Understanding Transom Window
Transom windows have been a standard architectural element since Roman times, but they became particularly prominent in Georgian, Victorian, and Federal-style architecture from the 18th through early 20th centuries. Before electric lighting and air conditioning, transoms served essential functional purposes: exterior transoms above front doors brought daylight into dark entryways, and interior transoms above bedroom and office doors allowed light and air circulation between rooms while the door remained closed for privacy. Operable transoms (with hinges) facilitated cross-ventilation throughout buildings — a critical feature before air conditioning. Transoms come in many forms: rectangular (most common), semicircular (fanlight), elliptical, arched, and multi-pane divided-light styles. Modern transoms are typically fixed (non-operable) and serve primarily as light-transferring and decorative architectural elements.
Transom Window in Interior Design
Transom windows are experiencing a strong revival in contemporary architecture and renovation. Interior transoms above doors between rooms solve the common problem of closed-door rooms feeling dark and disconnected — they allow borrowed light to flow between spaces while maintaining sound separation and privacy. Above French doors or exterior doors, transoms increase the perceived height of the opening and add significant architectural character. In open-concept homes, interior transoms between spaces like kitchens and dining areas maintain visual connection while providing partial acoustic separation. Transoms are particularly effective in hallways, above bedroom doors, and in bathrooms where frosted or textured glass allows light transfer while maintaining privacy. The style of transom should match the home's architecture — simple rectangular for modern homes, divided-light for traditional, arched for classical.
