Natural light has the ability to turn a lifeless, cold home into a warm and inviting space. Let’s look at how transom windows enhance a rooms natural light.
What Are Transom Windows?
Transom windows are windows that are usually installed above a doorway. They come in all shapes and sizes, but are commonly rectangular or circle shaped. The purpose of a transom window is to increase natural light in a space and also to add a decorative touch. They also have the added benefit of increasing ventilation between rooms.
Transom windows were first utilized as a way to increase comfortability in homes and buildings. They allowed for hot air to be exchanged for cold air, helping to keep rooms cooler.
As time went on, their function became more ornate, sometimes including stained glass and other designs. In modern times, they continue to be utilized for their functional as well as aesthetic purposes.
Benefits of Natural Light
There are many great reasons to boost the amount of natural light your home has. Exposure to light from the sun has many health benefits, such as raising levels of vitamin D and serotonin in the body. Sun exposure also helps to regulate mood and circadian rhythm.
(https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight)
Aside from health reasons, natural light can help you save on energy bills. By eliminating the need for excess artificial lights, light provided by transom windows can help keep rooms lit during the day. Buildings designed to maximize natural score more points towards a LEED certification, making them more ECO friendly.
How Do Transom Windows Enhance Natural Light?
Transom windows enhance natural light by doing a few things. First and foremost, they make use of space that otherwise would have gone to waste. Most transom windows are installed above doors or other larger windows, making use of vertical wall space to allow even more light to shine through.
Since transom windows are placed in a higher position than the average window, this allows them to capture light that shines from a unique angle. In particular, transom windows allow light from a low sun to enter a room.
The addition of transom windows can help to balance out the lighting in a room. The lessening of shadows and layered lighting effect created by them gives a room a more vibrant and dynamic look. When placed strategically, natural light can enhance the aesthetic and depth of a room.
Design and Style Options
Choosing the correct style for your transom window is important, as each glass type and frame material will impact the overall decor and functionality of the window.
Here are some common glass types and a brief description of each:
Clear Glass: Offers maximum light transmissions, creating a well lit and open feeling atmosphere. Clear glass is totally translucent providing a clear view of what’s on the other side. It is also very easy to work into almost any decor in any room.
Frosted Glass: Allows some light to come through, but mostly utilized for its privacy properties. The coating on this glass makes it impossible to see through making it a great option for bathrooms. There are various options pertaining to patterns and design options for frosted glass.
Stained Glass: Comes in endless designs and colors, stained glass is great for adding artistic touch to your space. The filtered light created by the various shades of glass creates a warm and inviting glow.
Now let’s delve into a few different frame types:
Wood: You can’t go wrong with wood. It’s got a classic and timeless look that’ll compliment many different styles as well as being a durable material. They do require a little bit of maintenance, but with such care will last a long time.
Metal: Aluminum and Steel frames give a very modern look, making them ideal for modern and industrial-style homes. They are also quite resilient, making them ideal for larger sized transom windows.
Vinyl: Economically friendly, vinyl frames are a low-maintenance, energy efficient option for transom windows. They are easy to clean making them a great option for kitchens and bathrooms.
Transom Windows: A Great Option For Maximizing Natural Light
As we’ve discussed, transom windows are a fantastic way to introduce more natural light, utilize otherwise unused space and showcase a bit of style. Consider adding one to a bathroom, kitchen or front doorway to bring in the benefits and enjoy the sunshine!
