Fanlight

A semi-circular or fan-shaped window above a door, traditionally featuring radiating muntins that create a fan or sunburst pattern. Fanlights are characteristic of Federal, Georgian, and Colonial Revival architecture.

Modern fanlights may be true divided lite (individual glass panes), simulated divided lite (applied muntins with single pane), or solid panels with applied mullion patterns. Elliptical, half-round, and quarter-round shapes adapt the fanlight concept to various openings.

Fire-rated fanlight assemblies require fire-rated glazing and labeled frames tested as complete units. Glass options include clear, textured, decorative, and leaded glass. Fanlights provide natural light while maintaining privacy at the door itself. Related terms: transom, sidelight. Browse transom options.