Clerestory Window Guide: 4 Advantages of Clerestory Windows

Clerestory (pronounced “clear-story”) windows are large windows placed above eye level to illuminate an interior space with natural light. They're typically placed in a row right below the roofline, but they can also sit above roof lines or overhangs to maximize the amount of light in a given space. Along with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, clerestory windows are a common fixture in modern houses. Clerestory windows date all the way back to ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians made use of clerestory windows by cutting slits into giant slabs of stone in order to illuminate halls and temples. Centuries later, these windows became a standard architectural feature of the upper levels of both Romanesque and Gothic churches. Around the turn of the twentieth century, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright helped popularize this type of window in modern homes. Transom windows sit above doorways, allowing light and sometimes fresh air into a room when the door is closed, while clerestory windows are often narrow windows installed at or above the roofline in an interior living space. Transom windows are a common feature in row houses where long, narrow corridors offer few other options for light and ventilation. While clerestory windows are sometimes designed to open and allow fresh air in, many are designed simply to increase the amount of light in a space. Clerestory windows offer several advantages for interior living spaces. 1. __Natural light__: Clerestory windows help illuminate interior spaces by drawing in light from the upper levels of a home. 2. __Privacy__: Homeowners in urban areas—like Los Angeles or New York—gain privacy from clerestory windows without sacrificing natural light. Primary living spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms stay well-lit while staying out of view. 3. __Limited distractions__: A home office with clerestory windows will be bright and airy while limiting distractions from the outside world. 4. __Wall space__: By freeing up wall space, clerestory windows allow for more built-in storage, wall art, and other interior design elements. All investments, including real estate investments, come with inherent risks, which may involve the depreciation of assets, financial losses, or legal ramifications. The information presented in this article is for educational, informational, and referential purposes only. Consult a licensed real estate or financial professional before making any legal or financial commitments. All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from prolific entrepreneur Robert Reffkin, the founder and CEO of the real estate technology company Compass. With Robert’s help, you’ll learn all about the intricacies of buying a home, from securing a mortgage to hiring an agent to tips for putting your own place on the market. Clerestory windows give interior spaces an ethereal glow by letting in natural light from above eye level.