Maybe a patterned window?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Cat
      December 16, 2016 at 10:58 am

      I was thinking the exact same thing! Picture yourself in a half-dressed sprint from the bedroom to the kitchen for your morning coffee. Then imagine yourself in the kitchen when the UPS guy shows up with something you need to sign for. You’re trapped, half-naked in the kitchen hiding or making a very obvious sprint in full view back to grab a robe. Been there, won’t do that again!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cdiana
    December 16, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Go with a fiberglass 3/4 panel glass door with the panes. Very classy looking and would seem to match your style if house better than full pane.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laurie
    December 16, 2016 at 9:34 am

    I am not a fan of having a glass door on the front of my house especially as I live on a main road in my town. I just don’t like the lack of privacy. My storm door over the wood panel one is all glass though so I can open the wooden door if I want more light in the sunny weather. Having glass means you have to have curtains, blinds, shades or some kind of glass treatment to give you privacy especially at night. If it were a back or side entrance door, it would not be as much an issue with me, but the front door attracts too much attention.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cathy
    December 16, 2016 at 9:34 am

    We recently had a break in at our vacation home where the thieves broke a pane in a nine light rear door and just turned the bolt lock to get in. Now, the house was targeted because it was obviously vacant, I’m sure, and we are researching security systems but we also have replaced the bolt lock with a keyed lock to make it not so easy to gain entry. I love light and couldn’t give up having windows in my door so the keyed lock was our solution. Of course, then you have to find a secure, nearby, easily reachable place to keep the key. During the day, or when you’re home you can just keep the key in the lock for ease of use and then store it away from the door overnight.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Elizabeth
    December 16, 2016 at 9:39 am

    First I love doors with glass in them and believe that every one should be able to see through their front door. We have a front door with stained glass in it and honestly I have never felt insure about it (if I was a thief I would come in through the back anyway).

    That said I wouldn’t go with the first door – it looks like a storm door or a back patio door. Plus how does it look with your exterior design? Don’t forget that aspect.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Adrienne
    December 16, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Kristi,

    I’ve been reading your blog for years and my opinion is that YOU will not be happy with your choice if it isn’t the one you really want. Go for it. You can address the privacy and security issues in other ways.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Deborah
    December 16, 2016 at 9:41 am

    I had the full glass door in an older home and I loved it. I could see out to the street and there was so much more light in my living room. Guests were pretty upset by it though.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Alta Craig
    December 16, 2016 at 9:41 am

    We had a six-panel wood door and replaced the top two lights with glass. It let light in, thr glass was too far from the handle to facilitate break-ins, and gave us privacy too.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristin L
    December 16, 2016 at 9:42 am

    I would go with the glass door. If someone wants in your house, they will get it. We have had 3 auto break ins and hubby served on a jury for a guy that broke into 18 houses. Experienced thieves can get in without breaking the glass, they will go for the lock. We have learned a lot in those experiences. At home depot they have a brand of door called Thermatru, they have triple locks. The door locks at the knob and at the top and bottom. Also add the screen door like you mentioned in a previous post. I watched at guy at home depot kick a glass screen door three times with steel toes on. Didn’t do anything to the screen door. It isn’t about keeping them out, it is about slowing them down in the process of getting in. Can’t wait to see the new door!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Suzanne
    December 16, 2016 at 9:42 am

    We have window film that looks like stained glass on our front door transom. There are so many patterns out for the window film that are easy to use and really look great. I don’t know if it would let in as much light as you like, but it’s something to think about!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    CHRIS F
    December 16, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Quite a few comments on the glass door and the concern with cold weather. How cold does it get in Texas ? enough to worry about? It’s not Idaho or Canada, eh! I like the idea of a glass door with the adjustable blinds between the glass. I also love, love, love the picture of the black door with six panes of glass. I feel this would look awesome with your new windows. Good luck and look forward to your choice.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 10:14 am

      It can certainly get cold here in Texas, but it doesn’t stay cold for long. Our cold days are usually interspersed with 70-degree weather days.

      • Reply To This Comment ↓
        Carla from Oregon
        December 21, 2016 at 1:07 am

        What about the heat a solid glass door would bring in? Also the fading on the floor. Personally I would not have one without it being frosted, the privacy issue is huge. What if there is someone at the door and you don’t want to answer it? It would be difficult to not be seen. If I did get a glass door, I would get the film and a lock that you enter a code in to lock/unlock.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      terrillr
      December 16, 2016 at 10:27 am

      Typically, it’s not the cold we worry about in Texas, it’s the heat!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Teri McDonald
    December 16, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Hi!
    Look at Iron Doors Unlimited at Home Depot…..you may upgrade a bit! I like having glass in my door…I got a glass texture named ‘ice cube’ and it is lovely…check it out!
    PS: The textured glass lets in tons of light and obscures the view from outside.
    TJM

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sheryl
    December 16, 2016 at 9:44 am

    I had a glass door in my last house. I loved the amount of light that it let in but I hated the fact that it didn’t have a peephole. There was no easy way to see who was at your door without them seeing you also. However, it sounds like your fancy doorbell might make that concern irrelevant. If so, I say go for it. I think burglars would be more likely to break a back window than a front door that is in view of the street.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Candace B.
    December 16, 2016 at 9:45 am

    If security is really the concern, then I would suggest getting a glass storm door to go in front of whichever door you choose. Many security experts recommend one anyway because they say there should be a barrier between you and strangers on your doorstep. Plus, if you were concerned about thieves, these doors are another barrier against theft-a person would need to break two doors instead of just one. Plus, I like the look. Here are some examples: https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/5601001779/in/photostream; http://www.idoorframe.com/vintage-touch-for-your-home-with-red-storm-door-here-some-pictures-of-it/vintage-red-storm-door-with-clear-glass-screen-door-window-also-using-satin-door-slab/; http://fixlovely.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-paint-your-front-door-storm-door.html;http://prettypinktulips.com/2011/12/what-christmas-means-to-me.html; http://www.houzz.com/projects/411538/legacy-chippendale-storm-sceen-doors

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Christine
    December 16, 2016 at 9:47 am

    I am going to go least fav to fav. First off, is security going to be a big deal? I would think most n’er-do-wells would try to break in the back. Plus you have so many windows, if they want to get in, they are going to get in.
    1. The craftsman seems off with the rest of the styles you have chosen. I find it frustrating having windows in a door that you can see who there. You’d need a chair to see what’s going on.
    2. The half window, to me looks like a back door. I think a front door should be more grand and make a statement.
    3. The 15-light is a good option if you wanted to give a cohesive look with your windows. But I agree, it may look a little busy if that bothers you. Would it look as busy from the outside as the inside? The window treatments inside might cover up enough of the windows to mitigate that issue. Outside, I wouldn’t know. Having it frosted might make it less busy, too.
    4. The full glass, I say go for the gold! I would say frosted to give some privacy. At night, anyone could drive by and see what’s going on in your home. A little creepy. We’re you planning on putting anything on the door for privacy?
    That’s my 2-cents, for what it’s worth. 😊

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Adele
    December 16, 2016 at 9:52 am

    I would advise against a steel door. I have two (front and back) made by Stanley each with windows in the top half. The windows are held in with…fiberglass? trim. First, 20 years later gooey, gluey stuff is *still* oozing out around that trim and cleaning it takes the paint off the door. The trim also does not take paint well and it would peel off. We eventually scraped off the paint but it looks horrible to have a raspberry door with white trim around the inset glass.

    My mother has a solid, six-panel steel door and although it would be lovely if we could paint it a medium to dark color, we cannot. Her house faces west and even the white door gets incredibly hot to the touch. There was a child in her town who suffered serious burns to his hands when he placed his hands on a hot dark-painted steel door. And this in the north! I have also read that a dark-painted steel door can warp from the heat if it gets lots of direct sunlight.

    My sister, on the otherhand, has a fiberglass door that faces due west. It is stained to look like wood and it is realistic looking. The door window trip is exactly the same as the door and it doesn’t ooze gooey gluey stuff. The door does not get hot.

    I will be replacing my front door when we reside the house, I hope this summer. A wooden door doesn’t insulate well enough in our long, cold winters so I will go with fiber glass. I will probably go with a craftsman style because my house is a 1930s bungalow and because I don’t like that now people at the door can see straight into the house. I hesitate, though, because I hat to lose the light the current door lets in. Maybe frosted glass is the way to go!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lori
    December 16, 2016 at 9:52 am

    You say the last style won’t go with your house because it isn’t craftsman. While that may be true, it most definitely isn’t modern and that’s what a full glass door feels like. The second door is great for a back door or a front door on a beach house. Again, not your house. The third door is probably the best suited for your house, as far as having a door with glass goes. But if you don’t like it, don’t waste the money; doors are not cheap!
    We briefly lived in a house with a full glass front door and, while it was great for letting in light, I hated the lack of privacy. I like to be able to peak outside and decide if I want to answer the door or not. Hard to do when they’re looking right at you!
    Good luck with whatever you decide.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Terrie
    December 16, 2016 at 9:57 am

    I say go for the one you and Matt agree on. Like you said, if someone REALLY wants to get into your house they will. This is a substantial purchase – you are only going to buy it once. Do you really want to say “I wish I had bought this door instead”?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Joanie
    December 16, 2016 at 10:00 am

    Go with what you want, when we built our house 10 years ago, I wanted a glass door, but my husband wanted a solid door with sidelights, so that is what we have. But, I have never liked it. The moral of the story is: get the one you want!
    PS, I have a wonderful, fantastic husband! We just don’t always agree on somethings.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cornelia
    December 16, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I have two full entry insulated glass doors. My house faces south and the doors allow lots of light. I put french door curtains on the inside for privacy. I can’t imagine not having windows in my doors. There are lots of options for glass doors with steel or wood panels. Plus, dogs love looking out windows! Good luck!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pamela Bendall
    December 16, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Love the full glass, but think I would go with the frosted glass. Will not show hand prints. So that means a little less cleaning. Also gives you a bit of privacy.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Linda
    December 16, 2016 at 10:07 am

    I live in Texas and I have a glass storm door. You cannot use the storm door in hot days or in cold days! I would not have only a glass front door for that reason alone. I think you would be sorry if you did that. If you get both a regular door and a storm door, you will have an option of having light with having proper protection for the many days of weather extremes in our hot summers and the cold days of winter. Love the idea of a glass front door, but I really don’t think it is very functional in the long run. For what it’s worth, just my experience here in Central Texas Hill Country.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Patty G
    December 16, 2016 at 10:10 am

    In my previous home, which was a new home when we purchased, there was a full view front door. It was exactly like what you can purchase at Home Depot. It had no grids but did have side lights. Initially I was skeptical about the privacy factor. I grew to love it-it made the foyer so bright and looked pretty from the road. The glass eventually lost its seal so a new door was necessary since we were ready to sell. I selected the exact craftsman style that is one of your options. It was likely from Home Depot/can’t remember. Anyway it looked good too but made the interior/front of the house darker. Living with both doors, my recommendation would be go with the full view, you won’t regret it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Claire
    December 16, 2016 at 10:14 am

    I have the Home Depot full glass door on two doors one opens to a deck and the other is the walkout door on ground level. My whole development has them and has had them for about 30 years. No one has ever had them break or had a home invasion through them. A solid core steel door was broken into in the next building a decade or so ago (took the hardware off and popped the hinges). The door on the lower level to the back yard has a sheer curtain to pull over if the neighborhood kids are playing out back, otherwise I love the afternoon/evening light that comes in through it. The one on the deck faces a wall yet the light still streams into the dinning room. I do not feel unsafe and never have. The glass is very durable and it doesn’t seem to break. I say that because I have raised 4 children here 3 are boys and 2 of those boys were rough and ready from the time they were toddlers through the time one entered into the Marines just last year. If the doors survived them it will survive almost anything.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Rochelle Thompson
    December 16, 2016 at 10:16 am

    You obviously want the full single glass door, so by all means get it …. but as someone who have a full glass front door, let me encourage you to get the frosted glass. The light is the same, but it gives just enough privacy to make you feel better about it at night.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    MonW
    December 16, 2016 at 10:25 am

    Kristi,
    Our first home had half glass on front and back doors behind full glass storm doors. I liked that that for the extra thermal barrier and option of opening inner door to speak to strangers on my porch and locking the storm door.
    There as here, the doors were aligned north south.

    When you have doors with glass or sidelights, you do the keyed deadbolts inside and out and keep the key not in the lock, but very near it inside for easy exits in an emergency. That prevents the smash, grab, and open.

    Our doors here are a front solid wood carved and a back half glass with mullions.

    I do not remember which way your doors face, so you may want to consider thermal issues. Regardless of the direction, our doors let in considerable cold in the winter. I notice it in the winter and only because the power would go out frequently just south of you. We’ve had fewer but longer outages up here 4 hours north of you, but all in the winter.

    Frankly, I would be concerned about the sun fading things. I did do drapes on a back door for tv watching and thermal barrier in the summer. We noticed less fading too and fewer drafts.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    December 16, 2016 at 10:26 am

    To me, your favorite (one large single pane of glass) doesn’t really jive with the updated traditional style/decor you’ve chosen for the interior or with style of your proposed exterior renovation. I think something with divided panes will better complement your home’s look — inside and out.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jan
    December 16, 2016 at 10:30 am

    For goodness sake, buy the door you want. You’ll regret frosted, it’s place is in Windows and doors of bathrooms. The only thing I will say is in all the example pics of the door you like, the view inside is to a hallway or foyer. I’d be careful of your view if you’re worried for privacy. Also, I think those doors are lovely and meant to be without something covering them up at night.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Denise
    December 16, 2016 at 10:32 am

    My favorite front door I’ve ever had was the 9 light with blinds built in between the glass. Best front door ever!! I almost always had the blinds pulled up all the way but on those rare occasions I did want/need some privacy, especially at night, I had the option to put the blinds down. It has a more traditional look on the front of a house versus the all glass which to me looks more mid-century or modern. Just my 2 cnts……

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Deb
    December 16, 2016 at 10:33 am

    The door style is your choice. But if you do not have a plan for filtering the light/sun with all your new windows and possible “glass door”, then I hope you get one soon. Nothing will destroy your furnishings faster and we know from experience. Lived in FL for 4 years with 12′ tall sliding doors and windows everywhere. Don’t be fooled into thinking it cannot happen to you.

    Checkout 3M prestige film. We had it professionally installed on all windows before we moved into our retirement home.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    December 16, 2016 at 10:39 am

    Buy the clear one that you want! Just make sure you are always dressed! LOL!
    My door is 3/4 decorative glass like textured stained glass only clear with patterns to disrupt the view. It lets in light but you only see the distorted person and adds privacy. I would add a picture but not sure how?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lisa Garber
    December 16, 2016 at 10:41 am

    My comment concerns Matt in his wheelchair and his safety and ability to see who is on the other side of the door. Like it or not, your professional life as a celebrity makes you vulnerable, to a certain extent. I’m sure you have read about the problems “other Waco design celebs” have experienced with a lack of privacy.

    IMHO, security should be part of your planning. Consult the Waco PD or State Police for a safety consult.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi
      December 16, 2016 at 11:23 am

      Matt has the Ring doorbell app also, so he can see who’s at the door without actually going to the door. 🙂 Best purchase ever!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Traci
    December 16, 2016 at 10:44 am

    I love the all glass, I have 2 sets of French and all glass front door with no coverings in Florida and I love the light! Go for it, the sun coming in will make you happy☺

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marcia
    December 16, 2016 at 10:46 am

    privacy-privacy – would not allow anyone to look inside my home – no storm door – no protection

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Laura
    December 16, 2016 at 10:50 am

    Go with the full glass and get the frosted option. We just ordered doors for our garage that we are building and I was worried about security, but the salesman said that a good thief isn’t going to break the glass. It’s too noisy. We love our door that is 3/4 glass for our front door. It lets in tons of light and brightens the whole front hall. I live in Canada and while it might not be a warm as a solid door, it never factored into the decision making process.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    jenw
    December 16, 2016 at 10:53 am

    The door you like best…that is featured in *contemporary* homes. Your house is anything but. Rectangles or not, the paned look brings more of a traditional vibe. I like the half door with the paned window best.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Erin
    December 16, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Hi, Kristi. I agree that the glass doors are beautiful and it’s nice to have all of that light flowing into your house, but I disagree that security isn’t a concern. The risk is not that someone could easily break through the glass. Someone breaking into a house would usually go for a door or window in a less visible area. The risk is that someone could very easily scope out your house through the glass front door and not look suspicious doing it, since they’re simply standing where a normal guest would be. We’ve had people posing as salesmen etc. going through our neighborhood in the past, and the police have told us that they’re looking for easy targets. If you do go with all glass, I would definitely have it frosted or have a curtain or shade to cover it when you’re not wanting the extra light.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Becky Alpers
    December 16, 2016 at 10:53 am

    Love full view. Go for it! We have four of them. All have keyed deadbolts too. We opted to use a standard front door for two reasons. It’s under a covered front porch facing northeast and there’s a tempered glass window next to it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Trina
    December 16, 2016 at 10:57 am

    I have a walkout basement and I just replaced all the windows and the door. I have big windows across 2 sides and love them. The windows have low E and argon. I also got a full pane glass door to allow even more light. They were all installed in September. When it was hot. There was a big big difference in the windows and the door. I called the company and sure enough the door doesn’t have the low E. I wish I would have thought to ask. I will be putting the film on to stop the heat transfer. It was not just “a little” warmer. Very hot and very noticeable when you walked by. I still like the door and not saying I’d have done anything different but I was surprised.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    PML
    December 16, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I have had a frosted glass door. I didn’t like it because of solicitors and other unwanted visitors being able to see into my home. Now I have a solid door with a peep hole and I love it!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Bri
    December 16, 2016 at 11:05 am

    I have the original door in my 1930s home and it is almost entirely glass, one lite, single pane. It doesn’t bother me as there are plenty of windows for someone to break through. I just hope the potential burglar chooses one that is a new window rather than breaking my antique glass.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan Bell
    December 16, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Get the door you want. You can get the full glass door with blinds between the panes. Then you can control what people see. Or the frosted is beautiful. Full glass is no less dangerous than a regular door. You are right, you have windows, and a sliding glass door that is at the back of the house. The back of the house is where I, if I broke into houses, would go because of lack of street traffic.

    I once had a Home Depot guy tell me not to replace my sliding glass doors with a French doors cause people could fit the openings too easily. I just blinked and walked away.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mark Tisdale
    December 16, 2016 at 11:21 am

    I think any concern over security is psychological. You have a ROW of windows right by that door. You could put a vault door there and someone could still break a window and climb in!

    If I was going to worry about a break-in through a door, I’d be more concerned about doors that don’t face the street, personally. That said, I lived for nearly a decade in a house where the front door was half glass and the rear patio had french doors. The first floor windows all came within a foot of ground level. No break ins.

    The only break-in in my life (knock wood) was through a solid wood door that someone jimmied the lock on. So my personal experience is that the door doesn’t matter as much as the lock does. 😉

    My vote is get the door you love.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Donna
    December 16, 2016 at 11:28 am

    I have three 15 light exterior doors – from breakfast room to patio, bedroom to patio and main entrance is 15 light with two sidelights and arched window above. I love them, have had no issues and can’t imagine ever changing them.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Judy J
    December 16, 2016 at 11:30 am

    I have the 9-lite glass in the upper portion for my front door. For privacy, I’ve added a sheer curtain which covers the glass portion only.

    As for the glass, if they want to get in and take stuff, they will find a way – and hopefully, not in full view of my neighbors. (Plus, they would be greatly disappointed in what they find inside. 🙁 LOL! )

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    beth
    December 16, 2016 at 11:34 am

    i love the glass door but since i live in Canada and have spent the last 2 weeks at -20F I can’t choose it. if you choose it, i can live vicariously through you. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    December 16, 2016 at 11:43 am

    I love the glass door but have you thought about sun exposure and the extreme heat in the summer in Texas? Your windows will have draperies to try to screen out a lot of extra heat from the sun but this door is not made for a covering of any kind. Like I said, I love it but you need to factor in the extra heat.

    We have the 9 pane door and love the extra light. Most doors/windows are not that safe so go with what you want.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    SusanG
    December 16, 2016 at 11:48 am

    I have a 6-yr-old house with a Craftsman front door, 2 15-light doors to deck, and 9-light half solid door at utility entrance. All are steel, have taken paint and/or stain well. BUT none have glass! Check your vendor: many seem to be using a kind of unbreakable plastic. My neighbor had an emergency and we could not break the plastic in her half door. With an ax!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lindsay
    December 16, 2016 at 11:50 am

    I didn’t get through all the comments but I’m sure you’ve been given lots of advice. Here’s mine to add to the list, My husband and I have lived in 5 homes now and every single one of them has had either almost fully glass or at least half glass on the front. Privacy was an issue in one home because we lived on a corner but light sheers looked nice and fixed that issue, otherwise in my opinion the doors are really not a huge safety concern. I mean yes they look, and one would assume, probably somewhat easy to break but to be honest if someone wants to break in they are probably not going to go with the noisy option of breaking a full glass door and truthfully if someone is going to break the door down then they are going to get in no matter what door you have because if your door is solid wood they will try the windows or some other way. All that to say I wouldn’t change having all the sunlight through our door for anything. We have the one with all the rectangles and my advice is go with the solid glass if you want glass just because one, the stupid rectangles are annoying to clean and two, if you paint it they are also very annoying to paint.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Lindsay
      December 16, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Oh yes and I did want to add that a lot of newer doors are made of harder glass that are supposed to very hard to break. So even the in stock doors at Lowes or wherever else you may buy may be made of a material that is not as easy to break as it would seem. The storm doors, although I know you don’t want one of those, are all glass and are made to not break easily and I can attest to that because we have one on the backdoor that actually fell off our stairs about 4 feet above ground onto concrete while we were repairing some door trim and nothing was damaged at all. I about had a heart attack but the door was just fine.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pixel
    December 16, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Frosted glass on my front door, back door is clear panel. My front door is perpendicular to the property line, not facing the street directly, so it doesn’t feel as exposed. I love it, especially since there is another large window with the same frosted panel as the door in the entrance. The back door is clear and has another clear side panel so the entrance felt very exposed at first – I was constantly startled because I thought the back door was open. I got used to it and now can’t imagine living with solid doors! It was very helpful when my cat bolted on our first week in the new house, spent the day under a bush in the back yard then came home and we saw her sad little face peeking through the back door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lez
    December 16, 2016 at 11:53 am

    Hi, haven’t read all the replies, that’s your job, my choice would be all glass but frosted for privacy, thinking of you going from bedroom area to kitchen. As far as anyone breaking into the property I’m sure the door would be the last entry point, if it was me the window to the left of the fireplace would be the best.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Denise C.
    December 16, 2016 at 11:55 am

    I’m not sure I would like a front door that didn’t have glass. Ours is upper half all glass, and it’s clear stained glass. It does add a lot of light and I really like that the window is partially frosted, so I can see clear details through it. We have a side door with nine lights/half glass – but for privacy, we did add the frosted window film that blocks a clear view from the exterior only. Our kitchen breakfast room has a sliding door and we love it. Then in the basement, we have french doors that are both all glass, with the 15 lights. We live in a rural area and have a really beautiful view, so it’s difficult to imagine not having them. Our front door is steel, and the glass is very thick, so I have never even questioned the security aspect. Lots of light is lovely, and you can always use curtains, blinds, or UV protection coat that block people from looking in. We have lots of windows, block glass and skylight in the master bath. We like privacy, but we also love having a well lit home – and to be really honest, we do save a lot of money, even being all electric, because I usually can avoid lights on in the daytime for the most part. You should go for it, and feel secure in your choice. I’m not a very trusting person, but in this case, I figure, if they are determined to break in, they will likely do it even if the glass isn’t there.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Hil
    December 16, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Contacting your local police is probably the simplest and most accurate way to get the info you want about whether or not having glass in the front door makes any significant difference to security. I know my local police have people whose job it is to keep the community informed about the safety recommendations (e.g. they talk w/ neighborhood groups), so don’t feel like you are bothering them or wasting their time. They want to help people prevent/avoid crime in the first place 🙂

    I get email summaries of local crimes in my neighborhood in Minneapolis, and it struck me that the majority of the crimes (probably at least 75%) were stealing from unlocked homes/garages/cars. I don’t know that breaking glass in the door is very common. My neighbors said they had someone break in a while ago by going into the front porch and then kicking in the front door (even with a deadbolt, apparently it is pretty easy to break in because the frame/trim that the locks go into is the weak point).

    So I say go with the door you want, but maybe contact the police dept to get the safely reassurance first, if it will keep your mind at ease.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kismet
    December 16, 2016 at 11:57 am

    All 3 of my exterior doors have glass (but not all glass) and we use double sided deadbolts so they can’t be opened from the inside without the key. We leave the key in the lock while home during the day and pull out and hang on a nearby hook at night and while gone. Works well for us.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mrs PoP
    December 16, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    We have a big oval of glass in our front door and I like the light it lets in. There’s a pattern in the glass that kindof obscures what you can see through it, so it doesn’t feel like we’re on display or anything.

    With that in mind, I like the full glass doors, but frosted for your house.

    Also, I don’t know if you’re impacted by it, but we looked into replacing our front door (in FL) recently and the codes have changed pretty dramatically in our area to the point where an off-the-shelf door wouldn’t be up to code unless we also installed hurricane shutters – so we’d need an inspection either way. The big difference seems to be that updated doors open out instead of in, since that’s supposed to be much safer in high winds, in addition to different glass… Anyhow, hope it doesn’t apply to you, but figured I’d mention it just in case.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    chiflipper
    December 16, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    Full clear glass is my vote. You can add an obscuring film later if you find it necessary. Poster Mark is absolutely correct, if someone wants to enter your home they WILL get in. The only true security system consists of exterior “rolling / hurricane shutters” which would be cost prohibitive. Very good points were made about the heat and “seal” issues around the glass if you have a full western exposure. I had a full, clear glass door, eastern exposure in the past. I loved it despite having to clean it every day because I had two HUGE dogs and the slobber / nose prints were gross. The most effective break-in deterrent is a large dog, burglars do not want the possibility of a dog bite.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nancy
    December 16, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    Spent 20 years in Arlington, TX in a house with 1/2 glass front door & sidelights in the front and on the back porch 4 sets of double french doors plus 2 more 1/2 glass/wood rear doors. Fairly secluded home, no break-ins, no broken pieces of glass from 4 boys. Current home has large oval leaded glass and sidelights. Would love the modern full glass door. Not a fan of individual panes of glass in windows or doors- blocks my view of nature outside. Get the door you want!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    rachel
    December 16, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I have a double glass front door. I have a small entryway so people at the door can only see my stairs and a hallway.
    Pros: Light! Light! Light! I love the feeling of open-ness. Night isn’t an issue because no one can really see in unless their faces are pressed to the glass.
    I can see who is at the door.
    Cons:
    Has lightened my dark hardwood floors.
    Its harder to ignore the person at the door (this is for sales people who seem to be in my neighborhood selling some crap everyday).
    I have to constantly clean the glass, both sides.
    When kids visit they always press their hands and faces to the glass.
    Animal Noses and paws pressed against the glass. They dirty it the second it is clean. Also my pets (schnauzer and a bird dog) lie in front of the door and whine non-stop at the birds!

    I have never felt this door is a security issue. I have the same doors on the side of my house and they are next to a wall of door sized windows. They just happen to be the ones that I can walk out of. I do have a home security system that I use religiously. I also keep my porch light and lights on my garage on all night and the other sides of my house have motion sensitive lights. I am thinking about one of those doorbells, I would like being able to see who is at the door without having to go there. If someone is determined to get into my house, they are going to do it if I have a steel, wood or window door. I refuse to live like a prisoner in my home but I try to be as safe as possible. Buy what you want! (Also there is that plastic film you can put on the glass if you decide it is a bit too exposed.)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ellen W.
    December 16, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    Fascinating reading these comments. I live in an apartment in a large city, and I can’t even begin to imagine having a glass door, for both security and privacy reasons (sound baffling is an issue as well, which would not be an issue for a house dweller). Psychologically, that door is your protection from the outer world, and mine has got double deadbolts and an interlocking J-bar. I think I’d feel very vulnerable in a house with a glass door. For me, the aesthetics pale next to the privacy and security issues.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Chelle Ellis
    December 16, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    You gave up on having glass in your bathroom door, I think you are due for a big windowed door. I’d go with the first option, lots of light, no lines. We have a giant plate glass window in the front room (South facing wall) of our home because I grow orchids and need the light for them when temps get below 55. It was creepy and felt exposed at first, but now I love it, and I don’t really care what anyone sees, if anything. I get to bathe in glorious light! And, I can also see someone if they are sneaking, so that’s something to consider as well. If someone wants to prey on you, they’ll prey on you. However, it couldn’t hurt to be able to see them coming.

    Meanwhile, my neighbor has two doors, one he spends most of his life locking and unlocking because he’s scared of everything.

    Basically, I think it comes down to what you feel comfortable with. I am more comfortable with light and being able to see, than the security (?) of darkness and impaired vision of what’s going on.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sue
    December 16, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I have had both. I LOVE the glass door. It made the room feel so open all the time. It really also helped because I did not have a separate entry, everyone entered into the living area, like your home. Privacy was not an issue since my front door did not face the street. I did have a larger porch that covered the area in the winter, I believe you have the same. Security is always an issue but I just bought an “alarm” sign and stuck it in my front yard and I think it’s easier to break into a window anyway.
    My current home already had a regular solid door, I do love all the colors it can bring to a home, inside & out. BUT I did get a storm door, all glass front, I just missed the light and how it makes a house feel so open. I know you did not want 2 doors, however, I love my glass door and all the light. The solid door is never really closed unless we are gone for a long period or my husband is gone out of town. The storm door also comes with a screen. We have never put the screen in becuase my husband LOVES air conditioning, but it would be nice for the spring. I would paint the door to go with the colors in the living room since it would be open all the time.

    If I had to choose without given the option of a regular door and storm door I would go glass! Since you face the street I would consider one with blinds in between the glass.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Taylor
    December 16, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    We have a glass door and we love it! It has the mini blinds between the glass panes, so I have the option for privacy, when we want it. In our case, we use it to block the suns strongest rays to avoid ruining furniture and rugs. Plus the panes with the blinds in between provide an extra layer of security. The blinds can be fully lifted and don’t show, until you want them.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Barbara H.
    December 16, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    Can’t read all the comments because the page keeps refreshing. My steel clad door with the small fan lights at the top was kicked in recently. The inside of these doors is styrofoam. My door frame held but the locks pulled out of the strike plates. Get the door lock reinforcer plates. Use 3″ screws to secure the hinges and strike plates.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Guerrina
    December 16, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    I like Hil’s recommendation to ask your local police department what has been best to have in your area based on their experience. To me, safety will always come first. Other than that, I like them all. My front door would be the Craftsman style but also has a full window pane storm door. In New England winters, a single door does not make sense to me!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shelly
    December 16, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Have you considered an upper half glass door that has a shade in between 2 panes of glass? The shade can retract so you have all glass, no 9 lite. At night or when needed you can lower shade to varying positions. It is metal and can be painted. Never have to worry about cleaning the shade. Have had one for years and love it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    MariaVictoria
    December 16, 2016 at 1:36 pm

    I love the craftsman and it’s in keeping with the outside. You don’t need tons of light because you have a lot of light in that room from all the windows!Whatever you decide will look great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Colleen
    December 16, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    I’ve had full glass and paned (12 light) and I loved both. As for security, if someone wants in badly enough, they will get in. You have the ring and plan on cameras, which deter most criminals. I don’t even get a solicitor anymore since installing cameras and cctv signs, haven’t had one in a year! Would not be without them ever again. Plus ours have motion detection and notify us via the apps when they detect motion. I feel very safe. I think the full view would look great. I love natural light in a room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ann Rourke
    December 16, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    We stayed at a condo last month and I “oohed and aaaed” as I walked up to the beautiful full glass front door because I could get a glimpse of the beautiful decor just inside. Well, then came night time when I had to walk by that door and I felt a tad exposed. There were no curtain or anything to pull in front of it. If your plan is to make something for privacy when you want it then go for full glass door!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Diane @ An Extraordinary Day
    December 16, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Oh my goodness… so many thoughts on this door. 🙂
    I’ll add one more. If you should choose the second option the panes need to match your windows… or it will look off. Really you can never go wrong with a full glass as long as you have no privacy concern.

    As far as half and half…. that always looks to me like a backdoor option… not a front door. I read the comment about the laminated glass… I wonder if that is a stock option… sounds like a great idea.

    I’m so excited that “your” guys are available. It’s like a Christmas present. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Glenda
    December 16, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    We don’t have glass in our door, but we do have a full length window (narrow enough that you couldn’t walk through it). Concerned about security, we installed a keyed deadbolt. The key hangs on a small hook just on the other side of the door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lindia Friedman
    December 16, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    My MIL had a full glass double door entry on her house in Chicago. She lived in Old Town so there isn’t much property and the street was literally out her front door. They were beautiful doors and they let in magnificent light. I never noticed anything as far as too much heat or too much cold- even in Chicago, which gets the extreme of both. She also never had a break in through those doors. She had a beautiful silk linen curtain she would draw across them when she wanted privacy. It really looked nice. But, like someone mentioned above, the newer glass doors have built in mini-blinds or shades right between the panes of glass- nice that blinds aren’t swinging and banging against the door when you open and close it and nice that they are sealed and not collecting dust. If you go with custom millwork, there are amazing reeded glasses available and your door will look like a piece of artwork- stunning. Hey, what about having the glass etched to match the pattern on your music room doors- sort of echoing the design? Either way, I would go with full glass with clear or etched. I think you’ll love it.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cheryl
    December 16, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    I have the first door , with the full glass. I absolutely love it! I lets in tons of light and it’s very clean looking. We live in the country, back off the road and I’ve never felt that my house is less secure because of it. If someone wants to get in, they will find a way. If that’s the one you love, I say go for it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Joyce
    December 16, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    We had a 15-pane glass door in our previous house. I loved it, but the position of the door did not allow for much viewing into the room. I would hate the idea of someone being able to see deep into my house. Since someone would be able to see clear to the back wall of your music room, if I were you I’d go with frosted glass. Regarding security, someone did break into our house one afternoon when we were not home. Did they break a glass pane and simply open the lock? No. Instead the idiot(s) destroyed the door and casing with a crowbar! It would have been much cheaper (and an easier fix) for us if they had simply used the crowbar to break a pane of glass.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jeanie
    December 16, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    My first concern is always with security these days. People always think nothing will happen until it does, and with Matt being disabled that’s an extra incentive to opt for safety. As an aside, we had a glass slider patio door and had three separate attempts to break in. However, I had put a 1″ dowel cut to fit in the track on the inside, which made it impossible to be broken into.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janpartist
    December 16, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    I’m partial. I am having the first door installed in my home next week and I’m so excited. Mine has a pebbled textured glass in it though so that you can’t see through it. (well, very well anyway) Not worried about night time, I’m sure you can see a blob walk by but no definition. Merry Christmas!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lysa
    December 16, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    My first thought wasn’t safety but that you’d never be able to pretend you aren’t home when someone comes to the house. It sounds silly but wait until you end up with that neighbor who drives you nuts. I once crawled on all fours to avoid being seen through the stained glass door!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debbie
    December 16, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    I”m giving you my opinion from the security view. I worked in home security for over 30 years and saw many ways a home was broken into. Know fact. The front door is the number 1 point of entry. Usually they will ring the door bell to see if any one is home. If not they will break in. I have seen them use large things such as flower pots to throw through the door and break the glass. called a bash & grab. They have also used crow bars to pry it out of the frame. Bottom line is : if they want in your house bad enough they will find a way. Camera systems are great for after the crime. May get an idea of how many and description. You’ve still been broken into. Security system is better as it alerts to the present problem. The siren may even scare them away. You can also add a medical/ panic to it for Matt to use if something happened when you are gone. You can go ahead with the system now to cover your new areas. Wireless window contacts can be changed over to any new windows. Just make sure it can expand for when you add on to the house. If you need any advise on a system I would be happy to advise you.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debby Branigan
    December 16, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    I, too, had a glass panes front door and was concerned about security. A police officer suggested a dead bolt that keyed from both sides. For safety purposes, I hung the indoor key close enough to the door to escape, if necessary, but totally out of reach and sight if the pane were to be broken. Worked for me, a single mom with small children. can’t wait to see the finished room! Love your style!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Judy
    December 16, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Here is another do-it-yourself project. Why not get the full glass door and etch it? There are so many designs you can choose from.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Lynne
    December 16, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    My personal pick would be the 6 light door. I like the larger panes.

    I’ve ordered 2 new doors from Bufflin – a 4 pane half view kitchen door and an 8 pane full view patio door. Like you, I was a little nervous about security with that much glass, but I’ve solved that problem by getting new door handles with double cylinder deadbolts that require a key to unlock. Unless a thief is small enough to fit through one of the panes, I should be secure.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Diane
    December 16, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    Well, I just think you should go with what you love. If someone wants into your house, how much glass you have in your front door really won’t matter. They will just find another way in. I had a full glass door in my previous home for years. Loved, loved, loved it. Clean and simple.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sarah
    December 16, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    First off, I think you should absolutely do what you want! Your houase, your style! Since you asked though, the one thing I really noticed was that all of the examples of a plain glass door that you included are from pretty modern designed houses. To me, it seems like it doesn’t fit the look/vibe/style that you are going for. To w all the other styles you included would work better. From my personal experience, I’ve had the half glass with 9 panes as a back-side door, and I hated the lack of privacy at my previous house (no privacy fence and lots of walk-by traffic). I now have an oval glass front door with a foyer, and don’t even notice it privacy wise. My current back door is the full glass with built-in shades and I really like the privacy and light it provides, but it’s definitely not right as a front door style.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen H
    December 16, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    I’m sure you probably bought your door today, but I just now saw this post…. so for what it’s worth, I have door like your option 1 and I absolutely HATE it. I don’t like the lack of privacy, and if you cover it (which I have – cordless cellular shades), then you defeat the purpose of having glass. Another thing I hate is that it always has dog nose art on the bottom portion. Of course, that’s only an issue if you have an animal that likes to look out. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Phyllis E
    December 16, 2016 at 11:28 pm

    Kristi,
    I think that 3/4 lite French doors are very traditional and gracious for front entry doors. Even though Home Depot might not carry them in the store or online, they can special order anything from suppliers’ catalogs, like Jeld-wen. I just did that very thing (ordered some special sized pantry doors from Jeld wen and had to go into Home Depot to special order them. They were still reasonably priced, too.) I know Jeld wen carries them in a variety of styles. If you go to the Jeld wen catalog online you can see. (There are other suppliers,too, of course.) I almost ordered some 3/4 lite French Entry doors for our old home in California before we moved! Here is a link to an image of what I am talking about–some eye-candy for you!
    http://www.doorsforbuilders.com/photo-Wood-Entry-Doors.php?Image=Single-Front-Entry-Door30-S-Bruner.jpg

    What style do you eventually want the exterior to look like? just curious.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Phyllis E
    December 16, 2016 at 11:42 pm

    I realized that the door in the link above is not quite a true 3/4 lite–it is a bit higher. Most are like this:http://www.houzz.com/photos/4608607/Brookview-1-contemporary-entry-minneapolis

    The wood muntins would probably provide a bit of extra security, I would think!

    I do like the craftsman style one, too, but you’d have to stand on a step stool probably to see out.

    Is the purpose to see outside from the music room? I had a situation like that in my old home–the room directly across from the entry didn’t have any of its own windows and I was going to install the French doors to get more light and view!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jayme S.
    December 17, 2016 at 12:21 am

    I have a door that is close to bottom door but instead of rectangle, it is a half circle with 4 pie glass panes, it gives nice light (it doesn’t hurt that I am also south facing), has nice curve, private and still a safe solid front door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janet Prater
    December 17, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Go with your first choice. I have 3 exterior doors, the front door half glass, back door and kitchen door each have solid glass with the added on pane dividers. I love the light that they allow into my rooms.

    Honestly, , I think that if someone wants to break into your house then they are going to get in. You have the doorbell and plan to add a security system so you should be covered.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Dera
    December 18, 2016 at 4:50 am

    I know you want the full glass…. I just can’t see it working in in “real” life. I agree with the story posted earlier, UPS watching me run from the laundry room to the bedroom and back. OR the one day you look your worst or you have the flu and “just don’t want to answer the door”.
    ALSO, I live in GA. My back door is a French Door. We had to add a shade on the door. The summer heat made the room TTTOO hot. We have a half moon window at the top of our front door. It lets in lots of light and enough privacy and heat resistant. Good luck. I know you will be happy with your new door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Teija
    December 18, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I say get what you want.Its always the right thing.PS is there a shortcut to the comments box ? I always have to scroll through everybody else’s comments just to leave a quick thought.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Katie
    December 18, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    You can always put in a deadbolt that requires a key from both sides. Of course, if they break enough glass, they can walk right through. Unless you do the screws that go through the door jamb and into the framing for the deadbolt receptacle and the hinges, someone can always kick in the door. Honestly, it’s your front door, which is the least likely to be broken into because of visibility. Just make sure you don’t have a lot of bushes that obscure your porch, and that you have adequate lighting in the front of your house, and a burglar will think twice.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Adalisa Frazzini
    December 18, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    Have always loved this one from The Little Black Door blog:
    http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2014/08/glass-front-doors-dont-be-afraid.html

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    terrillr
    December 19, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    Not a front door comment, but I thought of you when I saw this…..

    Mandi at Vintage Revivals posted about a sofa give-away. http://vintagerevivals.com/2016/12/shopping-perfect-sofa-free-couch-giveaway worth checking out!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Karen Grissen
    December 19, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    We’ve had the full glass option on our front doors for years and I do love the light that comes in. We have one full piece of glass and I do like that I can easily wash it. As far as security we had our house broken into once and our cabin broken into once and neither time did they come through the glass door. They busted another door to get in. If they want in bad enough they’ll find a way. grrrr.. I do like the idea of frosted glass, I have been caught a few times in just my skivvies if you get my drift. LOL ;o)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Marianne in Mo.
    December 19, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    A bit late to the party, but here’s my viewpoint anyway.
    Get what you love, don’t worry about the security.
    My question is, how busy is your street? I would opt for the frosted full view if you want that look, just for a bit of privacy. That being said, if your street doesn’t have much traffic, a clear glass might be okay.
    We had a full glass, etched/beveled glass door at our previous house. Our street wasn’t very busy, so it didn’t bother me. But hubs didn’t really like it. In our new house, we got a Craftsman just like you pictured, and I do like it, and I didn’t think I would. We get some light thru it, but agreed, not as much as a full glass. But opposite this door we have a triple window with transoms that measure 9 ft. wide and 6 ft. tall.
    Our former door was double pane, laminated glass and I was never concerned about break ins. And our porch was inset, so had a partial blockage of view from one side of the yard. Just depends on crime in your neighborhood I guess. We now live in a more isolated area, and most people aren’t even aware there is a neighborhood here, we are so isolated. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, ya know?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary Anne Looby
    December 20, 2016 at 11:08 am

    You don’t have to worry about safety if you install a KEYED DEADBOLT. It requires a key on bothsides. We were told to get them at our old house due to a break in. Before that we had the kind that just had a knob you turned. Now we have them in this house on every exterior door, including the basement doors should they get in through a window down there. They will stay in the basement until they figure out how to get out or starve. It is a simple answer to any safety issue with a door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan C
    December 22, 2016 at 11:18 am

    For me, all the glass in my door and sidelights takes away privacy that at times I very much need. People come up to my porch and can see all in my house. No hiding if I don’t want to answer the door (cause I’m in my PJs). It’s just all about privacy. Security wise, it would be very very bold for someone to step off the porch and try to peer in windows due to landscaping. But I have had people stick their faces up to the door glass, peering in through the prismed leaded glass to scope things out! We’ve had a rash of burglaries after he came around posing as a magazine salesman and peering into the house. I’ve been saying I must get window coverings for the sidelights and a new solid front door!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Martin Williams
    January 13, 2017 at 5:49 am

    Hello Kristi 🙂
    I Loved 15-lite door because it matches with window design and it looks elegant and beautiful as compared with other doors also provide sunlight in our house, so we can save our electricity bills. For security and look & feel point of view I would like to suggest 9 lite door.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    JIM
    November 12, 2017 at 4:24 am

    NICE INFORMATION..

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susanonymous
    April 6, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Hi,
    I realize that you’ve purchase your door and all. I apologize if it is rude to add comments 1+ year later. But I thought I’d add one thing that might be helpful to your readers. I stumbled upon this post as I am struggling with the same security issue for a new entry door.

    One security measure you can take is to get “Impact Glass”. This is the kind of glass that is rated for hurricane areas like Florida and Texas. However, it provides alot of extra security over regular glass. There is a layer of lamination between the glass panes. If someone tries to break the glass, it will not break a hole where they could reach in and turn your deadbolt. It will may crack like a spiderweb, much like an auto windshield would if you slammed a hammer on it.

    It does add to the price of the door. I’m not sure how available it would be off the shelf at a big box store. But I’m sure you could special order it. FWIW I’m looking to add to full lite sidelights for a new entry door and it would cost an extra $400 (for a ProVia door).

    I was also told that even triple pane glass is difficult to break and it would make alot of noise!