The Hunt Team - Coldwell Banker Realty
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What is the Purpose of a Transom Window?

Posted By: Brian Hunt In: Architectural Features
Date: Thu, Sep 9th 2010 1:43 pm

What is a Transom Window?

  A Transom Window is the window above the door which is often found in the interior of the home.  Sometimes you will find transom windows that are located on an exterior door but they are often fixed and unable to open.   Recently, transom windows have been used as an accent and sometimes made of stained glass although they are mostly constructed of a transparent glass.

  Interior transom windows are an architectural feature that can be found in many historic homes in Columbia SC.  Their purpose was to open and close in order to distribute conditioned air throughout a home when the interior doors are closed.  They also allow natural light into other areas of the home that do not have windows, such as hallways.  They are commonly found in homes up to the late 20th century when the innovation of central or forced duct heating became prominent in new home construction.

 

 

Below is an example of a transom window that is commonly seen in homes in Columbia SC.  This is an interior transom window.  Notice the stop-chain, hinges, and the window's latch that makes it operable.