We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Decor

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Lunette?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 12,914
Share

A lunette is a type of architectural structure often seen at the top of windows, archways, or doors. Meant to resemble a half moon, a lunette may be built in a crescent shape, pronounced arch, or a semi-circle. Lunettes have waxed and waned in popularity for thousands of years, with some historic examples dating back to Ancient Rome.

A lunette is often used to fill in the top of an archway over a rectangular structure. Doorways frequently feature lunettes set above the main frame of the door, adding additional height and grandeur to an entrance way. In particularly large doorways, such as the entrances to cathedrals, a door and lunette combination is called a tympanum, and is often highly decorated. In some cases, a lunette may be a stand-alone structure within an archway, such as a single window near the top of an arched wall.

Another use of this interesting architectural structure is in the creation of alcoves. Frequently seen in churches, a half-moon alcove is usually recessed into a wall, or is built behind an interior archway. Recessed lunettes may be used to hold statuary or relics, and are frequently painted with murals.

The materials used to make a lunette can vary extensively, depending on the type of structure and the style of the architecture. Doorways and windows often feature plain glass half-moon arches, which may be divided into several different panes. One great advantage of a glass lunette is its ability to add additional light to an interior space. To add both color and light, some designers incorporate stained glass into the archway, which can create a dazzling rainbow as light passes to the interior space. Stained glass panels may be added in single colors, or may be used to create a mural within the archway.

In addition to glass, a lunette may be filled with painted or relief murals. These typically are chosen based on the function and style of the building; many churches, for instance, will fill recessed arches with religious scenes. Mosques, including the famed Blue Mosque in Turkey, often fill archways with geometric mosaics made from colored glass or painted tiles. Relief murals use stonework on top of tile or another flat surface to create a three-dimensional design.

The use of lunettes dates back to early civilizations; one of the oldest examples is the Basilica of Constantine in Rome, which dates back to around 300 C.E. Although there are examples of archway half-moons in many other cultures, the design is frequently associated with classical Rome, and thus is popular in neoclassic design. Neoclassic 18th and 19th century homes, as well as modern neoclassical replicas, often feature at least one half-moon arch in the exterior architecture.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-lunette.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.