Transom Window Styles

Paneled Glass

• Some transom windows are crafted with a paneled frame to create a symmetrical pattern or other grid-like design. Transom windows made in a paneled glass style are simple, elegant pieces that can be fixed in place, hinged at the top or base of the frame or hinged at both sides. This style incorporates glass panels that are almost universally divided by vertical strips of metal or wood, although horizontal pieces are sometimes incorporated in the design of larger windows.

Solid Window

• Some transom windows are designed to feature just one piece of glass within a sturdy, solid frame. Like transom windows made in a paneled glass style, solid pieces can be fixed in the architecture or hinged either at the frame's top, bottom or on both sides. Transom windows made in this style often feature a heavy piece of colored, etched or frosted glass, or a piece that is embellished in another way.

Fanned Window

• Semicircular, arched or fan-shaped transom windows are often referred to as "fanlights" because of their resemblance to an open decorative fan. These window sashes are fixed pieces or hinged at their base to allow the frame to swing one way or another. Fanlights often feature panels of stained glass or pieces decorated in another way, as transom windows made in semicircular shapes are made more for decor than practicality.

Ranma

• In traditional Japanese architecture, decorative panels known as "ranma transoms" are often found above doors. Ranma transoms are carved or embellished wooden panels that are installed above shoji sliding doors and fusuma doors. These types of transoms usually are fixed to the wall and not free to move, and they do not always feature glass.