Stained Glass Windows: Where Are They Now?

Stained Glass Windows: Where Are They Now?

When we think of stained glass windows, images of grand churches and religious monuments usually spring to mind. With a relative decline in the construction of buildings such as these, how do stained glass windows fit into the modern world of architecture and design? In this blog post, we’ll have a go at answering that question.

The history

Stained glass windows are understood to have originated in the Middle Ages, sometime around the 12th Century. The exact origin is unsure, but some point to the French religious leader, Abbot Suger. His line of thinking was ostensibly that these massive windows allowed light to project God’s image. As the first stained glass windows were almost exclusively depicting religious scenes out of respect to the Christian faith, projecting those scenes for all to see was, in turn, to pay homage to God.

Stained glass in everyday life

It’s not just medieval churches that have the rights to stained glass windows, though. They can easily be incorporated into your everyday life. For example, they make excellent additions to existing windows with multiple panes. Several window panes are split into one large section at the bottom and a smaller, more discreet area at the top; this is the perfect place for some artistic glass.

Generally, windows in a modern home are more functional than they are decorative. While everyone wants them to look nice, they need to be effective at letting light in, seeing out of, and keeping the temperature comfortable. It doesn’t make sense, to cover them in imagery of various colours and shapes – as seeing out of them would be hard, and the light in the room would be significantly affected. That’s why smaller sections of windows are often used, offering a happy compromise between functional practicality and aesthetic artistry.

Closing thoughts

Stained glass windows are essentially timeless. Sure, a 20-foot masterpiece of religious iconography might look out of place in most homes, but there’s a way of incorporating this beautiful glass into everyday life. There’s still a place for them in churches, cathedrals, and castles around the country, but they’re no longer restricted to just that. People marvel at the wonder of huge, artistic windows (and will do for years to come), but have also adapted the concept for continued use.

We don’t exactly specialise in stained glass windows here at Bingley Windows & Glass, but we do specialise in ensuring our customers’ windows and doors look absolutely fantastic. Get in touch to find out more about our products on 01535 958 183, or fill out our online contact form.

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