Transom windows have been around for centuries. The design is clean and timeless, which is why it’s remained popular till the present day.
Often acting as an additional window, the transom window is used to let more light inside the rom. Apart from delivering this functional benefit, it also looks good and enhances the architectural aesthetics and the interior design of your home.
Are you wondering whether you should add a transom window to your home’s design? The following guide will give you important information on this architectural feature:
What Is a Transom Window? A Quick Overview
Transom windows are often positioned above a doorframe or a main window, acting as an additional source of light. Their name is derived from that of the transom – a beam used to separate the top of a window or a door from the wall above.
Also called transom lights, these windows bring a little bit of nostalgic charm to contemporary home design. Apart from delivering the benefit of additional light, transom windows also help the air flow, improving ventilation throughout the home.
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A Look Back: The History of Transom Windows
Windows installed above a main window or door became popular in European medieval architecture. They were mainly used to improve ventilation while still giving homeowners privacy.
The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw transom windows become more elaborate and ornate in design. Stained glass started being used on top of traditional clear glass panes in an attempt to boost the visual appeal and artistry of those windows even further.
Types of Transom Windows: Finding the Right Fit for Your Home
Wondering how to find transom windows that work for your space? Whether you’re looking for a larger window to frame your entry door, a fanlight to enhance a classic design, or a window wall to maximize the available space, there’s a perfect fit for every home. Let’s explore the different types of transom windows and how they can elevate your space!
Transom Window Above Door: Why It’s a Great Choice
Installing a transom window about a door makes a lot of sense, whether you’re considering this upgrade for the entrance door or an interior door within the home.
A transom window above a door shares the light into two adjoining areas. Research suggests that indoor lighting has the power to impact mood, physical well-being, and even our perceptions of the space. That’s why a transom window above a door can be a beneficial feature if natural light inside the home isn’t sufficient.
When used on interior doors, transom windows can bring natural light into parts of the home that typically don’t get enough light. The bathroom is one such space. As an added benefit, the window is positioned high enough to guarantee privacy.
Fixed vs. Operable: Do You Need Transom Windows That Open?
All transom windows fall in two main categories.
Fixed windows are usually placed above a door or an operable main window. A fixed window can’t open and close. Its purpose is to bring more light into the space. You can’t use fixed transom windows to improve ventilation.
Transom windows can also be operable. They’re considered a bit more old-school but they can be opened allow for ventilation.
When it comes to installation and maintenance, fixed windows are less costly. If you need this type of fixture specifically for the purpose of letting more air inside a room, the operable type of transom window would be your best bet.
Additional Reading: Learn How to Stop Condensation on Windows Inside Your Home: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention Tips.
Modern Transom vs. Traditional Designs
Modern transom windows add streamlined appeal to a home design. They’re also designed to maximize energy efficiency of a new construction while delivering the benefits already mentioned.
Most modern windows are fixed while operable transom windows tend to carry a retro feel.
Aesthetics are also different, with modern varieties being cleaner and more minimalist in appearance. Traditional transom windows can be more ornate. Stained glass and decorative elements bring old-school charm, delivering distinctive benefits and a contrast in a world of modern, minimalist architecture.
Enhancing Home Style with Transom Window Designs
If you’re thinking to add transom windows to your exterior and interior spaces, you should learn how to make the most of them.
Matching Your Transom Window to Your Door & Windows
To ensure visual consistency, try matching the transom design to the door or window where it will be placed.
Coordinating with French doors, for example, will give you an elevated, sophisticated look.
Featuring transoms alongside patio doors allows for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The same applies to the use of these windows everywhere else throughout the home. To ensure consistency, try to match styles, frame elements, and materials. Contrast can also be fun but it needs to be intentional and purposeful for eclectic elements to work well together.
Best Transom Window Styles for Every Home
Rectangular transom windows tend to be the most common and popular, but they’re not the only option.
Arched or semi-circular transoms can be used to add visual appeal to any space.
Apart from having several shapes to choose from, you can also discover transom window materials. Wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl are all common options.
In terms of glass panes, transom windows are available in both single pane and multi-pane varieties. The glass style can be customized to give you a specific look. Clear glass is a classic choice but it can also be frosted, patterned, or stained for a more vintage look.
Installing Transom Windows: What to Expect
It’s always a good idea to consult a professional before installing transom windows. They’ll assess the structural integrity of the wall. This is especially important if you don’t have an opening for a window and you need to create a new one.
You’ll also need to determine whether commercially available transom windows match the aesthetics and functional needs of your home. If that’s not the case, custom transom windows will be a better choice. These will need to be made especially for you, which can increase the amount of time required to finalize the installation.
Transom windows can be installed easily if you have an opening and pick a standard, commercially-available design (like a traditional rectangular window, for example).
Arched transom windows and custom varieties tend to be more difficult to install. The same applies to an installation that involves adding an opening to a wall that doesn’t already have one.
To get a good outcome and maintain the structural integrity of your home, get in touch with experienced professionals who can recommend the best type of window and who’ll also handle the installation.
Additional Reading: You’ll also find this helpful – 5 Smart Ways to Clean Outside Windows You Cannot Reach.
Have Your Transom Windows Installed Professionally
Whether you’re looking for custom-designed windows or a much easier installation, getting professional assistance will yield the best results.
Our team at Rooster Windows and Doors can guarantee expert window installation services in Chicago, regardless of the design and materials you’ve chosen.
We offer a wide selection of transom window styles, from fixed to operable designs. Our extensive know-how and adherence to best industry practices guarantee seamless integration with doors, windows, and other architectural elements.
Schedule a consultation with Rooster Windows and Doors to benefit from unparalleled craftsmanship, personalization, and attention to detail.