What's the purpose for putting transom windows above doors?

zbeckabee

Transom Window--A horizontal, rectangular window placed directly above a door window. These small windows are often sectioned by trim and allow additional light to enter the home when placed above an exterior window. When placed above interior doors, the purpose of transoms is usually ornamental. http://www.wdhvn.com/terms.html Apr 28 06, 5:12 PM

lanfranco

There's a phrase in publishing, "over the transom," which refers to a manuscript that arrives through the mail, rather than via a literary agent, and is tossed, figuratively, "through the transom" to a lowly and beleaguered reader -- who might or might or might recommend it for publication: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transom Apr 28 06, 5:23 PM

robboy

It's always been my impression that the primary purpose of interior transom windows was to provide ventilation, while enjoying the security of a locked or closed door. This was especially needed before whole-house air conditioning, and in high ceiling applications. http://www.cityofno.com/Portals/Portal99/portal.aspx?portal=99&tabid=42 (Scroll down to 'Transom Windows') Apr 28 06, 5:25 PM

satguru

In my father's house it's another way for light to get to the upstairs landing as it's only other window is on the staircase side. When you have an interior hall with little or no window space of its own these bring in light from the rooms either side of it, as do the glass doors in my own house to the downstairs hall, which had no windows at all originally. Apr 28 06, 7:19 PM

SOTHC

They tried putting it below the door but that was a real pane Apr 29 06, 4:35 PM

sillyc1

transom windows were placed over the doors, they were capable of opening and closing, and were used to allow air to be pulled through, usually by a large whole house fan, located in the attic. You would open the double hung windows in the room, both at the top and bottom, but just 3 or 4 inches each, then when the transom was open and the fan on, warm ceiling air would be pulled out of the room by the fan, through the transom and was replaced by cooler outside air. Jul 07 06, 11:35 PM

sillyc1

the main purpose of a transom window was air movement. The window could be opened and closed. The double hung windows in the room would be opened at the top and bottom and the whole house or attic fan was able to pull warmer ceiling air from the room while pulling cooler outside air into the room. Jul 07 06, 11:38 PM