What is a transom panel (spiegelstuk)?
A spiegelstuk is a solid panel above a door, in the same material and finish as the door itself. It sits in the frame where a glazed fanlight would otherwise be. As a result, the door appears to continue almost seamlessly up to the ceiling, while the door itself is of normal height. It is sometimes simply called a spiegel (mirror) in Dutch.
Why a transom panel?
- Visually taller door. A floor-to-ceiling door looks calm and spacious, but with high ceilings it is heavy, expensive or difficult to make. A transom panel gives that look with a standard-height door.
- No glass needed. Whereas a fanlight lets light through, a transom panel is solid. This gives more privacy and better acoustic comfort.
- Calm interior. Door and transom panel together form a single surface, often with a narrow gap or door transom between them.
Application
- Order a matching finish. Preferably order door and transom panel together, with the same material, profile and finish. Separate later additions often differ in colour or texture.
- Transom or not. The frame can have a door transom against which the door closes, or a system in which the panel is fixed in the frame and the door closes against it. Decide beforehand, as it determines the frame dimensions.
- Fix securely. The transom panel is fixed in the frame with glazing beads, screws or clips. Make sure it cannot rattle when the door is slammed.
- Ventilation. Does the transom panel replace an open fanlight that provided air supply? Then keep another ventilation provision or a gap under the door.
Common mistake: fitting a transom panel in an existing frame without checking whether the frame is square. A frame that is out of square gives uneven gaps between door and panel, which are immediately noticeable.
Related terms
- Transom window
- Interior door
- Window frame
- Door transom
- Lunette arched panel
- Head rail
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