A fanlight refers to a small window that is installed over the entry point like a front composite door or any other window opening. It serves the primary function of illuminating the interior space and at the same time enhances the aesthetics of the building.
The fanlight serves the purpose of illuminating dark spaces like the front entrance hall and helps in giving aesthetic value to a traditional building design.
A fanlight is a glazing panel placed above a door or window opening. Traditional fanlights tend to be semicircular or shaped like fans, but contemporary designs may have other shapes too.
Fanlights are frequently installed above doorways and window openings, usually in the form of an archway.
Fanlights will help bring natural light into corridors or entrance areas, thus adding to the overall brightness and attractiveness of the house.
The reason why fanlights are installed higher than regular windows is that they can bring in natural light without allowing people to see inside the house.
A good choice of a fanlight can add beauty and elegance to the entrance of a house, particularly if it is a Georgian or Victorian one.
A properly designed fanlight will make your entrance area more appealing and complete.
Some fanlights were created in such a way that they could be opened up to let in fresh air without having to open the whole door or window, which was more common in older buildings because ventilation was needed.
In most cases, modern fanlights are usually made of glass panes that cannot be opened. Therefore, if you want to use them for ventilation purposes, you should consider purchasing one that can open up.
Fanlights can be put above the door entrance to make it more illuminated. Fanlights can be used with clear, frosted, patterned or even decorative glass according to privacy needs.
A front door with a fanlight would look equally good in both modern and conventional houses when complemented with appropriate colors of doors, glasses and hardware.
The best option for letting in maximum natural light is clear glass, as well as creating an open atmosphere.
Another choice would be frosted glass, which would assist in maintaining some level of privacy but at the same time let in the light.
Patterned or decorative glass is another choice that brings in character and suits period homes.
With modern glazing solutions, it is possible to gain better insulation properties than when using old, single-pane glass.
Fanlights are very prevalent among traditional homes as well as properties with historical appeal. Fanlights are particularly found in Georgian and Victorian era architecture; the use of glazed panels above doorways served both an aesthetic and functional purpose.
Older homes can benefit from the installation of fanlights that complement the original look of the house, thereby maintaining its integrity.
A fanlight and sidelight both add natural light to the entryway, but both are located in different places. A fanlight is installed on top of the door, while a sidelight is installed vertically adjacent to the door.
| Feature | Fanlight | Sidelight |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Above the door | Beside the door |
| Main Purpose | Adds light and character | Adds light and width |
| Privacy | Usually good due to height | Depends on glass choice |
| Style | Traditional or decorative | Modern or traditional |
Fanlights are small windows that are installed above other windows or doors and are generally used for additional lighting and as an aesthetically pleasing element.
Classic fanlights used to have the shape of a fan and this is the origin of the word. Fanlights in the contemporary sense can be arched, square-shaped, or purely decorative.
While some old-style fanlights were built in a way that could facilitate their opening for air ventilation purposes, most modern-day fanlights consist of fixed glass panes.
Yes, fanlights can provide natural lighting into the home while allowing residents to keep their privacy due to their elevated position compared to regular windows.
Fanlights can be installed above composite doors in many cases.