Our Front Door Makeover {How to Add a WINDOW To Your Door!}

Last updated on April 7th, 2026 at 12:05 pm

We just gave our front door a total overhaul by painting it and adding a window (yes, I said we added a window to our front door!), and the end result is absolutely stunning. And, it’s so easy to achieve! See all of the details of our DIY front door makeover in this post.

This project has long been one of the most controversial projects I’ve ever shared. People have big feelings about this front door makeover. But, did you know that if you have a plain ol’ front door, it’s possible to completely transform it by adding a window to it?

It is! And it’s EASY! Today, I’m going to show you how to add a window to your front door and walk you through exactly how we took on this DIY front door makeover. If you’ve ever wondered how to update a front door without replacing it, this post is for you!

Where to Buy a Front Door Window

You can actually buy a window for your front door in a lot of places. Most window replacement kits can be used to add a window to the door instead. I purchased mine originally from a company called Zabitat, but these days you can grab one on Amazon! Here are a few options:

• 9-lite front door window
• I love this simple window with 4 panels
• A simple frosted glass window
• This one is great for a wood door
• You could do two of these narrow ones
• And this one has some beautiful detail on it

These work in both metal or wood doors. We were working with a metal door – cutting through a solid wood door might be more challenging, but it’s not impossible!

DIY Front Door Makeover Video

I know it’s hard to imagine how this is actually even possible, so let’s start off with the most important part: I made a video of the entire process so you can see how it works! I’ll share photos and more details down below, but you know you want to see our reactions when we literally cut a giant hole in our front door (in the middle of August. In Texas. When I was 9 months pregnant).

How to Add a Window to Your Front Door

Materials You’ll Need:

• Front Door Window (linked above!)
• Painter’s Tape
• Measuring Tape
• Jigsaw with an appropriate blade
• Drill + 1/2″ drill bit
• Screwdriver

Step 1: Remove Door

Start by removing your door – if you want to paint it, now is a great time to go ahead and take care of that. The blue on our door is Georgian Bay from Sherwin Williams (though, in some photos you’ll see that we eventually painted it black).

Step 2: Measure and Mark for Your Cuts

Your front door window likely comes with some detailed instructions and a measuring guide. At the very least, it’ll come with a note on how large of a hole you need! So, your next step is to measure the size of your cut on the door and mark it. You really want to take your time with this part of the process. You don’t want a too-big hole!

We measured the size of the hole, then used a Sharpie and a level to draw a perfectly straight line. Like I said, this is probably the most important part of the entire project because it sets the stage for the rest of it. Don’t rush, and measure more than once!

Step 3: Add Painter’s Tape Around Your Line

Metal and wood both can splinter when cut, so you’ll want to be sure to add painter’s tape all around the edges of your cut to help prevent any issues. Again – move slowly and be methodical with this!

Step 4: Use Jigsaw to Cut the Hole!

We used a 1/2″ drill bit to drill starter holes in all of the corners. This allows you to cut the hole for the door using your jigsaw.

Then, it’s time for the scary part – cutting out the hole. I was pretty terrified (because again, hello giant hole in my front door!), but it really was no big deal and was a breeze to cut through.

If you’re working with a hollow core door, you might find it easier to only cut through one side of the door, then flip the door over and repeat the process. It’s up to you, just do what works best! In the end, as long as you end up with a giant scary hole in your door, you’re good!

You’re free to pause here and have a minor panic attack about the entire project failing and having to go buy a new front door. We certainly did.

But afterward, get yourself together and chill out because I promise this is no big deal! 

Step 5: Install the Glass!

Now, you’ll simply lay your glass out on the sawhorses, then pick your door up and (gently! carefully!) lay it on top of the glass. Then, fit the frame back on top and screw it in!

Your door window might have specific instructions on how exactly to do this part, but most of them come with a window that fits inside the hole, then an outer frame that fits on top and can be screwed right in with a screwdriver! It’s the easiest part of the process and takes mere minutes.

Step 6: Put Your Door Back Up and Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Now you’re ready to re-install your door and take a deep breath because you did it! You installed a window in a door that didn’t have a window before! How amazing is that?!

In all seriousness, I really do think this is a pretty incredible product and I am so incredibly pleased at how the makeover turned out. I can’t believe how gorgeous our front door looks now and I literally still think that we’ve left the front door open every time we walk by because I’m not used to having so much natural light in our entry!

Frequently Asked Questions

Doesn’t this decrease security?

The number one critical comment I get is people saying they would never do this because it decreases home security. I’m not sure I understand the argument since that’s more of a general “front door with a window” thing, and less specific to this actual project.

Yes, if you have a front door with a window it’s theoretically possible for someone to break the window and get in. It’s also possible for someone to break any window in your house to get in. Personally, I don’t see that as a reason to have fewer windows. I’m all about adding as many windows as possible to my house. You’ll never convince me otherwise.

How much does it to add a window to your front door?

Of course, it varies wildly depending on which front door window you choose. Generally speaking, you can find them on Amazon for anywhere from $150-$200 (or more). More specialized companies may sell them for $500-$800. Replacing a front door can cost upwards of $1,500 or more, so it can be a pretty huge savings!

What about privacy?

We went with a textured privacy glass for this door, and you can’t see anything through it. We can see vague darkness and shapes from inside if someone comes up to the door, but that’s it. You cannot see into our house at all, unless you were to walk up and press your entire face right up to the glass. And even then, you’d see more shapes than details!

How to Update Your Front Door Without Replacing It

If you want to revamp your front door without replacing it and adding a whole window feels like a little more than you want to take on right now, here are some other ideas:

• Give the door a fresh coat of paint. I love a black front door, but I’ve also painted my doors blue (as seen here) and yellow! A red front door is also always a really fun touch.
• Add a wreath or other door decor. Seasonal wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! Adding a wreath to the front door can give it a fresh look without changing the door at all!
• Add your house numbers to the door. It will make your front entry stand out even more and can be a really pretty detail.
• Decorate your porch. Don’t have the budget to replace the door? Work on decorating the area around the door instead! Make the entire entry a little more beautiful and that door will simply fade into the background.

Other Posts You May Love

• How to Repaint Your Front Door
• How to Install a Doggy Door
• Faux Plants for Your Front Porch
• Ideas for a Small Front Porch
• DIY Front Porch Sign