What can I do about window panels above doors?

[dhoughton]

I have recently moved into a flat in a Georgian house which was converted into flats in the 60's ish. I've been trying to re-establish the period feel of the flat but it's a long process.

My latest challenge is this - Both the bedroom doors (off a rather small hallway) have got rather nasty window panels above them, and at different heights. They let in loads of unnecessary light into the bedrooms and I want rid of them.

Is there any way of covering them that looks OK or do I have to resign myself to getting them removed, and if so how do I do this?

Any help will be most appreciated.

Danielle, London

 

[worms]

Are they an original feature or 1960s? Sounds like part of the non-public area of the original house?

If they are of historic value, the answer might be a curtain on the bedroom side. Another option might be to replace the glass with a wood panel and paint the frame to be less visually intrusive - that way they could be reinstated easily by a future owner.

Will blocking them up not make the hallway very dark?

 

[Ian Bond]

If the doorway could possibly be old (not a 60s plasterboard partition wall with modern doors etc) then I'd try and retain it as it is. Perhaps hang a curtain.

I've seen some beautiful Georgian fan lights used in interior doorways to 'borrow' light for corridors etc. One example was a classic fan shape, with the glass lights divided by oak glazing bars. Another example used leaded lights.

But you say that the windows are nasty, so I'm assuming we're talking 1960s conversion?

Plus you don't want the extra light in the bedrooms - has the hallways got its own window?

The glass panel could be held in the frame with timber beading, which can be removed to get the glass out. You could then insert timber panel(s) in place of the glass, perhaps with additional muntins (like a panelled door or wall) and paint to match the wall. That could be made look OK, if done with care and referring to original mouldings etc.

Or you may want to be rid of the panel completely. This is harder. The door jambs may continue up to ceiling height, and project out from the surface of the wall. I've seen the frame altered so that plasterboard can be fixed flush with the adjacent wall surface, but I don't like this for several reasons, one reason being that it could weaken the door frame.

Without being able to see the door myself it's very hard (impossible) to give good suggestions. If the door way is otherwise old and aesthetically pleasing, great care is needed not to ruin it with drastic alterations, so a curtain may be the best bet.

 

[NT]

If all you want to do is get rid of the light flow, painting over it, glass and all, is a lot easier than replacing glass with wood then painting it.

If you want it flat and level, you may be able to screw a piece of plasterboard on and fill/skim, probably without doing anything to the fanlight.

If OTOH you want the door to reach higher, time for a new door and frame. Do find out about the history of the feature before doing that though, one or more might be original.


NT

 

[Penners]

They let in loads of unnecessary light into the bedrooms

Ian makes an important point - are the transom lights really there to let light into the bedrooms? Such lights are usually installed to let light from a room into a landing or hallway. Are you sure that obscuring or removing them won't plunge the hallway into darkness?

 

[Ian Bond]

Indeed. The other point I was trying to make was that the 'fanlight' need not be unattractive. If done properly it could be a feature that is both practical, and enhances the appearance of the room.

To me, painting over the glass would be a bodge too far.

 

[Penners]

I agree. A proper Georgian fanlight can be very beautiful.