Renovation Detail: The Transom Window

by Rachel Grace · 10 photos · 11 comments

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contemporary living room by Garret Cord Werner

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Four-lite transom windows help to make these sky-high ceilings feel even higher.

by Garret Cord Werner

traditional entry by LDa Architecture & Interiors

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As you can see, transom windows work beautifully above both exterior and interior doorways.

by LDa Architecture & Interiors

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The transom window above this pantry door allows natural light from the kitchen to enter the otherwise windowless space.

by Crisp Architects

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With a thicker head-trim piece overhanging the outside edges of the side casings, this transom window looks classically Craftsman.

by Tongue & Groove

traditional bedroom by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

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Transom windows pair perfectly with other special architectural features. In this dining room, crown molding, wainscoting, a built-in buffet and a seven-lite transom window combine to create a custom space.

by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

modern hall by Johnston Stromberg Architecture

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A single lite acts a modern interpretation of the transom window.

by Johnston Stromberg Architecture

traditional entry by Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC

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Upon entering this Connecticut home, you are greeted by doorways with transom windows on either side. They make the space feel larger, lighter and more open.

by Huestis Tucker Architects, LLC

traditional bathroom by Grainda Builders, Inc.

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Sunshine floods this coastal residence thanks to its transom windows.

by Grainda Builders, Inc.

traditional entry by Georgetown Development

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A transom window and side lites combine to beautifully surround this mahogany front door.

by Georgetown Development

traditional entry by Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

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This high transom window with Gothic muntins lets the light shine in, while maintaining the privacy provided by a solid front door.

Tell us: Do you have a transom window in your home? Where would you love to install one?

More:
Transom Windows: Why Use Them and Where?

by Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

Comments

cshimonek I had transom windows in my former home---one from master bedroom to master bathroom, and one from hallway over the doorway into to master bedroom. While interesting, it was annoying to whoever was still sleeping (or trying to get sleep) as light would always come in during the most inconvenient time---streaming right through the transom window. I used curtains to solve the problem.

14 months ago · Like ·

Lauren Elyse transom windows are hands down my absolute favorite architectural element. this is great!
i had them in my 1912 beach house that folded down from a top latch and had period stained glass, they were my favorite part of that phenomenal house

14 months ago · Like

pattimay cshimonek - A very good point, especially for those of us that get migraines and need our darkness!! Glad you commented, we are getting some in our new home, I will be careful where I have them!

14 months ago · Like ·

Libby Wilkie at aneyefordetail Here's a different "take" on the transom window: entirely interior. We created an enclosed office space from a former open dining room area. French doors and transom windows give it the needed light!
http://www.libbywilkiedesigns.com/2011/01/wall-window-and-some-doors_09.html

14 months ago · Like

mmsalg I love a good gussied-up transom.

marcie
http://custm.co/hz/48

14 months ago · Like ·

CoorItalia If you do consider transom lites you might want to also consider making them operable as hoppers (open inwards) or awnings (open outwards, usually with a mechanical device) They give ventilation to the room and don't pose a security risk to leave open. Below we have some french doors in bronze for which we made "Hopper" transoms. Each light has a small latch that lets the window open inwards.

14 months ago · Like ·

rileysgranny Our home originally had one LONG room when you entered the front door and no formal entry to speak of. When we bumped out into the room for a double storage/coat closet on one side and a walk in pantry on the other, this gave us an entry. To add more of a "division", I purchased what I believe to actually be a side-lite from a door, at our local Habitat Restore for $10 and hung it horizontally from hooks between the entry and what is now becoming our library. My hubby was quite impressed!

14 months ago · Like

jec23 It always seemed to me that the purpose of (exterior) transom windows was to provide light yet maintain privacy. So I never understood why people would cover them up with blinds and drapes. Defeats the purpose!

14 months ago · Like

patscats2 We have workable transoms over ever passage door in the house. Since we didn't care for the tall doors we opted for regular doors and then transoms on top to take up the space to the 10' ceilings. We love them, but they do need cleaning often believe it or not. Pardon the mess in the second photo, we weren't moved in yet.

14 months ago · Like ·

Diane Henkler Love transoms - they add so much character to a room. My house doesn't have any so I made my own faux one and could not be happier with the results. Someday I hope to own a house where there is one above all the doors.

13 months ago · Like

Woven Decor Our ranch house had an old glass block transom in pretty decent condition above the main front door and a smaller one above the dining room entry door. For whatever reason, the dining room transom had been covered on the inside, so we re-exposed it during our renovations. I love the extra light they let in, especially the larger main entry.