Many transom windows look fine bare, but some need a covering for sun, heat, or privacy. Match the main window below for a clean look, or choose styles made for the shape. If you cannot reach it, pick a powered style and skip the ladder.
Transom Windows in New Albany: Why Homeowners Get Stuck
Walk through downtown New Albany and you will spot a transom over almost every front door. Victorians, craftsman homes, and newer north-side builds all use them.
A transom window is a short window set above a door or another window. It adds shape to the wall while allowing natural light into the room.
Most owners cover the large window first and then stare at the one above it. Should it match or stay bare? Can you even reach it?
WindowDecor is a family-owned company that has served Southern Indiana and Louisville since 1993. This guide shows window treatments for transom windows that fit your home.
What Makes These Windows Hard to Cover
The outside problem is the shape. The height and shape vary from house to house, and many are rectangular or arched. A standard window treatment rarely fits.
The inside problem is worry. You do not want to hurt the look of the room or pay for the wrong fix. Blinds from a big-box store are sized for typical windows.
This matters because bare glass can pour glare into a room in the afternoon. That light can fade floors and furniture. A poor fit can also look cluttered next to the window below.
Should You Cover Transom Windows or Leave Them Bare?
Not every window needs a covering. Start with what it does in your room.
When to Leave It Bare
Leave it bare when it sits high and faces a quiet side of the house. It also works when the trim is the star, as in many older Victorian homes.
Bare is a good choice when:
- The window gets little harsh afternoon sun
- Privacy is not a concern at that height
- The glass or trim adds to your décor
- The room feels bright but not hot
When to Cover Your Transom Windows
Cover it when glare, heat, or neighbors are a problem. Cover it too when you need a dark room for sleep.
Great-room windows on the north side of town often catch strong light at certain hours. A good covering can tame that glare and add insulation.
When to Match the Window Below
Match it when you want one clean line. This works well on a tall wall of glass.
Use the same fabric or finish on both. Different heights can still look planned.
Window Treatment Options for Transom Windows
Transom window shades and blinds come in many styles, and the shape of transom windows decides which one fits. You can browse the full range on our blinds and shades page.
Shades for Transom Windows
Cellular shades have honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air. That air adds insulation, and the fabrics come in light filtering or blackout choices.
Roller shades roll up on a tube for a flat, modern appearance. A blackout roller blocks nearly all light, while a sheer fabric softens it.
Roman shades fold into soft pleats. They are a stylish pick for traditional rooms.
All three styles fit rectangular windows well.
Blinds With Slats
Faux wood blinds look like wood but handle moisture well. That suits a kitchen, and WindowDecor began in 1993 as a maker of vertical and faux wood blinds.
Blinds use slats that tilt to steer light. Choose a cordless style when the blind hangs low enough for children to reach.
Shutters for Arches and Odd Shapes
Custom plantation shutters fit arches and other odd shapes. Shades and shutters are both custom-made, so the fit looks planned.
You can customize the finish and the panel layout. Some panels are operable, which means they open and tilt. Others are fixed and only filter light.
Whether you pick shades or blinds, each blind or shade is cut to the exact size of your window.
What About Drapes or Curtains?
They rarely suit a window this high. Drapery panels hung beside a tall window can frame both levels, though.
Our post on window treatments for unique window shapes covers arches and angles in more detail.
Light Control, Privacy, and Energy: Choose by Need
Light control means how much sun a covering lets in. Light-filtering fabrics soften glare and keep a room bright. Blackout fabrics block light for bedrooms and media rooms.
Many people want light and privacy at once. A light filtering style does that in most rooms by day.
Many fabrics also screen UV rays, which helps protect floors and furniture. Cellular styles add insulation, which supports energy efficiency. Results depend on your windows and your home.
If the window opens for ventilation, choose a style that moves out of the way. Do not block airflow you use.
Motorized Blinds for Transom Windows: When They Make Sense
A motorized shade raises and lowers with a remote, a wall switch, or a smartphone. It removes the need for a ladder.
Choose a motorized option when:
- The window sits out of reach
- You want easy raising and lowering each day
- You want it to match the powered styles below
- A cord would be a risk for children or pets
Both honeycomb and roller styles work for this. Many systems pair with smart-home controls, so ask about compatibility before you order.
Motors run on a battery or on wiring. Battery models are simpler to install, and wired models need planning. Pricing depends on size, fabric, style, and power source.
A free consultation gives you a firm quote for your windows.
For more on tall or awkward windows, read our guide to shades for hard-to-reach windows. Our post on manual and powered window shades compares the two choices side by side.
What We See in New Albany Homes
Older homes near downtown often have a window over the door. Owners usually want the original trim to show. A slim profile mounted inside the frame keeps the look clean.
Craftsman homes often pair it with a larger window. A matching style in a soft color usually works best.
Newer north-side homes have tall, flat windows in great rooms. These are the ones owners cannot reach. A motor is often the practical answer there.
If your home has period details, read our post on window treatments for historic and architectural homes.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
You can handle some of these yourself. Others need an expert.
DIY may work if:
- The window is a plain rectangle
- You can reach it from a short step stool
- You only need a basic covering
Call a professional if:
- The window is arched or an unusual shape
- You need a tall ladder
- You want wiring or a powered system
- Exact width and height matter for a custom fit
A wrong measurement on a custom product is costly. A fall from a tall ladder is worse. Our team follows a simple measuring guide so the fit is right the first time.
How to Choose a Transom Window Treatment in 5 Steps
- Note which direction the window faces.
- Check for sun, heat, and privacy needs.
- Decide if you want it bare, matched, or contrasting.
- Measure the height from the floor to see if you can reach it.
- Book a free measurement for any odd shape or powered system.
Your Windows Can Look Good and Work Hard
You do not need to guess. Many look best bare, while others need a simple match or a powered style. The right choice depends on shape, sun, and how you use the room.
Quick Answers About Transom Window Coverings
Do transom windows need a covering?
Not always. Cover them if sun, privacy, or sleep is a concern. Leave them bare if they sit high and the trim looks good.
What is the best shade for a transom window?
It depends on the shape and light needs. Cellular, roller, and Roman shades all suit a rectangular window. Custom shutters often suit arches.
Can a high window be powered?
Yes. Powered styles work well on high windows, with battery or wired power. Your home and window decide which one fits.
How do I cover a high window I cannot reach?
Use a style with a remote or phone control. This avoids ladders and dangling pulls.
Ready to Cover Your Windows?
WindowDecor is a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience. We measure, build, and install in New Albany and nearby towns. Your consultation is free.
See our New Albany window treatments page, visit WindowDecor.com, or find us on Google. You can also call (502) 713-3535.
Key Takeaways
- Leave it bare when it is high, shaded, and has attractive trim.
- Cover it when sun, heat, or privacy is a problem.
- Match the window below for a clean, uniform look.
- Pick cellular, roller, or Roman styles for rectangular shapes.
- Use custom shutters or made-to-measure styles for arches.
- Choose a motor when you cannot reach the window safely.
- Measure with care, since custom products are hard to change.
- Book a free consultation for an exact price on your windows.
