Stained glass in the interior: types and examples +75 photos

When the word "stained glass" immediately appears the image of the central windows of the masterpieces of European architecture - Gothic cathedrals. Sunlight passing through, the inner space filling the colors of the game, huge decorative glass compositions painted the cold stone of the temples with bright highlights.

This element of the decor has always been costly due to the uniqueness of the work of the masters, the complexity of the selection of fragments, the duration of the docking process and spikes. Today, stained glass windows in the interior are available to everyone who wants to add a touch of non-triviality to the design of their home. Thanks to modern technologies, their production has become simpler, and imitations that are not inferior to the classical analogue in terms of visual effect are much cheaper.

Old and Modern: Types of Stained Glass

The main options for stained glass windows differ in the way they are made:

1. composition of colored glass fragments connected by means of metal covers;
2. fusing colored glass pieces onto the substrate;
3. film stained glass over solid glass;
4. painted (flooded) stained-glass window: after drawing a contour the transparent surface becomes covered with paints, the result is a drawing that copies the original stained glass technique.

Classic stained glass is always unique. This creation of the artist in a single copy, it can not be stamped as silicone forms. Modern versions that mimic colored glass compositions by sticking transparent colored films to the substrate, or by applying paint layers and borders (analogs of metal bindings), can be put on stream. This is a fundamental difference affecting the value and artistic value of glass panels.

Seamless stained glass: glass is not cut, but melted

Seamless stained glass windows are created by high-temperature processing of a pattern of small colored fragments laid out on a solid glass sheet. Soldering of individual layers takes place, filling of metal contours with heated glass, which allows to obtain large stained glass of sufficient size. There are several techniques used to produce this type of stained glass. They are distinguished by the metal used for the contours or the lack of it, and by etching (acid treatment of different areas according to the sketch) it is possible to form patterns of opaque and transparent elements of different depths. Using etching, you can do your own hands to create a unique item for your own home decor, the main thing is to follow the safety rules.

Typesetting stained glass compositions: a classic, admirable

Stacked glass - glass connection by inserting into a metal edging and subsequent soldering. It is in this way that stained glass windows adorn the castles and medieval churches. This is the most ancient, laborious technology, which has its drawbacks in the creation and installation:

• preliminary cutting of glasses of the required sizes;
• the need for a perfect fit of metal (lead) bindings and glass fragments;
• significant width of the H-shaped profile;
• big weight;
• the impossibility of creating a rounded surface (only flat objects).

Advanced stacked stained glass is a product in the American tiffany technique. This is a composition of painted glass pieces, assembled into a single unit with copper tape and tin soldering. The refusal of rigidly fixed bindings allows using fragments of the smallest size, creating convex-concave forms, repeating smooth lines of sketches.

Relief stained glass: volume plays a major role

When developing the project of interior decoration, decoration of furniture, door panels, i.e. objects, often before the eyes of the owners of the apartment, especially spectacular is the use of embossed stained glass. The creation of additional volume allows each element of the decor to be made “with a casket with a secret”: the facade is visually transformed depending on the time of day, the general lighting, it attracts attention.

Getting stained relief is possible in 2 cases:

• when chamfering (facet) around the perimeter of glass elements;
• when using bulk, cut, polished glass inserts in the general plane of the composition.

The cut brings the usual glass to the gems in appearance, the faces shine from each light beam, the copper border adds a golden twinkle and any furniture door becomes the door to the Aladdin's treasury.

Film version of stained glass: more affordable, easier, more economical

The simplest for manufacturing technology is a film stained glass window, but it looks no worse than textured counterparts. The home craftsman can personally make this decorative element with the help of adhesive film. Important points of the process are: the development of a pattern with regard to the fundamentals of technology, careful surface preparation, accuracy in applying color fragments, if we are talking about individual parts of the composition.

Manufacturers of film materials went further along the path of easing 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, it is able to protect the home if accidentally split the glass, perfectly reproduces the effect of stained glass glazing, can be easily replaced if the drawing seems irrelevant after some time.

Stained glass in the interior: a tour of styles

Today, stained glass technology allows you to create both replicas of old products and modern compositions that can become a real interior decoration. The customer’s prerogative is to decide on the style, the rest will be done by professionals.

Stained glass window: everything behind the glass changes color

Depending on the artistic task and the scale of the glazing, stained-glass windows can completely close window openings or decorate a part of them. Interior designers recommend matching the design of glass with elements of parquet parquet when selecting the finishing of the room, reinforcing the overall style impression. Volumetric stained glass panels in country houses with a second light look particularly impressive - the sun's rays penetrate through a kaleidoscope of fragments, an intriguing play of light and color is created that makes the interior of the main room unique.

To designate the center of the house, it is necessary to use volumetric color spots, small pieces resembling the Harlequin costume, which will split up a large space.

Stained glass door leads to a fairy tale

Decorative inserts of colored glass can decorate the doors of both classic and modern design, the main difference is the drawing. Glazing opening options:

• minimal (narrow long inset);
• maximum (all glass door);
• intermediate (top of the door leaf, its half, a significant part).

A glass door leaf without a strong base can only be turned into a seamless etched, sandblasted, film stained glass window or painted version, the main criterion here is safety of use. But the classical door will withstand any option - its strength characteristics are sufficient for a stacked glass element.

A special decoration of a large house is capable of becoming stained glass partitions - double swing doors, built into the walls with glass inserts. Such designs easily combine several rooms, creating a suite of rooms for receiving a large number of guests.

Colored glass ceiling

Modern options for stained glass are light and durable, which allows not only to fill the openings with them in the vertical structure of the house, but also to attach to horizontal surfaces. Instead of the often used ceiling stucco in combination with a cascade chandelier, it is possible to have a stained glass ceiling glazing that can emphasize a given interior style.

The advantages of this technique are obvious:

1. Light sources hidden;
2. Electrical wiring removed between the main ceiling and decorative;
3. The height of the room decreases slightly;
4. The ability to highlight different sectors of the glass composition, the creation of several versions of the picture instead of one;
5. The choice of the stained glass image corresponding to the general interior idea.

Decorative elements in the stained glass technique: light tracking

The stained glass windows of the “flaming Gothic” looked most impressive when the sun penetrated inside the rooms, and the pure colors produced by the natural dyes glowed and delighted with their fullness. Today, it is possible to use all the variants of artificial lighting, creating the light saturation that is necessary according to the set decorative scenario.

Electricity allows you to place stained glass paintings with lighting where there is no natural light (corridor, hall). The cuts of the walls, filled with luminous stained glass, create the illusion of sunshine, which is essential for the psychological health of the person.

A bright accent of the dining room can be a dining table where the stained glass is framed by wood. It also requires lighting, allowing you to see all the richness of saturated colors. A similar effect will be introduced into the living room atmosphere by combining metal and painted glass with a fireplace screen, letting through the glare of living fire.

The use of stained glass in furniture: antiques and modern reading

Furniture items with stained glass inserts will be appropriate in any room of the house: the kitchen, bedroom, dining room, living room. The main thing is that they match the interior.

• A sideboard, showcase, 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 noble wood, will decorate the large bedroom;
• A screen-stained-glass window, consisting of one-piece panels or decorated with colored glass ornament in the upper part, will separate a private leisure area in a small studio;
• The facades of the upper cabinets of the kitchen unit, decorated with stained glass windows, will add to the atmosphere of the kitchen a touch of cozy antiquity.

Having stopped the choice on a headset with stained glass facades, make sure that the tile of the apron above the working surface is neutral and does not distract 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 will suit the existing room, but the final word is for those who will be surrounded by colored glass. If the country house looks like a castle, use a classic stacked glass window. If you want stained glass splendor, and small children and pets frolic in the apartment - stop at the analog options. With a minimum of living space, decorate your home with several accessories using stained glass technology. The pleasure of the overflow of bright colors and light is guaranteed in any case.