Conventional windows aren’t always the best solution for light and ventilation. Especially if you wish to bring in light or improve airflow without compromising privacy, transom doors are a much better answer.
These doors combine the functionality of both a window and a door, without compromising on aesthetics at all. If you’re wondering what is a transom door and why it’s so versatile, this article has everything you need to know.
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What is a Transom Door?
A transom door is essentially a door topped with a window-like box, called a transom. Visually, they make your door more appealing and interesting, but there is also a big practical reason behind them.
Source: Pinterest
Transom doors first became popular in the 19th century as front doors, allowing light to filter into dark entryways. Additionally, these windows could be opened to let fresh air circulate and avoid the risk of smoke build-up inside, all without opening the door itself—an advantage for privacy.
After the rapid popularity of central heating and cooling systems in the 20th century, transom doors found a new purpose indoors. They were used to promote air circulation throughout the home, improving temperature regulation and overall comfort.
What is the Use of Transom Doors in Modern Homes?
In contemporary homes, transom doors remain a practical and attractive choice because of their privacy benefits. Especially in front doors, transoms are positioned higher on top of the door, making it impossible for passersby to peer inside. Indoors, transom doors are now popular for spaces like basements, where they can naturally light stairways.
Structurally, the horizontal beam supporting the transom reinforces doorways, particularly in walls that might otherwise be weakened by a cutout. There’s also a huge aesthetic value that modern homeowners love. Options like tinted or glazed glass, decorative patterns, or unique materials can make a bold design statement, elevating the overall look of your home.
Here’s a short video explaining what transoms look like and how they are designed:
5 Types of Transoms on Doors
Transom doors come in various types, each suited for specific purposes. Here’s a breakdown of their common uses:
1. Transom for Ventilation
These transoms have operable windows that can be opened and closed as needed. You can find them in top hung (like those shown in the picture), casement styles, sliding panels, or even folding options.
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Ventilation transoms, of course, are the best choice when air circulation is crucial—like for outside doors to enjoy summery weather or indoors in stuffy areas to keep the home or office well-ventilated.
2. Transom for Lighting
These types of transoms are typically fitted with clear glass to maximize natural light. They’re especially useful in entryways or hallways where light from outside can brighten an otherwise dim area.
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These transoms also work wonderfully in spaces like attics, basements, or interior rooms that lack windows, bringing in sunlight and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
3. Transom for Decoration
Sometimes transom doors are purely decorative. They don’t open and don’t serve much purpose for lighting. Instead, homeowners use tinted glass, intricate patterns, or carved wood designs in the transoms, much like the picture here.
They’re popular for both indoor and outdoor use, adding unique character to any space.
Source: Pinterest
4. Transom for Structural Support
In cases where doorways are cut into load-bearing walls, transoms with wider horizontal beams provide essential structural reinforcement. Some people fill the space between the beam and the door with a solid wall to hide it, but keeping it as a transom window doubles the structural support while adding a visually appealing feature.
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5. Transom Without Window
Transoms don’t always have to include a window, especially in interior spaces where weatherproofing isn’t a concern. For instance, in open-plan areas, an empty transom box could still do its job without the need for glass or wood paneling. These are great for minimalist designs that prioritize clean lines and subtle details.
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These are just a few general categories. Many other types of customizations are also available, allowing you to design your transom door to perfectly suit your space and specific needs.
What Are Invisible Transom Doors?
Invisible transom doors are a modern innovation for homes with high ceilings. These doors appear as one tall, seamless door, but the top portion functions as a stationary transom. When you swing open the door, only the lower section moves, while the transom remains fixed.
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This design is particularly useful in warm climates where homes often feature high ceilings and need tall doors for a harmonious interior. However, taller doors can be cumbersome to open and close, and they may cause air conditioning to escape more easily. Invisible transom doors solve these issues by maintaining the aesthetic of tall doors without compromising practicality.
Conclusion
Transom doors have been used since the 19th century for one purpose or another. Now that you know what is a transom door, you must understand why they’re becoming go-to choices in modern homes for natural lighting and ventilation instead of installing separate windows. Plus, there is also added structural integrity and a decorative value that you cannot miss.
At Mannlee, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of modern door designs, including transom doors. Give us a call today to explore our options, and let our professionals help you choose the perfect material and size for your door.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a door transom?
A door transom is a small window box installed above a door to bring natural light indoors and improve airflow without sacrificing privacy. It can also add structural support to the wall and offer significant decorative value.
What does a transom look like?
A transom is a horizontal feature above a door that may or may not include a window or decorative panel. It can be simple, with clear glass for lighting, or more elaborate, with colorful cut glass, intricate wood paneling, or metal beams for structural reinforcements.
Why do old houses have transoms?
Older houses often included transoms to improve ventilation and lighting before the advent of modern HVAC systems. They allowed air to circulate and light to enter while maintaining security and privacy.
Can I replace a door without replacing the transom?
Most often you can replace a door without altering the transom, provided the new door fits within the existing frame. Transoms are typically separate structures, making it easy to retain them during door replacements.
