Unlocking Charm with Half-Moon Door Windows

There’s nothing like a bit of sunlight to brighten your space, starting with the front door. Door windows let in natural light and make your entryway more welcoming, all while adding extra personality and curb appeal to your home. 

Half-moon door windows (also known as arched windows), are semi-circular windows often placed above an exterior door or integrated into the door panels. These specialty windows add a soft, stylish touch to a property, perfect for homeowners looking for unique design features to make their entrances stand out.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• The unique charm and benefits of half-moon door windows
• The different types of door windows available
• How to choose the perfect design for your house

By the end, you’ll better understand how custom-shaped windows can transform your entryway, and why half-moon door windows are gaining popularity among Ontario homeowners. Let’s get started! 

The Enduring Charm of Half Moon Windows

Half-moon windows have existed since ancient times and are often seen in many Roman and Byzantine buildings. They were also in vogue in the Gothic and Renaissance periods, mainly because their soft, curved shape looked right at home in grand cathedrals and palatial estates.

Today, these specialty windows are just as relevant as ever. Even though modern homes often favour straight lines and sharp angles, many Ontario homeowners are bringing a little curve back into their designs with half-moon windows. They’re especially great above front doors or patio entrances, where a full window might not work structurally or offer enough privacy.

So, what makes them so appealing? On top of their good looks, half-moon doors:

• Create a soft, eye-catching round contrast to rectangular doors and windows
• Add height and drama to an entryway without overwhelming the exterior
• Let natural light into the room without fully exposing the interior and letting heat in
• Act as a standout design feature that boosts curb appeal
• Pair well with both traditional and modern house designs

Image Source: Shutterstock

What Types of Door and Window Combinations Are There?

Door windows come in many styles, and their operation or placement largely impacts their look and functionality. Let’s break it down by how they work and where they go.

Types of Door Windows Based on Operation

Half-moon door windows offer both style and function, whose extent can vary. You can have a fixed or venting half-moon window, or even a combination of both to suit your style and preference. Here’s an overview of how they work: 

• Fixed Door Windows

Like picture windows, fixed half-moon windows don’t open. They’re purely decorative and designed to let light in. They’re meant for homeowners who want to add visual appeal without needing extra ventilation. Fixed door windows could also be a good option if you’re renovating a heritage house where structural concerns make opening windows impractical.

• Venting Door Windows
  

As the name suggests, venting windows provide ventilation. They’re operable, so you can let fresh air into your home while keeping the weather out. 

These windows can be paired with other window styles to give you the best of both worlds, design and functionality. For example, you can design custom-shaped windows to open from the top like a hopper window. 

Here are some common venting door window styles:

• Awning window
• Casement windows
• Sliding windows 
• Double-hung windows
• Single-hung windows
• Jalousie windows (Louvered)

Image Source: Shutterstock

Types of Door Windows Based on Placement

Door windows are typically placed on top of a door, but that’s not the only place you can install one. Whether wood, steel, fibreglass, or vinyl, these types of windows are defined by where the window sits in relation to the door.

• Door Lites

Door lites can be used as another term for door windows, but strictly speaking, they refer to glass panels installed directly within the door itself. Depending on how much of the door they cover, you’ll see variations like full-lite, half-lite, or quarter-lite windows.

These half-moon door windows are typically made with tempered glass or energy-efficient, low-E glass for better safety and insulation. They’re great for homes with dark entryways or tight front porches, where you want to bring in more natural light without installing a full window or chipping away at your home’s structure.

• Transom Windows

Transom windows are placed above the door, which is the most common place for half-moon door windows. If you want to draw the eye upwards and make your entryway feel taller and grander, installing these types of door windows is your best bet. Since they’re set high up, they’re also a great choice for homeowners who want to brighten their living space without feeling too exposed, especially when paired with a solid door panel. 

• Sidelites

Sidelites are tall, narrow windows on one or both sides of the door, spanning from the top to the floor. They’re not the most obvious choice for half-moon door windows, with sidelites usually having rectangular glass panels. You can still play with arched or curved details if you’re going for a more custom, creative look.

Sidelites are perfect for letting in extra light and offering a peek outside without opening the door. They also make the whole entrance feel larger and more open without increasing the size of the door itself.

Choose the Best Windows for Your Doors at Burano Doors

Half-moon door windows are a great way to boost your home’s style and natural light, but choosing the right one comes down to quality, fit, and design. At Burano Doors, we make it easy to find door windows that match your home’s look and feel. 

We also offer endless design choices, from classic half-moon transoms to fully customized glass inserts, all at factory-direct prices. Our team manufactures high-quality, 100% Canadian-made vinyl, steel, or fibreglass residential doors and windows that are:

• Built to last
• Energy-efficient
• Fully customizable 

Not sure where to start? Our team is here to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get a free consultation!