Stained Glass Past & Present 

The term stained glass can refer to colored glass as a material or to works created from it. This colored glass is created by adding metallic salts to glass during its manufacture process. The colored glass is crafted into stained glass windows in which small pieces of glass are arranged to form patterns or pictures, held together by strips of lead.

Throughout its thousand year history, stained glass has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant religious buildings.With its popularity still thriving today, you can not only find stained glass in places of worship but also in homes and commercial buildings. Traditionally used in windows and doors we now see applications such as back splashes, room dividers, ceiling panels, etc.

Not only have the applications evolved but the designs as well. What once was limited to designs based on narratives from the bible and geometric motifs have now included landscaping, floral, or even your favorite pet. With custom designs available your choices are endless.

Many people are opting out of the use of color and using either clear or textured glass. This style of stained glass is often referred to as leaded glass. Another popular option is the use of beveled glass. Beveled glass is glass with a mitered edge going around the perimeter of the glass. This type of leaded glass gives a more unique or high end look.

When choosing your stained glass design there are a few things to help you make that decision. What is the purpose of the stained glass panel? Do you want it to tell a story, symbolize something, or be an accent or focal piece within your decor? Whether it’s contemporary or farmhouse, stained glass can be designed for any decor style.

One of the main issues with stained glass is its fragility. Overtime a panel may begin to bow do to weakening of the lead and crack the glass within the panel. Glass may be cracked from a heavy hand knocking on it or the slamming of a door or window. Repairs and restorations are possible for most panels but may be very costly. Thanks to modern innovations we now can protect the stained glass panels from breakage and oxidizing while providing energy efficiency as well. By sealing the stained glass panel in an insulated glass unit we can protect it from bowing and cracks caused from heavy hands etc. Breakage is always still possible but it does lower the risk substantially. Not only does it help prevent breakage but also prevents the lead from oxidizing or darkening. Overtime the moisture in the air can cause the lead to oxidize or darken but because the insulated glass is air and water tight, oxidization does not occur. The lead will remain the same color as the day it was installed.

Thanks to its rich history,ability to design for any decor style,countless applications, and ability to preserve and protect with insulated glass,it is no wonder why stained glass continues to be the most sought after art glass on the market today.