Architectural Elements
Clerestory
Clerestory windows are a row of windows set high in a wall, above eye level, designed to bring natural light into interior spaces while maintaining privacy and wall space below. This architectural feature, dating back to ancient Egyptian temples and later prominent in Gothic cathedrals, has been adapted for modern residential architecture to create naturally illuminated spaces.
The elevated position of clerestory windows allows light to penetrate deep into building interiors, often reaching areas that ground-level windows cannot illuminate. In contemporary homes, clerestories appear in great rooms, kitchens, hallways, and master bedrooms, sometimes combined with vaulted ceilings or placed where lots border adjacent properties. The result is daylight-filled spaces that maintain privacy and maximize wall space for furniture and art.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Windows positioned above eye level
- ✓Allow light without compromising privacy
- ✓Often in continuous bands or rows
- ✓Can face any orientation
- ✓Work with various ceiling heights
- ✓Preserve wall space below for furnishings
Types & Variations
Continuous clerestory (band of windows)
Interrupted clerestory (separated by structure)
Operable clerestory (for ventilation)
Fixed clerestory (sealed)
Skylight-clerestory combination
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Orient clerestory windows north for consistent light without heat gain, or south for passive solar heating in winter. In great rooms, position above the main living area. In hallways, use to eliminate dark corridors.
💡 Pro Tip
Plan window treatments carefully—clerestory windows may need motorized shades due to their height. For fixed clerestories, consider tinted or low-e glass to control heat and UV exposure without the need for coverings.