Transom Windows Have To Be Over A Door

Strictly a utilitarian feature of historic architecture transom windows were used to both allow additional light into or out of a room and to allow easier passage of heat or cool air to flow between rooms.

Transom windows have to be over a door. Transoms historically were used to allow passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were shut. Typically non operating and used to add style and increase natural light transoms span the width of the opening they top and can be placed above single or double doors and sidelites. But let s get back to transom windows. Transom windows over most of the doors in our 1880s row house are important to its authenticity.

And many of them are painted or are in bas relief. The shape can be either rectangular of a semi circle arch or occasionally a square. Like many older homes one of the key period pieces in our home is the transom windows that still exist over most of the house s doorways. A window of possibilities.

Buy our most popular transoms. An open transom window in the winter helped heat from the central fireplace reach bedrooms at night. Historically operable transom windows above doors played a role in the heating and cooling in a home. Transom windows were more commonly seen in apartments and office buildings in the days before central air conditioning became more widely used.

Please note that an over door does not require a transom. Operable transoms have sashes that can be opened or closed to help regulate the temperature in a room when the door is closed. For the most part modern transom windows also called transom lights are decorative meant to complement a home s architectural style but some still offer a ventilation option. They can go over any door or window interior or exterior.

They make perfect sense in row houses which typically have long narrow floor plans with windows only at the front and back. Entryways that have a transom window above the exterior door will be bathed with natural light making them more welcoming and bright. Traditional transom pattern tr 1 starting at 79. Transom windows also called transom lights sit above an entry patio or interior door or other windows.

Consequently transom windows can come in many different shapes styles and designs but retain the name due to their location. You ve probably seen transom windows on houses more times than you can count but you might not know what they are how to define them or what purpose they serve.