What Are Stained Glass Windows?

Stained glass windows have been a major architectural expression for centuries. Dating back as far as the 8th century BC, stained glass windows have been used in churches and other buildings whose owners and designers desired to make an impressive statement with the most dramatic effect possible. But stained glass isn't just for churches. For centuries, it's also been used by homeowners who also wished to create exciting artistry

and make as striking and beautiful a presentation of their homes as possible. Even today, stained glass windows remain a popular means of allowing in sunlight that creates an elegant ambiance in any room of the house.

HistoryStained glass windows date back many centuries. The oldest record of man-made glass dates back to Egypt with Egyptian beads that were used for various adornments, including jewelry. In the 1st century AD, the Romans began using glass for windows. This was, of course,

better than their previous alternative, which was houses with holes uses as windows. According to the Stained Glass Association of America, the earliest recorded use of colored glass in windows came with St. Paul's Monastery in England circa 686 AD. Subsequently, the first example of stained glass that was fashioned into actual scenery or pictures was in St. Remi in France. From these early examples, stained glass became most noted for its use in churches.

ConstructionThe construction of stained glass windows is different from that of many other types of windows. Stained glass windows begin with a drawing of scenery or a pattern on a blueprint. This drawing is then made to the scale of the window that the stained glass will be used in creating. After the drawing is made to a scale outline, this outline is used as the guide to cut the various pieces of colored glass that are needed for the window. The cut glass pieces are cleaned thoroughly, and subsequently, the edges are beveled to make for a better fit and beauty. The full-scale outline is then used as a guide for lead framework, and the glass pieces are fitted into this framework. Next, the glass is soldered together on both sides. Finally, when the entire piece is finished, the panel is mounted into the frame of the window. Most of this process is done by hand.

Pros and cons

There are quite a few advantages when using stained glass for windows. The most obvious benefit of a stained glass window is the beauty it adds to a home. Clearly, nothing looks or feels quite like a stained glass window in a home. Stained glass windows are not a usual addition to most houses, and this fact makes them not only an elegant and attractive addition, but also a conversation piece. A stained glass window can take just about any room and give it a stunning look. Additionally, stained glass windows allow privacy that plain windows do not. The disadvantages, however, of stained glass include the fact that they obstruct view and create a limited amount of light in a room that otherwise would have more light if a different type of window were used. One way that this limited illumination can be controlled is by using lighter colors in the pieces of glass placed in the window. Another disadvantage of a stained glass window is also a factor that is very controllable. This is the fact that using too much stained glass in a room can create a gaudy or ostentatious look. Just like anything else, too much stained glass is not a good thing and creates a counterproductive effect.

Stained glass is one of the most eye-catching types of window ever. The extraordinary beauty and colorful fantasy that stained glass windows can bring to a home are unmatched in the window industry. But make no mistake about it. Though most noted for its striking addition to religious buildings of all types, the stained glass window can add a warm, rich, and dazzling glow to any and every room of your Baltimore home. If you're considering window replacement in your home, you might want to think about adding a stained glass window for an extra bit of drama and beauty. Contact a top window replacement contractor in Baltimore to get more information about the rooms of your home where stained glass would work best.