Transom Window

A transom window is a horizontal window installed above a door or another window, designed to allow light to pass through while maintaining privacy and airflow control. Historically used in pre-air-conditioning buildings for cross-ventilation, transoms today serve primarily aesthetic purposes, bringing natural light into interior spaces and adding architectural character. These versatile windows appear in various styles—from simple rectangular panes to elaborate fan-shaped designs over formal entries. In interior applications, transoms above bedroom doors or between rooms borrow light from adjacent spaces, brightening hallways and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours. The vertical emphasis they create makes ceilings appear higher.