Decorating
Decorating: How to Bring Out the Beauty of Stained Glass
Let stained glass bring a new dimension to your home, whether it’s an original feature, treasured salvage or a contemporary design
Whether you prefer to scour reclamation yards for old church windows or fancy a custom-made modern design, there are many ways to incorporate stained glass into your home. Part of its appeal is the way stained glass creates beautiful patterns with light, which change throughout the day. Coloured glazing can be an integral part of your design scheme or a standalone piece of art in its own right. So if you’re wondering how to decorate around original stained glass panels or doors, are considering using reclaimed stained glass in your home or are flirting with the idea of a bespoke commission, these homes are sure to inspire you.
Use white to make stained glass shine
Make stunning stained glass panels really stand out by painting the door and surrounding walls white. Some of the bold colours in this gorgeous stained glass panel are picked up in the artwork, too.
Get more ideas for crisp white design schemes
Make stunning stained glass panels really stand out by painting the door and surrounding walls white. Some of the bold colours in this gorgeous stained glass panel are picked up in the artwork, too.
Get more ideas for crisp white design schemes
Maximise light
If you want to keep your room as light and airy as possible, stick to clear glazing, but consult a trusted builder about adding a stained glass panel above the window instead. It gives a similar effect to stained glass top panels, but without losing any of the light.
If you want to keep your room as light and airy as possible, stick to clear glazing, but consult a trusted builder about adding a stained glass panel above the window instead. It gives a similar effect to stained glass top panels, but without losing any of the light.
Incorporate stained glass into a new extension
Many people spend a long time planning a new extension and pondering whether to go for sliding, bifold or French doors, but never think beyond the standard rectangular skylights. A circular rooflight or two with coloured glass could be a more creative alternative.
Go for paler colours if light is an issue, although a multi-coloured design will give you more options when changing your décor, as you can pick out different colours for accents if you get bored.
Check out what to consider when planning an extension
Many people spend a long time planning a new extension and pondering whether to go for sliding, bifold or French doors, but never think beyond the standard rectangular skylights. A circular rooflight or two with coloured glass could be a more creative alternative.
Go for paler colours if light is an issue, although a multi-coloured design will give you more options when changing your décor, as you can pick out different colours for accents if you get bored.
Check out what to consider when planning an extension
Personalise a glass pane
Designing a one-off bespoke pane of coloured glass is a great way to add character to your home, especially with a new build. Homeowners’ initials or the date the build was completed are popular choices. Or why not consider a motif that links in with the surrounding area or the history of the house?
Designing a one-off bespoke pane of coloured glass is a great way to add character to your home, especially with a new build. Homeowners’ initials or the date the build was completed are popular choices. Or why not consider a motif that links in with the surrounding area or the history of the house?
Update an existing window
Traditional diamond lattice window panes became popular in Tudor times and have been replicated ever since. Windows like these can be updated by replacing some of the diamond-shaped pieces of glass with coloured panes instead. Alternatively, coloured film could be used for a low-budget makeover.
Traditional diamond lattice window panes became popular in Tudor times and have been replicated ever since. Windows like these can be updated by replacing some of the diamond-shaped pieces of glass with coloured panes instead. Alternatively, coloured film could be used for a low-budget makeover.
Edge a window
You could also consider highlighting just the edges or corners of a window pane to bring a quirky touch to your room. This will draw the eye to a beautiful view without distracting from it too much.
You could also consider highlighting just the edges or corners of a window pane to bring a quirky touch to your room. This will draw the eye to a beautiful view without distracting from it too much.
Bring your kitchen alive
Mixing old and new can work wonderfully in a kitchen. Original or reclaimed stained glass windows look even more dramatic teamed with sleek, ultra-modern cabinetry. Alternatively, use stained glass panels in bespoke wooden wall-hung cabinets or within an upcycled dresser.
See stylish ways to mix old and new
Mixing old and new can work wonderfully in a kitchen. Original or reclaimed stained glass windows look even more dramatic teamed with sleek, ultra-modern cabinetry. Alternatively, use stained glass panels in bespoke wooden wall-hung cabinets or within an upcycled dresser.
See stylish ways to mix old and new
Use stained glass for privacy
The bathroom is a great place to experiment with unusual bespoke stained glass, with the added benefit that it will also help to maintain your privacy. This circular design above the bath looks, appropriately, like bubbles, but there are so many possibilities. You could try an ombre effect, personalised wording, Art Deco roses or what about a contemporary chevron design?
The bathroom is a great place to experiment with unusual bespoke stained glass, with the added benefit that it will also help to maintain your privacy. This circular design above the bath looks, appropriately, like bubbles, but there are so many possibilities. You could try an ombre effect, personalised wording, Art Deco roses or what about a contemporary chevron design?
Keep it simple
Likewise, a simple leaded window with small coloured panels at the intersections will allow plenty of light through. It’s a much more subtle way to bring stained glass into your home without narrowing down your decorating options too much with a dramatic, bold design.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of stained glass? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Likewise, a simple leaded window with small coloured panels at the intersections will allow plenty of light through. It’s a much more subtle way to bring stained glass into your home without narrowing down your decorating options too much with a dramatic, bold design.
TELL US…
Are you a fan of stained glass? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
If you’re lucky enough to have original stained glass windows, let them dictate your colour scheme. Take a photograph of the glazing as the linchpin of your mood board and take it around showrooms when choosing furnishings.
If you’re not so lucky, cheat by collecting an assortment of stained glass panels – with or without frames – and hang them as more of a piece of art from a window frame, or propped up against a sunny ledge.