The Contemporary Charm of Clerestory Windows

Clerestory Windows

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Clerestory windows are a modern way to flood a room with natural light. Used alone, they will diffuse a room with indirect lighting — which often creates a more moody ambiance — while leaving the walls available for shelves and artwork. When paired with skylights or existing windows, they amplify the openness of a space, letting in lots more light all throughout the day. 

Benefits of Clerestory Windows

A clerestory window is located high up on the wall, typically close to the roof line. They can be any size. Known for their iconic, mid century appeal, clerestory windows have a range of benefits for the modern homeowner.  

1. Energy Efficiency

Clerestory windows allow diffused light to enter your home. This reduces the effects of direct sunlight heating up the home, and thus reduces your A/C bill.

They are especially useful in homes located in desert areas or warm climates. Many designers pair the windows with a roof overhang to protect from the heat. 

2. Modern Appeal

The windows are the perfect compliment to an ultra-modern, open-concept design scheme. They are light, airy, and contemporary, as well as being eco-friendly. 

3. Light

Often paired with skylights or floor-to-ceiling windows, clerestory windows flood your home with the maximum amount of light. They provide ambient, diffused lighting as opposed to harsh light — which can be a great way to allow houseplants to get indirect sunlight. 

4. Extra Wall Space

Because the windows are located near the ceiling line, they free up the entire wall for a variety of uses. This is great for art studios, galleries, libraries, gymnasiums, sports arenas, and home offices where wall space is of the essence. At home, you can invest in a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, display a collection of artwork, or even add more windows to increase the flow of light to your room. 

5. Privacy and Ventilation

In places like apartment buildings or crowded urban areas where you can see directly into the neighbor’s condo, floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t an ideal choice. Clerestory windows are far enough above the eyeline to allow light into the home while maintaining privacy. This makes them ideal for bathrooms. 

Famous Examples Throughout History

Chartres Cathedral

The windows were first used in Egyptian times. The trend continued through the early Byzantine era, into the Romanesque period where they were used in basilicas, and finally into Gothic architecture where the prevalence of tall, grandiose cathedrals made clerestory windows wildly popular. 

Today, you’ll often see this trend in libraries. Why? Because the light is not harsh or direct, making it perfect for browsing bookshelves, writing, working, and reading. The windows are also used in museums, hotel lobbies, sports arenas, airport terminals, train stations, art galleries, gymnasiums, and warehouses. 

Some famous examples include the 2009 Cowboys Stadium, many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s homes, and the Chartres Cathedral in France, where the windows can be seen alongside a rib vaulted ceiling. 

How to Style Clerestory Windows

Thanks to their highly versatile look, there are countless ways to style clerestory windows. Design elements that draw the eye upward are particularly attractive. Here are some popular pairings. 

1. Industrial accents

Clerestory windows are often used in actual industrial settings, such as warehouses and factories. Incorporating some industrial accents into an office space or residential home can make the windows pop. They look great alongside concrete floors, exposed pipes and beams, and galvanized steel ducts. 

2. Butcher-block countertops

Imagine an all-white kitchen with wood cabinets, exposed ceiling beams, and thick butcher-block countertops. The mood is rustic and homey, while the windows allow light to pour through the kitchen all day. 

3. Ultra-modern aesthetic

These windows look incredible with maximum light and an open-concept feel. Pair them with skylights, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, white-washed walls, and wood plank flooring. 

4. Statement ceiling

Since clerestory windows are installed so close to the ceiling, they draw your eye upward naturally. One way to take advantage is by pairing them with a coffered ceiling, vaulted ceiling, or tray ceiling. 

5. Unique roofing styles

Just like a statement ceiling for the inside, a distinctive exterior roof can provide an eye-catching exterior compliment to the windows. Try an overhang roof or a cantilevered roof to bring attention to your clerestory windows from the outside. 

6. Chandeliers

A chandelier adds a focal point to the room and looks great with high ceilings. Paired with clerestory windows, the piece can provide an interesting reflection of light throughout the seasons. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which direction should clerestory windows face?

This depends on your climate. In general, your windows should face the north if you want to keep your home cool. Facing them toward the south is ideal if you wish to soak up more heat. You may also consider adding an overhang to protect from the summer sun. 

What’s the best way to clean clerestory windows?

Depending on the height of your home, you may want to invest in self-cleaning windows. Otherwise, use a ladder or a squeegee with a long handle to reach the windows.

Make sure to wash your windows on a day when the temperatures are mild (preferably in the 60s) and the sky is clear. If it’s too hot and sunny, your windows will streak — and if it’s rainy, you won’t be able to clean them properly. 

How do I pronounce “clerestory”?

Clerestory is pronounced like the words “CLEAR + story”. The pronunciation gives you a little glimpse into the history and meaning of this design trend.

These windows got their name from the Middle English term clerestorie, implying that the second story of a building would be “cleared away” to let the light in through these windows. 

Clerestory Windows for a Modern Time

Clerestory windows are becoming increasingly popular in residential homes. They are an excellent source of natural light and ventilation. When used properly, they can improve energy efficiency and even boost the value of your home.

Now that you know more about clerestory windows, keep your eyes peeled for the resurgence of this contemporary architectural trend. 

Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C