Are you looking to enhance any room with natural lighting, create a more open feel, or showcase your home’s distinct style? Consider transom windows.
If you haven’t heard of transom windows before, then no worries. Continue reading to discover what transom windows are, where they are typically installed, and the numerous benefits they can bring to you and your home.
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What are Transom Windows?
You may not be familiar with transom windows, but you have likely seen them. Transom windows are fixed panes of glass installed above windows and doors. The glass is separated by a horizontal beam that divides it from the top of the window or door and the wall above.
What is the Purpose of a Transom Window?
In the past, transom windows were designed to allow airflow through homes, even when doors were closed. Nowadays, most transom windows can’t be opened, but their primary purpose is now to give homes more access to natural lighting.
This means areas like living rooms, entries, and hallways can enjoy bright, natural lighting without compromising the property’s privacy and reducing the need for indoor artificial lighting.
Where Can Transom Windows Go?
With transom windows, there are virtually no restrictions on where they can be placed. While you may have seen these installed above entryway doors and windows, that is only the start. Transom windows can be placed in:
- Kitchens: Natural lighting can be a challenge in the kitchen, as most of the wall space is occupied by cabinets, appliances, and other fixtures. With certain transom designs, you can achieve unobstructed access to natural light, allowing your culinary skills to shine.
- Hallways: With precise installation, transom windows’ natural light can transform any dark, enclosed hallway into warm and inviting ambient spaces.
- Bathrooms: While windows in a bathroom may seem out of place, the customizable shape and size of transom windows offer a great way to brighten up the room without sacrificing privacy.
- Sunrooms: While sunrooms are not lacking for natural light, installing transom windows provides a unique aesthetic addition to break the uniform look of pre-existing windows.
Types of Transom Windows
While you may have seen the typical rectangular shape for transom windows in the past, they are much more versatile than that. Transom windows come in a variety of different types, including:
Direct-Set Transom Windows
These are the standard shapes for transom windows, which are placed directly into the transom frame above a window or door. These windows cannot be opened, but they provide any room with plenty of natural lighting.
In-Sash Models
Unlike the standard direct-set, in-sash model transom windows are glazed into a separate ash, which is then secured into the frame. If designed to do so, in-sash models are among the few transom windows that can be opened.
Arch-Top Versions
The primary difference in these transom windows is their unique, curved shape, which contrasts with the typical rectangular design found in other types of windows. The circular design allows these to fit in well with older architectural styles, such as Gothic homes.
Fixed Type Options
This is another name given to the direct set type of transom windows. This means these windows cannot be opened. However, they come in a variety of shapes to further enhance a home’s visual appeal, such as making entryways appear larger than they are.
How Transom Windows Can Enhance Your Space
Not only are the designs of transom windows diverse, but the myriad of benefits they provide to your home are just as well. By investing in a transom window installation, you can enjoy benefits such as:
Front Door Transoms Bring Natural Light to Your Entryway
Front entryways are one of the most popular spots for transom windows, and it’s plain to see why. The natural light from front door transom windows helps enhance the already welcoming atmosphere of the front and adds to the entryway’s visual appeal for guests and passersby.
Window Transoms For Heightened Views
The benefits of transom windows extend beyond natural lighting. Window transoms provide a natural-looking extension to any preexisting window, making it feel taller. This helps to create a bigger visual presence that is sure to catch glances and impressed gazes.
Unlike investing in larger windows, window transoms cannot be opened; thus, homeowners can enjoy increased natural lighting without complicating the use of the window, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Interior Door Transoms For an Open Feel
Interior transoms work best at bridging natural light to darker, enclosed rooms, such as hallways. The added light helps to make these rooms feel more connected to one another, creating a more open and spacious feel.
They also work well in rooms such as living areas and bedrooms, adding a unique architectural element that provides natural light without compromising privacy.
Cabinet Top Transoms Brighten Your Kitchen
In areas like the kitchen, window space is often limited due to the presence of various appliances and cabinetry. However, cabinet transoms offer a smart solution, as they provide excellent access to natural light without compromising essential storage and function.
The above cabinet installation helps to make the kitchen feel taller, while the natural lighting helps to enhance the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It does all that, and you still have space to put dishes away.
Patio Door Transoms Seamlessly Connect Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
In the same vein as the front entryway, patio doors make great use of transom windows. The transom design extends the glass of the preexisting door, resulting in a larger, unobstructed view with ample natural light. This allows both indoor and outdoor spaces to feel unified, making it an ideal investment rather than installing a brand-new door altogether.
Got a Transom Window Idea? Contact NEXT Door & Window For a Free Consultation
For a great transom window idea, you need the right handles to ensure the installation is done quickly and correctly. Efficiency and quality are the norm at NEXT Door & Window. Our team of Design & Energy Experts will guide you through our various transom window design options to find the one that suits your home like a glove.
Not sure where to start with your transom window design? Browse through our kitchen window gallery for ideas and begin crafting your unique vision.
Your ideal windows are just one consultation away. For next-level window replacement and installation, call NEXT Door & Window at (224)-362-0981 or go online to get your free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Transom Windows Open?
Some transom windows can be opened, but most cannot. Interior transom windows that can be opened do so through a pivot, allowing airflow to enter. Openable exterior transom windows typically come with a screen to allow airflow while blocking out debris and bugs.
What is the Disadvantage of a Transom Window?
The main disadvantage of transom windows is that their design may not be suitable for all homes. Transom windows rely on having space above windows and doors to allow natural light to enter.
Another potential downside is that the height of the installations makes cleaning and maintenance more difficult.
What is the Difference Between a Fixed Window and a Transom Window?
Fixed windows are designed with a sloped sill with sill nosing made from PVC. Transoms differ in that they have a flat sill, sitting on top of a preexisting window or door.
Are Transom Windows Outdated?
Transom windows have been in use for a long time, but they are far from outdated. While many are unable to open for airflow like in the past, modern transom windows help transform any room with natural lighting, creating a more inviting atmosphere and adding a seamless touch to your home’s unique aesthetic.
Why Do Old Houses Have Transom Windows?
In the days before artificial lighting and forced air, homes relied on transom windows to let in natural light and airflow.
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