Stained windows, or sometimes referred to as coloured glass, has been around for thousands of years, with some of the earliest sightings dating back as far as the Egyptian periods. Nowadays, stained windows have had some sort of revival in modern day settings and many people are switching to these luxurious and beautiful designs to help revamp their home style. As such, this article will discuss: 

  • What stained windows are
  • Where stained windows are commonly utilised 
  • Reasons why you should be consider stained windows
  • Final Consideration

What Is Stained Glass Windows? 

To start this article off, it is important to understand what stained glass actually is. Stained glass is coloured glass used for making decorative windows through which light passes. It is important to note that technically, all glass that is coloured technically counts as being stained. Furthermore, the term ‘stained glass’ has come to refer primarily to the glass employed in making ornamental or pictorial windows. 

Where Is Stained Glass Commonly Utilised?

Churches/Cathedrals

The most common and traditional use for coloured glass windows is in church and cathedral settings. Stained windows were used in churches/cathedrals to enhance their beauty and to inform viewers of religious narratives and to help bridge the gap between the ‘earthly’ and the ‘divine’. This is also why you will mostly commonly see Jesus related narratives in Catholic church windows. 

Restaurants 

The restaurant business is one of the most difficult businesses to survive in, making it essential to stand out from the competition. One thing restaurateurs have used to stand out from the pack is having stained glass installed in their restaurant or bar areas.

Many restaurants now have stained glass windows installed behind the bar, as a partition, used for light fixtures and more. It’s a great way to get creative and show your customer’s your artistic side.

Home Settings 

Many homeowners across the UK are deciding to utilise stained glass in their homes. Whether it is installed as a traditional window, or placed in a front door, it provides a unique feeling that many homeowners crave. Stained glass for home decor is ideal due to its variability to be customised to customers exact wishes, so there’s really no colour or design that can’t be facilitated for your design and stylish needs.

Wedding

A final interesting use for coloured glass windows is at wedding venues. This is purely for the aesthetic pleasure that can be generated from the patterns and styles of the windows creating a bespoke environment for those in the vicinity. The stained glass incorporated into wedding venues adds a touch of elegance and dazzling displays of light, making it appear unique to all those involved. 

Reasons Why You Should Be Using Stained Windows

Generate A Positive First Impression

A stained glass door or window in the entryway will give potential visitors something stunning to look at as soon as they arrive at the venue. Whether that be at home or in a wedding setting, it will also give visitors a lasting impression of your refined style on their way in and out of the door.

Space Will Feel Brighter

Entryways can often be dark and unappealing in some places. However, with the incorporation of  stained glass, it can allow natural light to filter in, fill all of those dark corners, and brighten up the entire space. The increased light will also make your entryway feel more spacious and welcoming to those in the vicinity. 

Privacy 

Typically, the reason why entryways are so gloomy is because people put up curtains or other measures to block people from seeing inside of their home from the outdoors. With stained glass, you’ll still achieve the privacy you desire without having to sacrifice light. The film on the glass will act as a visual barrier so you can still relax within the comfort of your own home all in one piece. 

Adds Value 

A major benefit of coloured glass windows is that it will boost the value of your property. Placing one in the entryway will catch the eye of prospective buyers and generate a positive first impression and as we all know, first impressions certainly do count. When you’re competing with other similar homes on the market, it’s the minute details that give your home enough character and personality to stand out from the rest of the competition. 

Reclaimed Stained Glass Windows 

A final benefit of stained glass windows is that they can come in a reclaimed form. This makes them a much cheaper alternative than the brand new ones offered in today's stained glass market. As such, you can find a truly stylish stained glass window that fits perfectly into the atmosphere of your home all for an affordable price. Not to mention, reclaimed stained glass windows once had a part to play in a historic structure so it can add character to your projects. 

Final Consideration

One thing to be considered about stained glass windows is the way it is positioned in your home. If it is placed in direct sight of the sun, over time, the light exposure can lead to the wearing down of your stained glass. With this in mind it is always best to seek advice on where to best position your coloured glass windows for maximum effect.

If you are interested in reclaimed items, why not contact us today. Give us a call at 01889 574 066 or alternatively email us at: info@cawardenreclaim.co.uk