What do you think of when you hear “stained glass?” Church? A large, expensive installed front door sidelight? Actually, those first come to mind for most people. Large installed windows are magnificent in a home, but the many other options for using stained glass are hardly ever considered.

Windows

Windows, of course, are the number one place people think of for stained glass. Certainly, go with a custom installed design if you can afford it. It will add amazing character to the appearance of your home, as well as increasing value. A large, installed stained glass window, however, doesn’t always fit the budget.

A more affordable way to enjoy the beauty of art glass in a window is by hanging an independent piece from the window frame with hooks and chains. Doing this also allows it to be taken with you when you move. Another cost affective way to decorate a window with stained glass is to simply add decorative trimmings along the edges.

Cabinet and closet door

Are you redesigning your kitchen? Why not consider stained glass panels in one or more of the cabinet doors for eye-catching appeal. Decide whether you want transparent glass to show off the cabinet contents or opaque glass to hide what’s inside. Select a design and colors that works with the kitchen color scheme both today and tomorrow.

On the other hand, frosted or clear beveled glass will class up the kitchen, but not commit you to a particular color. A stained glass panel also looks great as a full door insert. Imagine how beautiful a clear glass pantry door might look with a panel of art glass, instead.

Room Dividers

A three-panel room divider screen of stained glass can make a room look oh, so sexy in the right spot with a leafy potted plant beside it. Do you have a knee wall projecting into a room? Consider hanging a striking stained glass panel over it to separate different parts of the room and also add some atmosphere.

On the walls

Who says stained glass should only be in windows? Select an opaque panel in line with the theme of your room as a lovely piece of decorative wall art. For something more elaborate, you can artificially light a stained glass panel with a custom built shadow box with back lighting. Another exquisite and different idea is to have a mirror made to include stained glass. This can work well in an entryway, bathroom, or anywhere you would hang a mirror.

On the ceiling

Stained glass overhead is really cool. Frame a piece of stained glass over the opening of a skylight for a fantastic use of sunlight. The art piece glows with natural light and still allows the sunlight to brighten up the room. Stained glass over domed light panels in the kitchen or bath also brings the eye up to a new and exciting level.

On a smaller scale

There are many smaller ways to accent your home with the richness of stained glass. Consider items such as picture frames, lamps, planters, jewelry boxes, table decorations, 3D sculptures, and fan pulls that are made or embellished with stained glass.

Cautionary note

Do you have kids or grandkids? The lead used in stained glass can be dangerous if ingested. Be sure to use stained glass art only in places where children will not play with it and then place fingers in their mouth.

Purchasing stained glass

Stained glass can enhance your home in many different ways, sizes and in prices to fit any pocketbook. It can be purchased in stores and online. For a personal touch, talk to local stained glass artists listed in the phone book or displaying their work at neighborhood art shows. They’ll happily customize your own creative ideas to your home and your budget.

Think about how stained glass can enhance the beauty of a home. It’s amazing how much class, beauty, and warmth a little bit of art glass can add to one’s environment. Your stained glass pieces may become special and loved for many years and generations to come.

Photo credit Nina Spitzer

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