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Transom and Sidelight Ideas for Your Brentwood Entry Door

January 23, 2015

There are many different ways to improve your Brentwood entry door, but none can compare to arched and sidelight windows. They come in many shades, shapes, and sizes to add personality and character to your entry door.

What Are Transom Windows?

A Transom window is basically a pane of glass mounted above your entry doorway. Entry door transoms provide a stylish look and let in lots of natural light. Transom windows are a great way to provide lighting to your entry doorway and when paired with sidelight windows it can provide even more natural light and a nice view as well as a sophisticated look to your entry doorway.

Brentwood transom and sidelight entry door options
This arched transom with custom sidelights provides a dramatic entryway to this Brentwood home.

Types of Transom Windows

Transom windows can come in arched as well as rectangular shapes. You can also get them in a stained or glazed tint for privacy, which gives off that open look you’ve been searching for while still providing privacy. Most transom windows are made of a tempered glass to prevent shattering. There are many different styles of windows you can pick from to find the perfect window to match your personality and your home’s architecture.

Designing Your Transom Window

The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing a transom window. Perhaps the best part of all is you can fully customize the width and height to fit the size of your entry door and space. It can be a very simple design to one that is very elaborate. After deciding on how you want the transom to appear, next comes the material to be used. Some of the more popular materials used to make transoms are glass, wood, and wrought iron. Glass being the most popular due to the fact it can be used as a source of light. You can get glass frosted, glazed or etched. Stained glass can also be used on the more elaborate designs such as you would find in a church entry door. The wood used is often dependent on the existing structure or personal taste of the design. Wrought iron can give your home a classy appeal.

Using a Transom With Side Light Windows

Combining sidelight windows with a transom not only adds to the natural light but also can be used for aesthetic reasons. Sidelight windows are typically narrow and match the design of the transom. Sidelight windows have the benefit of making your doorway appear wider. Taking out the side window panes can make room for larger entry doorways or even a double doorway, and provide room for a larger arched transom window or a taller door. (Figure1) There are many different things you can do with your transom windows and your side light windows such as removing them and installing an arched doorway.

Modified Brentwood Entry Door
An arched transom and sidelight windows were removed to install a taller, arched double door.

Transom windows are a great way to improve any home’s look and style. Transoms have many benefits to give your home a unique look and personal touch. Instead of custom doors, they can be used on a new home with a tight budget to enhance your entry doorway and give you the additional space for customization later down the road when your budget is ready. For anyone looking to remodel their home and entry door with transom and sidelights, you have unlimited options to do so. Contact Tri-County Doors of Brentwood today. We can customize an entry door that not only increases the opening size but also will add resale value to your home.