Transom Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Whatever the age of your property, it’s likely to have some nice architectural features that you like about it. One of the most attractive features you can find is a small window that is positioned above a door, or even another window. This is a feature known as a transom window.

Not only does it look stylish, it often serves a useful purpose too. A transom window is an excellent architectural solution for allowing more light into a dark hallway or north-facing room, without making any compromises on privacy.

As you would expect the shape and style of transom windows can vary. You also have a choice of fixed or operable, where you can open and close the window as you want. There is also a wide array of coverings for transom windows available, so you can make a fashion statement while enjoying some much-needed extra light.

Here is a look at a brief history of transom windows and an overview of how they are still just as relevant today in modern homes when you need some extra natural light to come into your property.

A journey through time

You can find examples of transom windows being used in homes as far back as the 18th century. They were a popular design feature of those architectural periods and the fact that they remain as relevant in design plans today is testament to how useful this type of window feature is.

Versatility is the name of the game

Some types of windows serve a specific purpose and only really work in certain settings. However, you couldn’t make that observation about transom windows. A big reason why they have proved so enduringly popular over many decades is the fact that they are so incredibly versatile.

They were originally created with the intention of adding more natural light to a space, and even some ventilation if it is needed. That sums up what transom windows can do and the role they continue to play in a modern design setting.

In a nutshell, you can have a transom window over a door, any window, and even in an exterior setting. Wherever you choose to install this style of window it will look attractive and serve a very useful purpose at the same time.

Very often, you will see transom windows that are either in the shape of an arch, or have a distinctive rectangular shape. It is also possible to find examples of square transom windows, although these are less common.

Some European architectural examples of transom windows have pushed the boundaries still further, with more individual shapes. Whatever shape you choose for your home, you can be sure that there is a transom window style that will suit your intended purpose.

Can you call it a fanlight?

The straightforward answer to that question is no. A transom window is fundamentally different to a fanlight, with a fanlight being considered the more decorative option of the two.

When you have a fanlight installed it will be fulfilling one specific purpose only, which is to let more natural light in. A fanlight is more for show and less versatile than a transom window.  You often find fanlights are created with colored glass that is mostly arranged in a sunburst pattern, hence the description of a fanlight, as that is what it looks like when you open a handheld fan.

If you want something that is purely decorative rather than being practical too, then you would go for a fanlight. If you want something that is attractive and practical it has to be a transom window,

Transom windows deliver beauty and functionality

When you fit a transom window you are getting the best of both worlds. You will be able to enjoy an architectural feature that is attractive to look at and enhances the look and feel of your home, plus, you get something that offers access to natural light and delivers fresh air as well.

You can open a transom window to let cool air come in, and it can also help with ventilation if you use one in a room where you have a fireplace.

In fact, you can have transom windows in a variety of different settings throughout your home. Traditionally, you tend to find this type of window feature above the main door to the house, but there’s no reason why you can’t use them in a variety of different settings throughout your home.

The choice is yours

There is often a school of thought that suggests you would only consider using transom windows for ventilation purposes. That is definitely not the case, and you will be missing out on some useful other options if you adopt that singular mindset.

There will be scenarios where you simply don’t need or want any ventilation, especially when you are using this feature in a setting where it is not facing outside. You will find that many transom window designs are not intended to be opened, but the choice is yours. Whatever you want your transom window to do, it will be versatile enough to meet your design goals.

There is also the option of retrospectively changing an existing transom window. If you have one that is in a fixed position there is always the option of adding some hinges to open the window up, if that is what you want to do.

So many interior design options

As you can see, transom windows are capable of offering a variety of different design solutions, as well as delivering what you need from a practical perspective.

You will often find homes that feature a number of different styles and types of transom windows. This is because you really can fix a lot of practical and design issues with the help of these unique window designs.

You can have a feature transom window over your front door that is in a fixed position. This will let in some more natural light and instantly make your hallway feel lighter and more inviting. You can then add some internal transom windows that become style talking points when guests come calling.

You can also enjoy a great variety of different transom window treatment options too. All of these positive attributes help explain why transom windows remain as popular today as they have ever been,