Stained Glass Window Panels for Your Home

Colored glass has been around for a very long time. Ancient civilizations were adept at making all sorts of items from stained glass. Today, stained glass bottles and vases from ancient times are prized museum pieces. In about the fourth century, A.D., the first stained glass window panels were used in Christian churches. From then on, virtually all ancient Christian churches used stained glass window panels to reinforce their message. Many modern churches also employ stained glass window panels.

There is nothing new about the use of stained glass window panels in homes either. For hundreds of years they have been installed in homes to achieve a certain look, while ensuring privacy and still letting in natural light. Although they were around, they were not especially popular in homes. During World War I many of Europe’s churches were destroyed and afterwards the rebuilding process brought about a reawaking. The use of stained glass window panels for homes enjoyed a rebirth. The trend has continued through today and they are growing rapidly in popularity.

The designs have changed with the times too. Ancient churches had stained glass window panels with Christian themes. They were generally boldly colored. For home use today, it is more common to have non-religious designs. The design schemes are only limited by imagination. The same applies to color. It is less common today to see bright and bold coloration. Rather, the color scheme is often chosen as an integral part of the overall decoration plan.

An exception to this is when original stained glass window panels can be obtained. Most stained glass window panels are recently manufactured, of course. However, it is considered quite the prize to be able to boast about having stained glass window panels that were salvaged when an older home or church was renovated or redeveloped.

Displaying both beauty and utility, it is likely that stained glass window panels will continue to be used for some time into the future.