The word “stained glass” immediately brings to mind the image of the central windows of masterpieces of European architecture - Gothic cathedrals. Transmitting sunlight and filling the interior space with a play of colors, huge decorative glass compositions painted the cold stone of the temples with bright reflections.
This decorative element has always been expensive due to the uniqueness of the craftsmen’s work, the complexity of selecting fragments, and the length of the joining and soldering process. 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 easier, and imitations, which are in no way inferior in visual effect to their classic counterparts, are much cheaper.
Antiquity and modernity: types of stained glass
The main options for stained glass differ in the method of their manufacture:
- a composition of fragments of colored glass connected by metal bindings;
- fusing painted glass pieces onto a base;
- film stained glass over solid glass;
- painted (filled) stained glass: after applying the outline, the transparent surface is covered with paints, the result is a drawing that copies the original stained glass technique.
Classic stained glass is always unique. This is the artist's creation in a single copy; it cannot be stamped like silicone molds. Modern options that imitate compositions made of colored glass by gluing transparent colored films onto the base, or applying colorful layers and borders (analogues of metal bindings) can be put into production. This is a fundamental difference that affects the cost and artistic value of the glass panel.
Seamless stained glass: glass does not cut, but melts
Seamless stained glass is created by high-temperature processing of a pattern from small colored fragments laid out on a single glass sheet. The individual layers are soldered and the metal contours are filled with heated glass, which makes it possible to obtain a large stained glass canvas 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 with the help of etching (acid treatment of different areas according to the sketch), it is possible to form patterns from matte and transparent elements of varying depths. Using the etching method, you can create a unique piece of decor for your own home with your own hands, the main thing is to follow the safety rules.
Stacked stained glass compositions: a classic that evokes admiration
Stacked stained glass is a connection of glass by inserting it into a metal frame and then soldering it. This is the method used to make stained glass windows that decorate castles and medieval churches. This is the most ancient, labor-intensive technology, which has its drawbacks during creation and installation:
- preliminary cutting of glass of required sizes;
- the need for a perfect fit of metal (lead) bindings and glass fragments;
- significant width of the H-shaped profile;
- heavy weight;
- impossibility of creating a rounded surface (only flat objects).
An improved typesetting stained glass window is a product made in the American Tiffany technique. This is a composition of painted glass pieces assembled into a single whole with copper tape and tin soldering. Refusal of rigidly fixed bindings allows you to use fragments of the smallest size, create convex-concave shapes, and repeat the smooth lines of sketches.
Relief stained glass windows: volume plays the main role
When developing an interior design project, decorating furniture, door panels, i.e. objects that are often in front of the eyes of apartment owners, the use of relief stained glass is especially effective. Creating additional volume allows you to make each decorative element a “box with a secret”: the facade is visually transformed depending on the time of day, general lighting, and attracts attention.
Obtaining a stained glass relief is possible in 2 cases:
- when removing a chamfer (bevel) along the perimeter of glass elements;
- when using voluminous, faceted, polished glass inserts in the general plane of the composition.
The cut brings ordinary glass closer in appearance to precious stones, the edges shine from every ray of light, the copper border adds a golden shimmer and any furniture door becomes a door to Aladdin’s treasury.
Film version of stained glass: more accessible, simpler, more economical
The simplest manufacturing technology is film stained glass, but it looks no worse than its textured counterparts. A home craftsman can make this decorative element with his own hands using adhesive film. Important points in the process are: development of a design taking into account the basics of technology, careful preparation of the surface, accuracy when applying colored fragments, if we are talking about individual parts of the composition.
Manufacturers of film materials have gone further along the path of facilitating the work of “homemade” ones - they offer a wide range of ready-made self-adhesive designs in different formats. The advantages of stained glass film are obvious: it does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, can protect households in case of accidental glass breakage, ideally reproduces the effect of stained glass glazing, and can be easily replaced if the design seems irrelevant after a while.
Manufacturing technology
As well as types, there are a large number of techniques for making such products.
Ration room
Pieces of material are soldered at high temperature. This technique uses different temperatures.
Adhesive
With this method, the choice of soldering iron matters. The heating of the tip should be suitable for the solder.
Have a certain power, but do not overheat the soldering areas. A copper tip is used. It is recommended to use a replacement set of soldering iron tips.
Sandblasting
For the sandblasting type, you need to purchase equipment that applies sand under pressure. The device itself can be purchased, but special safety precautions must be observed when working with it.
Grass
View of the composition on the ceiling. The technology is different from other options. Thanks to the reaction of hydrofluoric acid with silicon dioxide, drawings of unusual beauty are obtained. The etched product should only be done by a specialist.
painting
When performing work using this technique in the old days, metal oxides were added to the paint. That's why the color changed. Nowadays special colors are also used.
The main advantage is the ability to refract sunlight, but the technology itself is constantly being improved. At home, you can paint wine glasses and glass cabinet fronts.
On a degreased surface, special paints are applied to a previously made drawing. It is better to dry it with a hairdryer; when exposed to temperature, additional adhesion occurs.
Application
It is done on film using special contour paint. Select a drawing and attach a file or transparent film to it.
Draw a continuous line from the bottle. After drying, after 2 hours they are painted with special paints.
After complete drying, use a knife to carefully separate the design and glue it onto a mirror or glass moistened with water.
Stained glass in the interior: a tour of styles
Today, stained glass technologies make it possible to create both replicas of antique products and modern compositions that can become a real interior decoration. The prerogative of the customer is to decide on the style, the rest will be done by professionals.
| Style | Gothic | Modern | Tiffany | Modern classic | Minimalism |
| Primary colors | Rich tones: blue, blood red, emerald, yellow | Mint, cobalt, milky pearl, pink, purple | Soft shades: autumn yellow, orange, muted grass, brown, blue | Color variations are infinitely expanded thanks to artificial additives | Monochrome or contrast |
| Distinctive features | Lead bindings, glass fragments of geometric shapes | Smooth lines, use of floral patterns (irises, poppies, lotuses, ivy) | Rounded shapes, detailing, special “opal” glass | Possibility of interspersing other materials, not limited in scale, without braids | Clean lines, big splashes of color |
| Application examples | Volumetric compositions, windows, filling door panels | Interior partitions, glazing of window transoms | Lampshades, chandeliers, ceiling lamps, vases, boxes, trays | Wall partitions, shower walls | Decorative interior elements, light panels, wall inserts |
Safety of display windows
Modern glass processing technologies can significantly increase their strength and safety. The Narodnye Windows company uses tempered glass, which can withstand high impact loads, to decorate the façade of stores. Its size can be 3*4 meters.
Three-layer triplex 3*6 meters also resists mechanical stress well. If you still manage to break it, then it does not shatter into sharp fragments, but remains in the form of a fragmentary mesh on the film.
On our website you can see the price of display windows, make an application and get advice. When ordering, favorable discounts are possible!
Stained glass window: everything behind the glass changes color
Depending on the artistic task set and the scale of the glazing, stained glass windows can completely cover window openings or decorate part of them. Interior designers recommend, when selecting room decoration, to coordinate the glass pattern with the elements of inlaid parquet, enhancing the overall style impression. Volumetric stained glass panels look especially impressive in country houses with a second light - the rays of the sun penetrate inside through a kaleidoscope of fragments, creating an intriguing play of light and color, making the interior of the main room unique.
To mark the center of the house, it is necessary to use volumetric color spots, small pieces, similar to a Harlequin costume, that will split up a large space.
Opening types
Stained glass windows can be of three types according to the type of opening:
- Deaf . These are classic stained-glass windows of the display type, large glass, no opening mechanisms. They are used for commercial purposes and to decorate the facades of administrative buildings.
- Opening doors up and to the side or a combined option. They are used in offices of administrative buildings and in residential construction. Stained glass windows are combined with balcony double-glazed windows or can be installed as a separate element of facade glazing.
- Sliding . They are more expensive than opening doors due to more complex fittings and a system for stabilizing the doors. Used in residential construction. And also for the design of VIP offices in elite administrative complexes.
Cost per square meter
If facade glazing is used with facade systems from Russian manufacturers, then the approximate cost of the system per square meter is from 3,000 rubles . If the stained glass window is made from aluminum profiles from Reynaers, Schuco, then the cost per square meter will be from 14 thousand rubles. Prices need to be clarified with manufacturers and installation companies.
Stained glass door leads to a fairy tale
Decorative inserts made of colored glass can decorate doors of both classic and modern design; the main difference is the pattern. Glazing opening options:
- minimal (narrow long insert);
- maximum (full glass door);
- intermediate (the top of the door leaf, its half, a significant part).
A glass door leaf without a solid base can only be turned into seamless etched, sandblasted, film stained glass or a painted version; here the main criterion is safety of use. But the classic door will withstand any option - its strength characteristics are sufficient for a type-setting stained glass element.
A special decoration of a large house can be stained glass partitions - double hinged doors built into the walls with glass inserts. Such designs easily combine several rooms, creating a suite of halls for receiving a large number of guests.
Materials used
Manufacturers produce various profiles: they can be made of metal, plastic, wood. The most popular are aluminum and plastic options.
Aluminum panoramic windows have the following advantages:
- High strength.
- Small mass.
- Affordable price.
- Can be painted, which significantly expands the range.
- There are also different shapes and sizes, which allows you to choose almost any design, including structures of complex shapes.
- It is quite difficult to hack such a window.
- Aluminum does not rust and can last for a long time.
Panoramic plastic windows have the following features:
- Durability.
- Compared to aluminum ones, they are warmer, since the frame has special voids filled with air or gas. There may also be insulation; the glass unit can be double or triple.
- The weight of the structure is greater, so it is not always possible to install it.
- Variety of shapes and colors.
Colored glass ceiling
Modern versions of stained glass windows are light and durable, which allows them not only to fill openings in the vertical structure of a house, but also to attach them to horizontal surfaces. Instead of the often used ceiling stucco in combination with a cascading chandelier, stained glass glazing of the ceiling is possible, which can emphasize the given interior style.
The advantages of this technique are obvious:
- Light sources are hidden;
- Electrical wiring is removed between the main ceiling and the decorative one;
- The height of the room decreases slightly;
- Possibility of illuminating different sectors of a glass composition, creating several design options instead of one;
- Selecting a stained glass image that matches the overall interior design.
Famous manufacturers
Many design studios actively cooperate with such giants as Rehau, Steko, Veka, GEOID, OknoPlast. All small manufacturers of stained glass buy spare parts from large manufacturers, because a guarantee is provided.
The main names of the best stained glass systems:
- REYNAERS (Reyners, Belgium)
- Tatprof (Russia)
- SCHUCO (Schuko, Germany)
- VIDNAL Prof (Vidnal, Russia) old name Alumax (Alumax)
- Sial (Russia)
- AGS (ASG / Agrisovgaz, Russia)
- NewTec (Newtek, Italy)
- GCC (Taiwan)
- SADEV (Sadeve, France)
Decorative elements in stained glass technique: accompaniment with light
Stained glass windows of the “flaming Gothic” looked most impressive when the sun penetrated into the premises, and the pure colors obtained thanks to natural dyes glowed and delighted with their fullness. Today, you can use all options for artificial lighting, creating the light saturation that is necessary according to a given decorative scenario.
Electricity allows you to place illuminated stained glass paintings in places where there is no natural light (corridor, hall). Slots in the walls filled with luminous stained glass windows create the illusion of sunshine, which is extremely necessary for a person’s psychological health.
A bright accent of the dining room can be a dining table, where the stained glass canvas is framed by wood. Backlighting is also required here, allowing you to see all the richness of rich colors. A fireplace screen combining metal and painted glass, letting in the glare of a live fire, will bring a similar effect to the atmosphere of the living room.
Advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing
A beautiful view from the outside and inside, good natural light are the key advantages of panoramic windows. But these advantages also create some negative aspects. All movements around the house will be visible to outsiders. This situation can be corrected by one-way transparent windows or simpler options - blinds, curtains, curtains. All these are additional costs.
The thermal conductivity of one glass is higher than that of walls, so in cold regions you will need windows with three glasses and two chambers. Panoramic windows are made of high-strength materials and can withstand and distribute the load well. If desired, the outside and outside of the glass is coated with protective layers to prevent scratches. Large windows take a long time to clean, but they are less prone to defects than walls. In summer, window openings will have to be kept closed from the scorching sun for many hours a day. In winter, you will need to regularly remove ice.
The use of stained glass in furniture: antiques and modern interpretation
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, showcase, buffet will place tableware, glass and crystal behind 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 a large bedroom;
- A stained glass screen, consisting of solid panels or decorated with colored glass ornaments in the upper part, will separate a private relaxation 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 chosen a set with stained glass facades, make sure that the apron tiles above the work surface are neutral and do not distract attention from the main colorful accent.
Care methods
Before installing a stained glass structure, you need to weigh the features of its care and think about how to make access to the glass as easy as possible. In high-rise buildings, you most often have to resort to the help of industrial climbers in order to wash the glass, which quickly gets dirty due to its large size.
If the structure is installed in a private house or is located at a height accessible from the ground, then you can use a high folding ladder. It is worth paying attention to the fact that resting it on glass is not recommended. This can ruin the tinting or the surface of the glass itself, which will cause deep scratches.
The windows of private houses usually need to be washed no more than twice a year. In order to reduce the level of pollution, it is necessary to properly organize the drainage system. You can install a special canopy over the window.
Panoramic windows are an exclusive but expensive solution that has its own advantages and disadvantages. Most often they are installed to give a unique design to the room, and not for reasons of practicality.
Choice is based on reality
The designer is able to determine which stained glass decor option will suit the existing room, but the final word belongs to those who will live surrounded by colored glass. If your country house looks like a castle, use a classic stained glass window. If you want stained glass splendor, and small children and pets are frolicking in the apartment, stop at analogue options. With a minimum of living space, decorate your home with several accessories using stained glass technology. The pleasure of the play of bright colors and light is guaranteed in any case.
Magical atmosphere of happiness
Stained glass windows have the ability to transform any room beyond recognition.
Stained glass windows bring a sense of celebration to the living room, emphasizing at the same time its solidity and originality, and in the bedroom they will create a mysterious, intimate atmosphere.
Splashes of colored highlights will fill the children's room with the magic of a good fairy tale. In the bathroom, the light passing through the stained glass partitions and reflecting off the water makes you remember the wonderful weeks spent on the ocean coast.
What about the hallway? It is worth placing curved lamps here, or an illuminated stained glass panel, and, having crossed the threshold of the house, you can safely discard everything routine and everyday and rejoice in meeting loved ones.
Stained glass in the interior
General information
The history of stained glass technology
About 600 years ago, craftsmen began using stained glass to decorate windows. It is assumed that the idea for creating stained glass windows was not based on the intricate toy “Colleidoscope”. Inside the mirror tube there are colored fragments; when the body rotates, they form interesting patterns. In the same way, medieval craftsmen cut out parts from multi-colored glass according to sketches, and then fastened them with lead plates, creating real masterpieces.
As the years passed, the manufacturing technology changed as well as the materials used. Thanks to fashion trends, the scenes depicted on glass have changed. But one thing has remained unchanged - the ability of stained glass to fill a home with comfort and light.
Where is stained glass used?
As mentioned above, starting from the 19th century, mosaics with their inherent play of light were widely used in the decoration of temples. Thanks to the Art Nouveau style, mosaics have become widely used far beyond the interiors of charitable institutions. Various versions of it today can be seen when decorating almost any room, be it the lobby of a luxury hotel or an exquisitely decorated artist’s country house.
The use of mosaics is also a field for experimentation by today's interior designers.
Contrary to the popular belief that mosaics are used only for large rooms with high ceilings, experienced designers harmoniously incorporate it into the design of rooms from a cozy cafe to an office and a bathroom.
A well-chosen stained glass window will visually enlarge a small space and add a uniquely bright accent to it. We should not forget that modern technologies for individual projects make it possible to very elegantly move away from the classical presentation of mosaics and apply them in the most unusual places.
When designing a family nest, they can be:
- — arches of doorways;
- - partitions between rooms;
- - window;
- - verandas and terraces;
- - living rooms and kitchens;
- — greenhouses and winter gardens;
- - ceilings and staircases.
IMPORTANT: Architecturally, stained glass looks better in the composition of large windows.
