Window Treatments for Transom and Sidelight Windows

Narrow sidelight windows are best covered with slim cellular shades or narrow-slat blinds or shutters sized to the exact opening, in cordless or motorized form. A light filtering fabric gives daytime privacy while keeping the glow, or shutters give a crisp, built-in entry look.

Transoms are often left uncovered for light, but on a sun-facing or west entry they can add glare and heat, in which case a fixed or motorized shade sized to the transom helps. Motorization is ideal since transoms are high and hard to reach.

Use a light filtering shade or shutter on the sidelights that provides daytime privacy while still letting the glow through, sized to the narrow opening. This keeps your foyer private from people at the door while preserving the natural light.