The long thin rectangle above the front door is typically called a transom. It is often used to allow natural light to enter the space while maintaining privacy and adding architectural interest.
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The long thin rectangle above the front door is commonly referred to as a transom. Transoms have been an architectural element for centuries, serving both functional and decorative purposes. These windows are positioned horizontally above the door frame, allowing natural light to enter the space while maintaining privacy.
A famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, once remarked, “The spaces within become the reality of the building.” This quote emphasizes the significance of thoughtful design elements, such as transoms, in enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of a structure.
To delve deeper into the topic, here are some interesting facts about transoms:
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Historical Significance: Transoms have a rich history, originating in ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Over time, they became prevalent in various architectural styles, including Georgian, Federal, and Victorian.
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Ventilation and Airflow: In addition to providing natural light, transoms were often designed to be operable, facilitating ventilation and improving airflow within a building. This was particularly advantageous in eras before the advent of modern climate control systems.
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Architectural Diversity: Transoms come in various shapes and sizes depending on the architectural style and personal preferences. They can feature rectangular, arched, or elliptical designs, showcasing the unique characteristics of the building.
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Decorative Elements: Transoms offer an opportunity for artistic expression. They can be adorned with intricate stained glass, decorative mullions, or even carved woodwork, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to the front door area.
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Symbolism: In some cultures, transoms hold symbolic meanings. For example, in Chinese architecture, transoms are known as “shan” and are considered auspicious, often featuring elaborate carvings or inscriptions representing good fortune and blessings.
Here is an example of a simple table showcasing different architectural styles and their corresponding transom designs:
| Architectural Style | Transom Design |
|---|---|
| Georgian | Rectangular with simple divided lights |
| Victorian | Arched with stained glass or leaded patterns |
| Federal | Elliptical with decorative mullions |
By incorporating transoms above front doors, architects and homeowners can introduce natural light, enhance the architectural appeal, and create a welcoming entrance. As the renowned architect Le Corbusier once said, “Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.” The inclusion of transoms achieves these vital elements, merging both functionality and aesthetics seamlessly.
A visual response to the word “What is the long thin rectangle above the front door called?”
In this YouTube video, interior designer Julie Khuu shares five essential items that every entryway needs. She emphasizes the importance of storage, seating, mirrors, mixing up furniture and accessories, and incorporating good lighting. Additionally, she suggests adding a “wow factor” to make the space truly special. Julie also mentions some non-essential but appreciated items, such as doormats, plants, artwork, and a valet station. She concludes by encouraging viewers to share any additional tips they may have and thanking them for watching.
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You can also have a transom window above your door, which is a small rectangular window. They’ve been around for two hundred years or more and were originally a design feature to let air in, but these days they’re a great choice to further brighten up an entranceway.
Transom
A transom is a narrow window located above a door or window. Most transom windows do not operate, but if they do, they are typically hinged at the top like an awning window.
More intriguing questions on the topic
What is the thing above the front door called?
Answer: The top of the doorway is called the head, door header or door head.
Similarly one may ask, What is the decorative piece above a door called? The answer is: An "overdoor" (or "Supraporte" as in German, or "sopraporte" as in Italian) is a painting, bas-relief or decorative panel, generally in a horizontal format, that is set, typically within ornamental mouldings, over a door, or was originally intended for this purpose.
What is the purpose of a transom?
Answer will be: Transoms historically were used to allow passage of air and light between rooms even when doors were shut. They make perfect sense in row houses, which typically have long, narrow floor plans with windows only at the front and back.
Secondly, What is a door transom? Answer will be: Transoms are stationary sections of glass placed above an entry door and its sidelights. They allow natural light to stream into your entryway. With two styles available to choose from, you can add design interest with a rectangular transom or elliptical transom.
What is a one panel door?
Answer: One-Panel A one- or single-panel door comprises top and bottom rails and two stiles. While they are popular as front and side entry doors, they are also commonly used as interior doors for rooms or house partitions, thanks to the single panel door’s simplicity and clean lines.
What is a decorative window door?
Different types of doors utilize glass, but a decorative window door introduces an artistic flair that emphasizes form over function. For the homeowner who wishes to dress up their front door while also letting in more light, a decorative window door can be a great solution. 37. Tudor
Subsequently, What is a French door? French doors are what most people think of when they encounter the term “patio door.” Unlike sliders, French doors are hinged doors, which means they operate via hinges, similar to a casement window. However, like slider doors, they are also commonly used as exterior doors.
Considering this, What is a hinged door? Response: · The surrounding wood frame to which a door is hinged to create a door unit. It also allows the door to be installed into a wall. · Strips of material used to hide seams between glass panes, or between door frames, sidelites, and transoms. · The bottom or piece of a door. Usually made from aluminum or wood. · The bottommost rail of the door.
Moreover, What is the top horizontal part of a door called?
The top horizontal section of a door or window frame is called the head jamb. A door jamb is an individual section of a door frame. Two side jambs make up the vertical components of the door frame and the head jamb is the top horizontal component. Together, the jambs (along with mullion) comprise the door frame.
Keeping this in view, What is a door panel called? As a response to this: A door panel, sometimes called a slab, refers to the whole part of the door that swings back and forth. Full door panels are often divided up into smaller panels, which are set between the stiles, rails, and mullions. The narrow horizontal segments on a door panel are called rails. This door has a top, bottom, and a mid-rail.
What is the seam between a door and a window called?
Answer: When two individual windows or a door and window are joined, the seam between the frames of the two units is called the mull, which is short for mullion. In this case, a door jamb has been joined to a window/sidelight jamb. The seam is typically hidden with a piece of trim called a mull casing (See additional definition below). Figure 1.
Besides, What is the anatomy of an exterior door unit?
Understanding the anatomy of an exterior door unit and the purpose of every part will assist in simplifying the buying process. The main component of a door unit is the door slab. The door slab can be constructed of wood, fiberglass, or steel.