Transom window over interior doors

2 months ago

This is a new build......I will have several pocket doors that I'm choosing to have with glass inserts. They are scattered throughout the first floor. For example, one opens to the pantry, one to the laundry room - these are side by side. In the primary bathroom, we have one for the toilet room (with frosted glass) and one that is the entrance to the bathroom (solid core). The question is this: If I use a decorative glass for the door insert, does the transom glass need to match it? Or should all the transoms be the same, e.g. clear, regardless of the door insert type. If you have pictures to show examples, that would be great. Thanks.

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Comments (6)

millworkman
2 months ago
I would do everything in my power to not use pocket doors, especially doors that will be used regularly. Also frosted glass on a bathroom door is a poor choice as frosted still allows shapes and shadows to be seen. As far as transoms and decorative glass, it really depends on visibility and type of decorative glass. Interior transoms on their own are a topic of debate and really depends on the home. Were it me I would just use taller doors and no transoms.
Fara Palumbo
Original Author
2 months ago
Thanks for the feedback. At this point taller doors aren't an option, so I'm trying to simply decide on whether the transom matches the glass or not.
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millworkman
2 months ago
" As far as transoms and decorative glass, it really depends on visibility and type of decorative glass. "

From my previous reply. Context is key.
3onthetree
2 months ago
"Decorative" is the key here. The transoms aren't operable for airflow, and don't sound like for extra natural light. I assume they are only the width of the pocket door slab, extending the visual height of the opening in the wall plane. If so they will read visually with the door, and should be the same glass as the pocket door slabs. It would look odd if they weren't.
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Mark Bischak, Architect
2 months ago
Rethink pocket doors. If a doorway is planned to be used more often than once a month, it should have hinges and be a swinging door. I find most locations for a door is awkward to use a door that slides.

Transoms transmit sound, light and sometimes view, whether you like it or not.
Kendrah
2 months ago
I only use pocket doors when there is no other option, such as in a very narrow space. But with a custom build, you have the ability to avoid such a situation.

Have you lived with pocket doors before? Find a friend with pocket doors and try opening them with a load of laundry in your arms. Or when you really have to pee and are running to the toilet. I have two in my home, on either end of my galley kitchen to close off when needed. But for the most part they stay open. They are extremely well built, and still, I would not want to use them on a daily basis.

Yes, have the transom match the glass in the doors.

Be sure you get a really good track system, and custom, thick glass for your doors where you want to block out laundry sounds and bathroom sounds. Hopefully you are not intending glass for the bathroom. Even frosted glass I would not want on a bathroom door.