Stained Glass Windows - Not Just For Church Anymore

Admit it—the first thing that comes to mind when you think of stained glass windows is Church. Many of us even have memories of specific stained glass windows locked inside our minds. For some reason or other, the pattern and the colors somehow impressed you and can remember them to this day. Even if you cannot recall a specific window, the fact remains that many of us do not even consider stained glass windows as a decorative option in our homes because we believe they are limited to Church use.

Of course, there is a good reason why only Churches were associated with stained glass windows for centuries—because they were the only ones that could afford them! Master artisans such as Louis Tiffany was commissioned by Churches and the ultra-elite to craft one-of-a-kind stained glass windows. Projects could take months, even years. The sheer labor involved in making authentic stained glass windows made them impossible to afford where the rest of us were concerned.

However, a growing number of designers, contractors, and homeowners are enjoying the beauty and quality of stained glass windows in regular homes—you know, not the mansions we see on television! Nothing adds character and elegance to a home like a stained-glass window and the lighting is both natural yet softly diffused so that rooms are basked in a soothing glow.

Advances in the manufacturing process have enabled some of the elite stained-glass window companies to both retain quality while reducing production time and expense. Every stained-glass window is made up of specially-made colored art glass. Each piece of glass is unique and so therefore is every stained-glass window. Both Meyda Tiffany and Dale Tiffany produce high-quality unique stained-glass windows using time-honored techniques (with some modification) and the same quality glass as those designed and produced by Dale Tiffany himself—at prices that many would find surprisingly affordable.

Of course, you probably would not want your home completely decorated with stained-glass windows which is why it is so important to carefully choose where you want to install them. Because they are such natural focal points for attention, many choose to install them in the areas of the home where people gather most: the kitchen or the living room.

The color pattern you choose should coordinate with the basic color scheme of your room. You may even want to redesign your décor based upon the pattern and coloring of the stained-glass window for a completely unified and stunning decorative effect. Of course, this may be a bit excessive but do be sure that the basic color scheme is in line with the colored glass. When you are done redecorating the space to coordinate with your new stained-glass window, you cannot help but become the envy of friends and family alike. See, not just for Church anymore—but just like the stained-glass windows in Church, people will not be able to take their eyes off your beautiful window!