The Ultimate Guide to Transom Windows: Tips for Decor and Design

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Transom windows, often overlooked yet immensely functional, are a quintessential architectural feature that can add both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits to any space. These horizontal windows, typically positioned above doors or other windows, have a storied history dating back to ancient times when they were utilized for ventilation and natural light.

In modern design, transom windows have evolved to become versatile elements that enhance the character and efficiency of residential and commercial buildings alike. This article delves into the myriad advantages of transom windows, exploring their historical significance, contemporary applications, and tips for integrating them into your design projects to maximize their potential.

A taupe leather pillow top x-stool sits on a wood floor beneath interior windows, as walls are lined with dentil crown molding. Leaded sidelights and a leaded glass transom window frame a white door open to a long and narrow vestibule boasting a white built-in bench topped with a turquoise blue cushion accented with a white and blue pillow placed against a shiplap wall. Bedroom with transom window inviting natural light highlighting vintage style decor and furnishings. A black and white chair is furnished in a corner beside a green tall boy vintage dresser with ring pulls finished with a pink and blue area rug under a bed. A sphere chandelier lights an oval pedestal dining table matched with fabric and abaca dining chairs and a white built-in dining bench with a black leather cushion. An indoor window is located over the bench and beneath a transom window. White French doors under an arched transom window opens to a beautifully styled brown and green home office featuring a brown wooden desk placed on a white and brown rug with a white task chair. The desk is lit by a white and gold sputnik light while green walls are accented with green trim moldings. Flanked by sidelights and positioned under a transom window, a black front door with glass panels opens to a foyer boasting a round white styled entry table lit by a flush mount lantern. A black chevron door on rails positioned under transom windows opens to a welcoming family room. A black vintage metal baseball cap rack is placed in an entry boasting a white front door with a large glass panel and a matte black door handle and plate. The door is fixed beneath an arch transom window. Red brick herringbone pavers lead to a black mudroom door finished with glass panels and a brass door handle and located beneath a transom window. Black and white marble harlequin floor tiles lead to a vestibule boasting a a leaded glass transom window and a glossy blue French door. A glass paneled white door with a brass door knob and plate is located in a vestibule beneath an arched transom window. A brass Hicks pendant is hung between white walls with white trim and over a dark stained wood floor. Morgan Harrison Home - A white front door with sidelights fixed beneath an arched transom window opens to a white and blue entry lit by an Aerin Jacqueline Flush Mount. A round oak table topped with white and gray vases and placed beside a curved staircase boasting a brown wood handrail on white spindles. Cream travertine herringbone pattern pavers lead to a steel and glass front door flanked by sidelight and positioned beneath a transom window. Colorful kitchen runner leads to a butler's pantry with a transom window and white cabinets with nickel pulls. Vertical shiplap trim frames a kitchen doorway finished with a transom window.

The History and Purpose of Transom Windows

Transom windows date back to the 14th century and were commonly used in Europe and North America. Initially, they served a practical purpose: allowing light and air to enter a room while maintaining privacy and security. In the pre-electricity era, transoms were essential for keeping homes well-lit and ventilated.

Vertical shiplap trim frames a kitchen doorway finished with a transom window.
Photo Credit: Wyatt Designs

Today, while their functional role remains, transom windows are also appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and ability to add a touch of elegance to any space.

Bedroom with transom window inviting natural light highlighting vintage style decor and furnishings. A black and white chair is furnished in a corner beside a green tall boy vintage dresser with ring pulls finished with a pink and blue area rug under a bed.
Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors
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Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Types of Transom Windows

Transom windows come in various shapes and functionalities, each adding a unique charm to architectural designs. Fixed transom windows are stationary and primarily serve decorative purposes, allowing light to filter through without opening. They are often seen above doors and larger windows, providing an elegant touch.

Colorful kitchen runner leads to a butler's pantry with a transom window and white cabinets with nickel pulls.
Photo Credit: Mel Bean Interiors

Operable transom windows, on the other hand, can be opened and closed, offering ventilation in addition to their aesthetic value. Fan-shaped transom windows, with their distinct semi-circular design, exude a classic appeal and are often used in traditional or vintage settings.

Rectangular transom windows are the most versatile, fitting seamlessly into both contemporary and classic architectural styles. Their simple, clean lines make them a popular choice for modern homes.

Cream travertine herringbone pattern pavers lead to a steel and glass front door flanked by sidelight and positioned beneath a transom window.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design

Materials and Styles

The materials used in transom windows play a crucial role in their appearance and durability. Wood is a timeless choice, offering a warm, natural look that complements various architectural styles. Metal, often used in modern designs, provides a sleek, industrial feel and can be fashioned into intricate patterns.

A black chevron door on rails positioned under transom windows opens to a welcoming family room.
Photo Credit: Cameron Design

Glass is the most common material, with options ranging from clear to frosted, stained, or textured. Stained glass transom windows are particularly striking, adding color and artistic flair to any space. Decorative elements such as etched designs or leaded glass can further enhance the visual appeal, making transom windows a focal point in a home’s design.

A black vintage metal baseball cap rack is placed in an entry boasting a white front door with a large glass panel and a matte black door handle and plate. The door is fixed beneath an arch transom window.
Photo Credit: Lisa Sherry

Enhancing Interior and Exterior Aesthetics

Transom windows significantly impact a home’s interior and exterior aesthetics. Inside, they allow natural light to permeate deeper into spaces, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. This influx of light can make rooms appear larger and more open, improving the overall ambiance.

Red brick herringbone pavers lead to a black mudroom door finished with glass panels and a brass door handle and located beneath a transom window.
Photo Credit: Ashley Montgomery Design

Externally, transom windows contribute to a house’s architectural character, adding detail and sophistication. They can be strategically placed to highlight entrances, frame views, or enhance symmetry in the design. By blending functionality with beauty, transom windows not only elevate a structure’s visual appeal but also enhance its livability and charm.

Black and white marble harlequin floor tiles lead to a vestibule boasting a a leaded glass transom window and a glossy blue French door.
Photo Credit: James Michael Howard

Design Benefits of Transom Windows

Enhanced Natural Light

One of the primary benefits of transom windows is their ability to enhance natural light. Strategically placed above doors or windows, transoms allow sunlight to filter into darker areas of the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a more inviting atmosphere. This feature is particularly advantageous in hallways, bathrooms, and other spaces that typically lack sufficient light.

A glass paneled white door with a brass door knob and plate is located in a vestibule beneath an arched transom window. A brass Hicks pendant is hung between white walls with white trim and over a dark stained wood floor.
Photo Credit: Kira David Design

Improved Ventilation

Transom windows can also improve air circulation within a home. When operable, they can be opened to allow fresh air to flow through, promoting better indoor air quality. This is especially beneficial in areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where ventilation is crucial to reduce moisture and odors.

Morgan Harrison Home - A white front door with sidelights fixed beneath an arched transom window opens to a white and blue entry lit by an Aerin Jacqueline Flush Mount. A round oak table topped with white and gray vases and placed beside a curved staircase boasting a brown wood handrail on white spindles.
Photo Credit: Jane Beiles

Aesthetic Appeal

From a design perspective, transom windows add a unique architectural element that can elevate the overall look of your home. They come in various shapes and styles, from traditional rectangular panes to more intricate designs featuring stained glass or decorative grilles. By choosing the right style, you can complement your home’s existing architecture and create a visually stunning focal point.

Flanked by sidelights and positioned under a transom window, a black front door with glass panels opens to a foyer boasting a round white styled entry table lit by a flush mount lantern.
Photo Credit: Shophouse Design
A taupe leather pillow top x-stool sits on a wood floor beneath interior windows, as walls are lined with dentil crown molding.
Photo Credit: Jean Stoffer

Tips for Decorating with Transom Windows

Frame Them with Curtains

While transom windows are beautiful on their own, framing them with curtains can add an extra layer of elegance. Opt for sheer, lightweight fabrics that won’t obstruct the light but will provide a soft, airy feel. For a more dramatic look, consider using floor-to-ceiling drapes that complement the color scheme of the room.

White French doors under an arched transom window opens to a beautifully styled brown and green home office featuring a brown wooden desk placed on a white and brown rug with a white task chair. The desk is lit by a white and gold sputnik light while green walls are accented with green trim moldings.
Photo Credit: Carolyn Leona

Use Transoms as Art

If you have transom windows with intricate designs or stained glass, let them shine by making them a focal point of the room. Keep surrounding decor minimal and use neutral colors to ensure that the transom stands out. You can also highlight these windows with strategic lighting, such as recessed lights or wall sconces, to draw attention to their beauty.

A sphere chandelier lights an oval pedestal dining table matched with fabric and abaca dining chairs and a white built-in dining bench with a black leather cushion. An indoor window is located over the bench and beneath a transom window.
Photo Credit: Brook and Falotico

Coordinate with Door and Window Trim

To create a cohesive look, coordinate the trim of your transom windows with the trim of your doors and larger windows. This will create a seamless transition and enhance the space’s architectural harmony. Consider painting the trim in a contrasting color to make the transoms pop, or use a wood stain that matches other elements in the room.

Leaded sidelights and a leaded glass transom window frame a white door open to a long and narrow vestibule boasting a white built-in bench topped with a turquoise blue cushion accented with a white and blue pillow placed against a shiplap wall.
Photo Credit: Digs Design Co

Related Articles

We hope you found valuable insights and inspiration to incorporate transom windows into your home decor. Whether you’re updating an existing space or planning a new design, transom windows can add charm and sophistication. Be sure to explore our other articles for more home decor and design tips. Happy decorating!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a transom window?

A transom window is a small, horizontal window placed above a door or another window. It allows additional light and air into a room.

Are transom windows operable?

Some transom windows are operable, meaning they can be opened to allow ventilation, while others are fixed and serve purely decorative purposes.

What materials are transom windows made from?

Transom windows can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. The choice of material often depends on the home’s architectural style and the homeowner’s preference.

Can transom windows be added to existing homes?

Yes, transom windows can be added to existing homes. However, it may require professional installation to ensure structural integrity and proper fit.

How do I clean transom windows?

Cleaning transom windows can be challenging due to their height. To reach and clean the glass effectively, use a ladder and a long-handled squeegee with a cleaning solution.

Do transom windows affect energy efficiency?

Transom windows can impact energy efficiency. High-quality, double-glazed transoms with good seals can help maintain energy efficiency, whereas single-glazed or poorly sealed windows may lead to heat loss or gain.

Are transom windows expensive?

The cost of transom windows varies depending on their size, material, and design complexity. Custom transom windows with unique designs or specialty glass tend to be more expensive than standard, mass-produced options.

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Posted By : Holly Antoine

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