STAINED GLASS: NOT JUST FOR CHURCHES

Stained glass dates back thousands of years. It has been seen as early as the ancient times in Egyptian and Roman pottery, in the 4th and 5th centuries in Christian churches, in the Islamic period in Middle Eastern mosques, in the 8th century in Southeast Asia. During the Renaissance in Europe, the style evolved from Gothic to the Classical styles with the Limoges factory in France and the Murano factory in Italy producing the majority of the stained glass and lead crystal coupling. War and the Reformation destroyed many of the beautiful pieces in Europe from these time periods.

In the early 19th century, a revival of stained glass was born in Europe with the Gothic style coming back to English churches and huge intricate designs copying paintings were created in France. The revival continued to spread to Germany in the late 19th century, into Victorian homes in England and eventually to the United States. By the 20th Century, newer modern styles replaced the Gothic style. Frank Lloyd Wright transformed the use in homes by adding clear glass with a touch of color in geometric abstractions. Wright called them “light screens” .

One of our favorite design elements to find in a home is stained glass. Whether it is simply a bathroom window or a side door, the contrast of historical and modern design elements is always a surprise. Stained glass elements add light and color to an ordinary room. They give a nod to tradition to our modern homes. Here are a few of our favorite stained glass windows and doors we have discovered in homes around the world that may inspire you to search out the stained glass.

This mosaic style doorway is actually an artistic representation of all the Pantone colors used throughout this particular home and certainly makes a lasting impression. The way it reflects up the staircase in its geometric way allows the stained glass to look modern and traditional at the same time. via Armin Blasbichler Studio.

This 5500 square foot church was converted into an amazing single family home in Chicago. The effervescent pop of yellow gives this home a modern twist to classic stained glass.

Photo: Jim Tschetter for Design Milk

Long gone is the traditional Gothic and Classical styles of the past. This beautiful bathroom window looks like Matisse created it himself. We love the simplicity of white and blue hues. Photo by Architectural Digest.

This Art Nouveau home in Barcelona is amazing with its touches of stained glass. The colors are vibrant and rich. Modern chairs and floors make this room feel special.

From the Ca d' Zan mansion in Sarasota, (the former home of John Ringling and his wife, now a museum), these windows are actually coated with colorful film to protect all the precious artifacts within the home. Simple yet beautiful, easy enough for any DIYer to try for themselves.

This neo-Gothic Franciscan church was turned into a boutique hotel in a small town in Belgium. While a modern day home may not have these amazing flying buttresses and sculpted windows, mixing a floral stained glass window with modern furniture can add something special and amazing to any master bedroom.

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