Transom vs. Clerestory — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
A transom is a horizontal structural element over a door or between windows, whereas a clerestory is a high section of wall containing windows above eye level.
Difference Between Transom and Clerestory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A transom typically refers to a horizontal architectural bar or beam that separates a door from a window above it, providing structural support and aesthetic enhancement. In contrast, a clerestory refers to a part of a building that rises above adjacent rooftops and includes windows that allow light and air into the space beneath.
In homes and other buildings, transoms are often used above doors to increase light and ventilation without compromising privacy, whereas clerestories are utilized to illuminate or ventilate large spaces like churches or halls.
The use of transoms can be seen in both residential and commercial architecture, often adding a decorative element or allowing for additional light in entryways. Clerestories, on the other hand, are more commonly found in large, public or institutional buildings where high ceilings require natural light deep into the structure.
Transoms are usually part of the door assembly and can be either operational to open for ventilation or fixed. Clerestories, however, are always a part of the wall and are primarily designed to enhance lighting, rarely serving as an exit or entry.
Architecturally, transoms serve more functional purposes in everyday applications such as in homes or offices, enhancing the usability of doors and windows. Clerestories, with their placement high above floor level, play a crucial role in the aesthetic and environmental design of larger spaces.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A horizontal element above a door
High wall section with windows
Primary Use
Increase light and ventilation
Enhance lighting in large spaces
Common Locations
Above doors, between windows
Above adjacent roof lines
Operational Capabilities
Can be fixed or operable
Typically fixed
Architectural Impact
Adds decorative element and functionality to doors/windows
Brings natural light deep into large spaces
Compare with Definitions
Transom
Part of a door assembly.
The old Victorian house had ornate transoms that added character to each room.
Clerestory
Positioned above adjacent rooflines.
The new office building featured a clerestory that overlooked the city.
Transom
Horizontal architectural element above a door.
The transom above the entrance was adorned with stained glass.
Clerestory
Architectural feature above eye level.
The library’s clerestory made the reading area feel open and airy.
Transom
Beam separating a door from a window above it.
She installed a painted transom to enhance the doorway’s appearance.
Clerestory
High section of wall with windows for light.
The clerestory windows in the cathedral bathed the nave in natural light.
Transom
Structural bar used for additional light and air.
The transom in the bathroom allowed light without compromising privacy.
Clerestory
Used in large spaces like churches or halls.
The museum’s clerestory was designed to maximize daylight.
Transom
Operable or fixed window above a door.
They opened the transom to let in the cool evening breeze.
Clerestory
Rarely serves as an entry or exit.
The clerestory in the gallery added height and drama to the space.
Transom
A horizontal crosspiece over a door or between a door and a window above it.
Clerestory
In architecture, a clerestory ( KLEER-stor-ee; lit. clear storey, also clearstory, clearstorey, or overstorey) is a high section of wall that contains windows above eye level.
Transom
A small hinged window above a door or another window.
Clerestory
The upper part of the nave, transepts, and choir of a church, containing windows that rise above the roofs of the aisles.
Transom
A horizontal dividing bar of wood or stone in a window.
Clerestory
A similar structure admitting light into an ancient building such as an Egyptian temple or a Roman basilica.
Transom
A lintel.
Clerestory
An upper portion of a wall containing windows, especially when rising above a lower roof.
Transom
The stern of a square-sterned boat or ship.
Clerestory
(architecture) The upper part of a wall containing windows to let in natural light to a building, especially in the nave, transept and choir of a church or cathedral.
Transom
Any of several transverse beams affixed to the sternpost of a wooden ship and forming part of the stern.
Clerestory
Same as Clearstory.
Transom
The aftermost transverse structural member in a steel ship, including the floor, frame, and beam assembly at the sternpost.
Clerestory
Part of an interior wall rising above the adjacent roof with windows admitting light
Transom
The horizontal beam on a cross or gallows.
Transom
(architectural element) A crosspiece over a door; a lintel.
Transom
(architectural element) A horizontal dividing bar in a window.
Transom
A transom window.
Transom
(nautical) Any of several transverse structural members in a ship, especially at the stern; a thwart.
Transom
(nautical) The flat or nearly flat stern of a boat or ship.a ship's transom (flat stern)
Transom
The horizontal beam on a cross or gallows.
Transom
Items that have arrived over the transom.
We are overwhelmed with transom resumes.
They only met the deadline by working most of the night and making a transom filing.
Transom
A horizontal crossbar in a window, over a door, or between a door and a window above it. Transom is the horizontal, as mullion is the vertical, bar across an opening. See Illust. of Mullion.
Transom
One of the principal transverse timbers of the stern, bolted to the sternpost and giving shape to the stern structure; - called also transsummer.
Transom
The piece of wood or iron connecting the cheeks of some gun carriages.
Transom
The vane of a cross-staff.
Transom
One of the crossbeams connecting the side frames of a truck with each other.
Transom
A window above a door and hinged to a transom
Transom
A horizontal crosspiece across a window or separating a door from a window over it
Common Curiosities
Can transoms be opened for ventilation?
Yes, some transoms are operational and can be opened to allow for ventilation.
What is a transom?
A transom is a horizontal bar or beam above a door or window, often containing glass for additional light and air.
Where are clerestories most commonly used?
Clerestories are typically used in large, high-ceilinged spaces such as churches, halls, and public buildings.
How do transoms enhance home security?
Transoms allow for natural light and air without the need for open doors or larger windows that may compromise security.
What is the main purpose of a clerestory?
The main purpose of a clerestory is to provide natural lighting to the interiors, particularly in large and deep spaces.
Is it common to find transoms in apartments?
Yes, transoms are quite common in apartments, especially in older buildings, to increase light and air circulation.
Do transoms come in different styles?
Yes, transoms are available in various styles, from simple, functional designs to elaborate, decorative ones.
Are transoms expensive to install?
The cost can vary depending on the design and materials, but they are generally not overly expensive.
How do clerestories contribute to architectural beauty?
Clerestories can add a dramatic sense of verticality and grandeur to a building’s interior and exterior.
What types of buildings benefit most from clerestories?
Large, spacious buildings like sports arenas, libraries, and auditoriums benefit significantly from clerestories.
Can transoms be part of a window?
Yes, transoms can also be installed above windows to enhance both light and architectural design.
Can clerestories be retrofitted in existing buildings?
Yes, but incorporating clerestories into an existing building can be complex and potentially costly.
Are clerestories a modern architectural invention?
No, clerestories have been used since ancient Egyptian times, particularly in large monumental buildings.
How does a clerestory affect the energy efficiency of a building?
Clerestories can improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Do transoms require special maintenance?
Transoms require the same level of maintenance as regular windows, which includes cleaning and occasional repairs.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
