Faking the Funk: Adding Stained Glass to Your Windows

When it comes to the popularity of stained glass in windows, it seems like it's much more common in San Francisco or Chicago homes. In fact, the only place we can think of in LA that has an abundance of beautiful stained glass windows is in Pasadena's own Bungalow Heaven neighborhood which is lined with gorgeous Craftsman homes, most of them restored to their former glory. However, if you're lucky enough to live in an apartment that's full of character and charm and you're trying to come up with a new way to introduce some color into your home, you could go out on a limb and try your hand at creating faux stained glass...

This "stained" glass window echoes the same simplicity as a Frank Lloyd Wright design, but it's really just a vinyl sticker cut to fit each pane.

There are a few ways to do it:

Option 1: Go to your nearest crafts store and buy glass paint. This gives you some flexibility create your own design...Depending on how intricate and how large the surface area of the glass is, it can get pricey. If you rent your place, it might be best to get a piece of glass to work on and then hang in the window. On a personal note, I recall having done this project when I was a kid (it fell somewhere between the Garfield shrinky-dinks and the baking plastic jewelry in the oven); and the effect wasn't as cheesy as it may sound. In fact, had I not created an homage to a Lisa Frank winged unicorn, this endearing craft project circa 1985 might still be hanging in my window. Sure, it won't look like the real deal; but it's not a bad fake.

Option 2: Browse a few vinyl sticker options. like the one pictured above. There are ready-made faux stained glass designs all over the internet, ranging from floral patterns to full-on landscapes of wolves howling at the moon. We particularly like the Textured Glass sidelight film available at Window Film World. (Also, it's not a bad online shop if you're looking for privacy film).

Option 3: If you're a fan of the real deal, consider getting a window panel. We love LOVE love these stained glass panels inspired by the Prairie School and the Arts and Crafts movement over at Maclin Studio. Each panel is hand crafted and measure about 20" x 16" with prices in the $100-$150 range.

[ Photos from Living Etc. and Dan Manley's Flickr ]

Love this idea, the window in my living room looks into the garage. Weird... It's a big window and we rent so I don't think something permanent will fly. I've been thinking about painting something on transparent contact paper. Anyone have experience with that? Suggestions? Thx!

posted by haleyo on February 26th 2009 at 12:26pm
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Option 4: make a stained glass window yourself. It really isn't that hard -- and it's fun! I'm the least crafty/dexterous person you can imagine, and I was able to make one in a four-hour course.

Designs with straight lines (as opposed to curvy Tiffany-style shapes) are the easiest. There are also cool glass fusion techniques you can use to make something more modern.

So before buying vinyl, I recommend looking into a one-day course. (You'll want to use a studio's equipment instead of having to buy it all yourself, unless you get totally hooked.)

posted by Lisa (Montreal) on February 26th 2009 at 12:29pm
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If you're in or around Pittsburgh, go to Hunt Stained glass. They are amazing, and can do pretty much anything. It's a lost art, and the quality of these are really stunning.

http://web.me.com/huntstainedglass/Hunt_Stained_Glass/Welcome.html

posted by Pepperjo on February 26th 2009 at 12:37pm
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Is that the apartment from the cover of the first oasis album?

posted by therapy4me on February 26th 2009 at 12:48pm
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lol...wolves howling at the moon. AWESOME.

posted by spossberg on February 26th 2009 at 12:53pm
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I love this idea! I always wanted stained glass windows, but since I rent, my place doesn't come with any, and I don't think I can paint on the windows. The vinyl peels are great solution to that! Thanks.

posted by Goosebucket on February 26th 2009 at 2:00pm
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funk?

posted by ange_lune on February 26th 2009 at 2:43pm
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I second the notion of making your own. if you're doing simple, graphic designs with straight lines, (curves are rather tricky), it's very easy. the supplies are not even that expensive if you want to do it on your own.

I'm not a fan of the vinyl appliques; I think in general they look cheap and cheesy. however, if it's simple and in a high up window like the first photo, it wouldn't be too noticeable (though glass paint would be preferable).

posted by foodefafa on February 26th 2009 at 3:44pm
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that first pic is amazing!

posted by cootiefree on February 26th 2009 at 5:23pm
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I love that sofa! Anywhere I can find one like it? I'm moving into a place this weekend and I sold my couches, I can't find anything that shape/style.

posted by iGeekChic on February 26th 2009 at 5:40pm
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iGeekChic, that's a traditional English style sofa. Lee Industries makes a variety of them some with pillow backs and some with tight backs. As one with pillow backs, I'd get a tight back version next time.

posted by ilima on February 26th 2009 at 5:54pm
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Definitely Maybe. therapy4me: That would be awesome but the window is different.

posted by firecracker on February 26th 2009 at 6:33pm
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My front door has a large glass panel right in the middle. I got tired of magazine salesmen being able to clearly see right into my house, so I painted most of the panels with red, blue, yellow, and green glass paint. Most people don't realize it's just painted. It's just opaque enough to prevent people from looking right at me through the door, but it lets in lots of beautiful light.

posted by Brandyjane on February 26th 2009 at 7:31pm
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"Is that the apartment from the cover of the first oasis album?" --- exactly what I thought. However, I reckon it's a bit different.

I like the armchair quite a lot; does anybody know what it's called/who the manufacturer is?

regards
fwcom

posted by fwcom on February 27th 2009 at 11:37am
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