Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Transom / Transom bar

A crosspiece separating a doorway from a window or fanlight above

The horizontal member across the top or middle of a window

Transom light / Transom window / Transom: In the United States, a window or pane above a door, whether rectangular or arched; also, a window that is hinged along its top edge

Light: In a window, the openings between mullions; more generally, panes

Fanlight: Arched window or pane above a door

Overdoor: An ornamental painting, carving or section of woodwork directly above a doorway - SIMILAR TO A TRANSOM WINDOW, BUT NOT MADE OF GLASS

Rectangular transoms and side lights are found in Greek Revival, Neoclassical styles

---

Examples from Buffalo:

• Illustration above: Transom and transom light - 165 Windsor Ave.
  
  
• Transom, middle of a window - St. Louis RC Church
  
  
• Transom light - Williams-Pratt House
  
  
• Transom light - Forest Lawn Cemetery Administration Building

• Transom light - Buffalo Seminary
  
  
• Fanlight - 140 Linwood Ave.
  
  
• Fanlight - 160 Windsor Ave.

Other examples:

• Transom light - Amherst Humphrey House at the Genesee Country Village, & Museum
  
  
• Transom light - Rose Hill, Geneva, NY
  
  
• Transom light - Willet-Holthuijsen Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands