Stained-glass windows in the interior: types and examples +75 photos
At the word "stained glass" immediately appears the image of the central windows of the masterpieces of European architecture - Gothic cathedrals. Transmitting sunlight, filling the interior with a game of color, huge decorative glass compositions painted the cold stone of the temples with bright highlights.
This element of decor has always been expensive due to the uniqueness of the work of the masters, the complexity of the selection of fragments, the duration of the docking and soldering process. Today, stained-glass windows in the interior are available to everyone who wants to add a touch of nontriviality to the design of their home. Thanks to modern technologies, their manufacture has become simpler, and imitations, which are not inferior to the classical analogues in visual effect, are much cheaper.
The main options for stained glass differ in the method of their manufacture:
a composition of colored glass fragments connected by metal bindings;
deposition of painted glass pieces on a base;
film stained glass over solid glass;
hand-drawn (flooded) stained-glass window: after drawing the contour, the transparent surface is covered with paints, the result is a drawing that copies the original stained-glass technique.
The classic stained glass window is always unique. This is the artist’s creation in a single copy, it is impossible to stamp it like silicone molds. Modern options that simulate colored glass compositions by gluing transparent color films to the base, or by applying colorful layers and borders (analogs of metal binders), can be put on stream. This is a fundamental difference that affects the cost and artistic value of the glass panel.
Seamless stained-glass windows: glass is not cut, but melted
Seamless stained-glass windows are created by high-temperature processing of a picture from small color fragments laid out on a single glass sheet. Soldering of individual layers takes place, metal contours are filled with heated glass, which makes it possible to obtain a stained glass panel of large sizes of sufficient strength. There are several techniques used to produce this type of stained glass.They differ in the metal used for the contours or its absence, and using etching (acid treatment of different areas according to the sketch), patterns can be formed from opaque and transparent elements of various depths. Using etching, you can create a unique decor item for your own home with your own hands, the main thing is to comply with safety regulations.
Stacked glass - connecting glass by inserting into a metal edging and subsequent soldering. It is in this way that the stained-glass windows decorating castles and medieval churches are made. This is the most ancient, labor-intensive technology, which has its drawbacks in the creation and installation:
preliminary cutting of glasses of the required sizes;
the need for an ideal fit of metal (lead) bindings and glass fragments;
significant width of the H-shaped profile;
heavy weight;
the inability to create a rounded surface (only flat objects).
An improved type-setting stained-glass window is a product in the American tiffany technique. This is a composition of stained glass pieces assembled into a single unit with a copper tape and tin solder. The rejection of rigidly fixed bindings allows using fragments of the smallest size, creating convex-concave shapes, and repeating smooth lines of sketches.
Embossed stained glass: volume plays a major role
When developing a project of interior decoration, decorating furniture, door leafs, i.e. objects that are often in front of the eyes of the apartment owners, the use of embossed stained glass windows is especially spectacular. Creating additional volume allows you to make each decor element a “casket with a secret”: the facade is visually transformed depending on the time of day, general lighting, and attracts attention.
Obtaining stained glass relief is possible in 2 cases:
when chamfering (facet) around the perimeter of glass elements;
when using volumetric, faceted, polished glass inserts in the general plane of the composition.
The cut brings ordinary glass in appearance to gems, the edges shine from each light ray, the copper border adds a golden flicker and any furniture door becomes a door to Aladdin’s treasury.
Film version of a stained-glass window: more affordable, easier, more economical
The simplest manufacturing technology is film stained glass, but it looks no worse than textured counterparts. A home craftsman can make this decor element with the help of an adhesive film. Important aspects of the process are: development of a drawing taking into account the fundamentals of technology, careful preparation of the surface, accuracy when applying color fragments, if we are talking about individual parts of the composition.
Manufacturers of film materials went further along the path of facilitating the work of “self-made” ones - they offer a wide range of ready-made self-adhesive drawings of various formats. The advantages of the stained-glass film are obvious: it does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, is able to protect households when the glass is accidentally broken, perfectly reproduces the effect of stained glass, can be easily replaced if the picture after a while seems irrelevant.
Stained-glass windows in the interior: a tour of the styles
Today, stained glass technology allows you to create both replicas of antique products and modern compositions that can become a real decoration of the interior. The prerogative of the customer is to determine the style, the rest will be done by professionals.
Style
Gothic
Modern
Tiffany
Modern classic
Minimalism
Primary colors
Saturated tones: blue, blood red, emerald, yellow
Mint, cobalt, milky pearl, pink, purple
Soft shades: autumn yellow, orange, muted grass, brown, blue
Color variations due to artificial additives infinitely expanded
Monochrome or contrast
Distinctive features
Lead bindings, glass fragments of geometric shapes
Flowing lines, the use of floral ornaments (irises, poppies, lotuses, ivy)
Rounded forms, detailing, special "opal" glasses
Possibility of interspersing other materials, not limited in scale, without braids
Clear lines, large color spots
Application examples
Volumetric compositions, windows, filling door leaves
Decorative elements of the interior, light panels, wall inserts
Stained glass window: everything behind the glass changes color
Depending on the set artistic task and the scale of the glazing, stained-glass windows can completely cover window openings or decorate part of them. When choosing interior decoration, interior designers recommend matching the glass pattern with elements of typesetting, reinforcing the overall style impression. Volumetric stained-glass panels in country houses with a second light look especially impressive - the rays of the sun penetrate through a kaleidoscope of fragments, an intriguing play of light and color is created, making the interior of the main room unique.
To indicate the center of the house, you need to use volumetric color spots, small pieces that look like a Harlequin costume that will crush a large space.
Stained glass door leads into a fairy tale
Decorative inserts made of colored glass can adorn the doors of both classical and modern design, the main difference is the pattern. Options for openings for glazing:
minimal (narrow long insert);
maximum (full glass door);
intermediate (top of the door leaf, its half, a significant part).
A glass door leaf without a solid base can only be turned into a seamless etched, sandblasted, film stained glass window or painted version; here the main criterion is safety of use. But the classical door will withstand any option - its strength characteristics are sufficient for a stacked stained glass element.
Stained glass partitions - double swing doors mounted on walls with glass inserts can become a special decoration of a large house. Such constructions easily combine several rooms, creating a suite of halls to receive a large number of guests.
Stained Glass Ceiling
Modern versions of stained-glass windows are light and durable, which allows not only to fill the openings in the vertical structure of the house with them, but also to fix them to horizontal surfaces. Instead of often used ceiling moldings in combination with a cascading chandelier, stained-glass glazing of the ceiling is possible, which can emphasize a given interior style.
The advantages of this technique are obvious:
Light sources are hidden;
Electrical wiring removed between the main ceiling and decorative;
Room height decreases slightly;
The ability to highlight different sectors of the glass composition, creating several options for a picture instead of one;
The choice of stained glass image corresponding to the general interior idea.
Decorative elements in stained glass technique: light accompaniment
Stained-glass windows of “flaming Gothic” looked most impressive when the sun penetrated inside the rooms, and the pure colors obtained through natural dyes glowed and pleased with their fullness. Today, you can use all the options for artificial lighting, creating the saturation of light that is necessary according to a given decoration scenario.
Electricity allows you to place stained glass paintings with illumination where there is no natural light (corridor, hall).The wall cuts filled with luminous stained-glass windows create the illusion of sunshine, which is essential for the psychological health of a person.
A dining table where the stained glass frame is framed by a tree can become a bright accent of the dining room. It also requires lighting, allowing you to see all the richness of saturated colors. A fireplace combining metal and stained glass with a glimmer of live fire will bring a similar effect to the living room atmosphere.
Use of stained-glass windows in furniture: antiques and modern reading
Furniture items with stained glass inserts will be appropriate in any room of the house: kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room. The main thing is that they match the interior.
A sideboard, a showcase, a buffet will place tableware, glass and crystal behind the stained glass doors;
A wardrobe, where the central door is filled with a stained glass insert, and the outer ones are made of precious wood, will decorate the large bedroom;
A stained-glass screen, consisting of solid panel panels or decorated with colored glass ornaments in the upper part, will separate a private recreation area in a small studio;
The facades of the upper cabinets of the kitchen set, decorated with stained-glass windows, will add a touch of cozy antiquity to the atmosphere of the kitchen.
Having opted for a headset with stained glass facades, make sure that the apron tile above the work surface is neutral, not distracting attention from the main colorful accent.
The choice is based on reality
The designer is able to determine which version of the stained-glass decor is suitable for the existing room, but the final word is for those who will live surrounded by colored glass. If a country house looks like a castle, use a classic stacked stained glass window. If you want stained glass magnificence, and small children and pets frolic in the apartment - stop at analog options. With a minimum of living space, decorate the home with several accessories using stained glass technology.The pleasure from overflow of bright colors and light is guaranteed in any case.
At the word "stained glass" immediately appears the image of the central windows of the masterpieces of European architecture - Gothic cathedrals. Transmitting sunlight, filling the interior with a game of color, huge decorative glass compositions painted the cold stone of the temples with bright highlights.
This element of decor has always been expensive due to the uniqueness of the work of the masters, the complexity of the selection of fragments, the duration of the docking and soldering process. Today, stained-glass windows in the interior are available to everyone who wants to add a touch of nontriviality to the design of their home. Thanks to modern technologies, their manufacture has become simpler, and imitations, which are not inferior to the classical analogues in visual effect, are much cheaper.
Content
Antiquity and modernity: types of stained glass
The main options for stained glass differ in the method of their manufacture:
The classic stained glass window is always unique. This is the artist’s creation in a single copy, it is impossible to stamp it like silicone molds. Modern options that simulate colored glass compositions by gluing transparent color films to the base, or by applying colorful layers and borders (analogs of metal binders), can be put on stream. This is a fundamental difference that affects the cost and artistic value of the glass panel.
Seamless stained-glass windows: glass is not cut, but melted
Seamless stained-glass windows are created by high-temperature processing of a picture from small color fragments laid out on a single glass sheet. Soldering of individual layers takes place, metal contours are filled with heated glass, which makes it possible to obtain a stained glass panel of large sizes of sufficient strength. There are several techniques used to produce this type of stained glass.They differ in the metal used for the contours or its absence, and using etching (acid treatment of different areas according to the sketch), patterns can be formed from opaque and transparent elements of various depths. Using etching, you can create a unique decor item for your own home with your own hands, the main thing is to comply with safety regulations.
Stacked Stained Glass Compositions: Awesome Classics
Stacked glass - connecting glass by inserting into a metal edging and subsequent soldering. It is in this way that the stained-glass windows decorating castles and medieval churches are made. This is the most ancient, labor-intensive technology, which has its drawbacks in the creation and installation:
An improved type-setting stained-glass window is a product in the American tiffany technique. This is a composition of stained glass pieces assembled into a single unit with a copper tape and tin solder. The rejection of rigidly fixed bindings allows using fragments of the smallest size, creating convex-concave shapes, and repeating smooth lines of sketches.
Embossed stained glass: volume plays a major role
When developing a project of interior decoration, decorating furniture, door leafs, i.e. objects that are often in front of the eyes of the apartment owners, the use of embossed stained glass windows is especially spectacular. Creating additional volume allows you to make each decor element a “casket with a secret”: the facade is visually transformed depending on the time of day, general lighting, and attracts attention.
Obtaining stained glass relief is possible in 2 cases:
The cut brings ordinary glass in appearance to gems, the edges shine from each light ray, the copper border adds a golden flicker and any furniture door becomes a door to Aladdin’s treasury.
Film version of a stained-glass window: more affordable, easier, more economical
The simplest manufacturing technology is film stained glass, but it looks no worse than textured counterparts. A home craftsman can make this decor element with the help of an adhesive film. Important aspects of the process are: development of a drawing taking into account the fundamentals of technology, careful preparation of the surface, accuracy when applying color fragments, if we are talking about individual parts of the composition.
Manufacturers of film materials went further along the path of facilitating the work of “self-made” ones - they offer a wide range of ready-made self-adhesive drawings of various formats. The advantages of the stained-glass film are obvious: it does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, is able to protect households when the glass is accidentally broken, perfectly reproduces the effect of stained glass, can be easily replaced if the picture after a while seems irrelevant.
Stained-glass windows in the interior: a tour of the styles
Today, stained glass technology allows you to create both replicas of antique products and modern compositions that can become a real decoration of the interior. The prerogative of the customer is to determine the style, the rest will be done by professionals.
Stained glass window: everything behind the glass changes color
Depending on the set artistic task and the scale of the glazing, stained-glass windows can completely cover window openings or decorate part of them. When choosing interior decoration, interior designers recommend matching the glass pattern with elements of typesetting, reinforcing the overall style impression. Volumetric stained-glass panels in country houses with a second light look especially impressive - the rays of the sun penetrate through a kaleidoscope of fragments, an intriguing play of light and color is created, making the interior of the main room unique.
Stained glass door leads into a fairy tale
Decorative inserts made of colored glass can adorn the doors of both classical and modern design, the main difference is the pattern. Options for openings for glazing:
A glass door leaf without a solid base can only be turned into a seamless etched, sandblasted, film stained glass window or painted version; here the main criterion is safety of use. But the classical door will withstand any option - its strength characteristics are sufficient for a stacked stained glass element.
Stained glass partitions - double swing doors mounted on walls with glass inserts can become a special decoration of a large house. Such constructions easily combine several rooms, creating a suite of halls to receive a large number of guests.
Stained Glass Ceiling
Modern versions of stained-glass windows are light and durable, which allows not only to fill the openings in the vertical structure of the house with them, but also to fix them to horizontal surfaces. Instead of often used ceiling moldings in combination with a cascading chandelier, stained-glass glazing of the ceiling is possible, which can emphasize a given interior style.
The advantages of this technique are obvious:
Decorative elements in stained glass technique: light accompaniment
Stained-glass windows of “flaming Gothic” looked most impressive when the sun penetrated inside the rooms, and the pure colors obtained through natural dyes glowed and pleased with their fullness. Today, you can use all the options for artificial lighting, creating the saturation of light that is necessary according to a given decoration scenario.
Electricity allows you to place stained glass paintings with illumination where there is no natural light (corridor, hall).The wall cuts filled with luminous stained-glass windows create the illusion of sunshine, which is essential for the psychological health of a person.
A dining table where the stained glass frame is framed by a tree can become a bright accent of the dining room. It also requires lighting, allowing you to see all the richness of saturated colors. A fireplace combining metal and stained glass with a glimmer of live fire will bring a similar effect to the living room atmosphere.
Use of stained-glass windows in furniture: antiques and modern reading
Furniture items with stained glass inserts will be appropriate in any room of the house: kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room. The main thing is that they match the interior.
The choice is based on reality
The designer is able to determine which version of the stained-glass decor is suitable for the existing room, but the final word is for those who will live surrounded by colored glass. If a country house looks like a castle, use a classic stacked stained glass window. If you want stained glass magnificence, and small children and pets frolic in the apartment - stop at analog options. With a minimum of living space, decorate the home with several accessories using stained glass technology.The pleasure from overflow of bright colors and light is guaranteed in any case.