When decorative stained glass was first developed, its first most popular application was in the windows of huge churches and cathedrals, depicting some of the events in the Bible. It has even contributed to the enhancement of the beauty of this place of worship. The church windows do not only let light into the church but it also blocks the light in a colourful way. What you will see is not plain sunlight but the reflection of the colours of the stained glass panels.
Even if things have changed and you can already find stained glass door panels for homes, offices, and other huge structures, the religious windows for churches are still quite popular. You can still see well maintained old churches with such windows. Some homeowners may prefer to use stained glass as a substitute for buying venetian blinds in doors and windows, but many churches are still using the colourful glass for its original application.
Stained Glass – History
Stained glass has been found in churches for about 900 years now. It was called the “poor man’s Bible” because it can depict the images obtained from the stories in the Bible. This was a huge help to many people back then who were illiterate. Instead of using paper that can be easily destroyed, painting the images on stained glass windows seems to be a good solution in spreading the word of God. It is considered a cost effective option for churches to help strengthen the faith of their followers. Until now, the same concept is still used.
Choosing Your Stained Glass Windows
In choosing stained glass windows for churches or even for homes, it is important that you should like the design. There are many designers these windows so all you have to do is to widen your horizon and start looking for the best design that matches the structure. You can find stained glass panels with images that are as beautiful as those stories that used to be woven into tapestries. In the United Kingdom alone, you can see some great windows in colourful glass in the Canterbury Cathedral.
After you have chosen your design, you need to look for a manufacturer that can put your design into stained glass. If you have not quite finished with the design, work with a designer to create it. You also need to think about who should install your window. Look for a company that is already established in the industry. This type of company is likely to produce high quality product. Use the Internet and word of mouth or referrals to make your list of possible manufacturers of stained glass windows. Do the same thing with the list of installers that you may want to hire.
What to Do
- Coordinate with the manufacturer of your choice. You will likely be asked to get the window dimensions so they can make these windows in their shop. You need to get the measurements right to avoid future problems.
- Decide on what image you would like to see on the window. It should be appropriate for the theme that you want. You can also work with the company to finalise your design.
- Choose the format for the window. You can have narrative windows with each panel telling a part of a story or figurative windows with the pictures of saints.