Are fan lights dated/naff?

10 years ago

We are currently rennovating & extending our property. As a result of a double extension across the back of the house we have lost one of two windows in what will be the spare bedroom. The second window is at the side of the property. We have discovered that the bedroom doors used to have a fan light (window thingy) above them. Reinstating them would add some light back into the room.
Do you think they are naff or outdated? Would they make much difference anyway?

Featured Answer

Heather Welsh

10 years ago

We had them in our tenement flat (built around 1900) & loved them. The flat had several original features & the windows really helped add character & balance to the high ceilings. Our flat was fairly bright anyway but the windows definitely helped with the flow of light, particularly to the internal hallway. We didn't have them over every door but I don't think it would look quite right over just one door, so you would probably have to reinstate both if you decided to go for it. So I reckon you should keep them if you like the feature but probably wouldn't be worth it purely to help with light.

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Comments (13)

Jonathan
10 years ago
Wouldn't bother- it won't contribute much light and I think your instinct about it being dated is right.
bridgendrd
Original Author
10 years ago
I thought as much. Thamk you.
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P & P Maintenance Services
10 years ago
I disagree. We are still installing them and they are as popular as ever. I really like them.
bridgendrd
Original Author
10 years ago
Have u got any photos of newer ones? Thanks
winterfloods
10 years ago
In the summer we visited relatives in their new house which has a run of bifold doors across the back of their new home. We sat in the kitchen, which is very stylish etc. etc. and enjoyed having the doors fully opened as the heat was uncomfortable indoors once the sun came out. They're now finding (autumn) that they have to open one of the doors to get fresh air into the room and, on a rainy day, it's not ideal. It's going to be interesting to see how they'll fare during the winter. Imagine having to have a door open when it's cold outside just to let in some fresh air. On top. Of all this their dog wanders in and out when the doors are open.......

Fan lights still have their uses in my opinion.
Jonathan
10 years ago
Little windows to get fresh air into a house not to be confused with glass panels over an internal door to help share light- as seen in the picture that shows two openings above internal doors.
minnie101
10 years ago
Hi. I don't personally like the 70s style small rectangular ones as I'm not a fan of that style so it looks outdated (to me)I do think it very much depends on the choice of door, panes, and size of the transom ( never knew it was called that!). If you Google images of house with transoms over internal doors it will give you more ideas. As its a spare room though I might perhaps just add a large mirror
Tim Summers
10 years ago
Personal opinion I know, but I absolutely hate them. They look completely dated and offer absolutely nothing (unless you're specifically going for the 1970's council house look). Just buy a higher wattage lightbulb if the room is too dark.
jasondt
10 years ago
I have them on both upstairs bedroom doors and the bathroom door to supposedly let light into a dark hallway. They don't really work though, so when I (eventually) get around to renovations, I'm getting them filled in, and fitting a glass door to the bathroom instead. If it's still too dark, then I can always fit a light pipe. I'd also add, that when I was a kid and my parent's house had them, there was nothing worse than them switching the light on in the hallway at night while I was trying to sleep, it really used to bug me!
bridgendrd
Original Author
10 years ago
Well u learn something new everyday!
Thanks Minnie. I really like the pics you posted.
The house is old not entirely sure when it was built but we found a photo of the house from 1915. We are going for a going for a traditional look. Wondering whether these would have been in the original build or if they were added later?
Light won't be an issue elsewhere so will probably cover them back up as I think I would regret reinstating them and decorate with light colours & a mirror as you suggested.
We are long way off that as you can see x
bridgendrd
Original Author
10 years ago
Don't sit on the fence Tim say what you mean. Ha ha.
Good point about putting hall light on.
Thanks for all your help x
Laura
10 years ago
If the house was built before 1915, then they're highly likely to be original. Also, if you're going for the traditional look then definitely keep them. I have one over the bathroom and third bathroom and it's surprising how much light it lets into the landing. I'm hoping when we renovate the first two bedrooms we reveal some, because it's quite dingy that end of the stairs.

Are fan lights dated/naff?

Heather Welsh

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Are fan lights dated/naff?

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