What do stately Victorians in San Francisco have in common with Glasgow’s Art Nouveau buildings and Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia?

Stained glass windows!

Artful, colorful and handmade, stained glass lets in light and maintains privacy like no other material. Modern techniques ensure that stained glass lasts for many years. Whether a full wall of stained glass for a church or buying stained glass windows for a bathroom, there are colors, techniques, and artistry available unlike anything in history.

Sandwiching techniques make cleaning and UV protection a breeze for modern panels and advances in restoration techniques mean that stained glass remains beautiful for many years.

Read on to learn more.

Buying Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass isn’t just for churches, anymore. Actually, it never was. The interplay of light and shadow are as much a part of an ultramodern home as they are a Victorian Gothic Revival home.

A panel of colored glass, like a skylight, window or even a lamp adds instant warmth to illumination. Adding frosted, etched or other custom glass personalizes your space and adds privacy too. There are several modern options, as well as recognized Tiffany-style, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style and more.

You have choices when it comes to installation, too. Many people opt to place their stained glass between an outer storm window and inner glass to protect the stained glass from the elements and gain insulation. Others opt for more weatherproof stained glass construction.

Stained Glass Options

The rich, jewel-like colors of stained glass have attracted artisans to the craft for hundreds of years. Modern stained glass is still made with hundred-year-old techniques. Thousands of pieces of glass are individually hand cut, copper-foiled, then soldered.

For some fine examples of this type of piece, check out trusted and tested stained glass suppliers in your area. They carry panels of different shapes, sizes, and designs. They even carry lamps. Don’t feel limited to windows.

Maintaining Your Stained Glass

Properly maintained, stained glass can last hundreds of years. Regular inspection and repairs when necessary are essential. Moisture is the enemy of longevity.

A quarterly up-close examination for any of these signs of damage should be on the schedule. They are:

· Condensation on the glass

· Pitting or color change

· Loose glass

· Sagging or bowing

· Mold or algae

· Rust or cracked solder

· Signs of poor drainage or window damage

Attend to these signs of damage promptly. A regular interior and exterior dusting with a soft microfiber cloth on a weekly basis are all that are required for the most part.

Personalize Your Space

Buying stained glass windows is just one way to add color and character to your home. It’s unique and adds a personal touch and privacy to things like entry transoms, exterior windows, and skylights. Don’t feel limited to permanent installations, though.

You can use stained glass as hanging art in a window, as a lampshade, room divider or firescreen too. There is no limit to the imaginative uses. For more thoughts on interiors and decor, keep reading this blog.