“Stained glass continues to fascinate people,” Whitworth says. “Unlike paintings that rely on reflected light, stained glass is a medium that refracts light.” 

The term “stained glass” originated from the process of applying metal oxides to molten glass, creating the desired colour that gives the glass a “stained” appearance. For example, adding iron or copper oxide makes green; selenium or cadmium makes orange and red; and cobalt makes blue. 

Stained glass was first introduced to the world in the 11th century, and stained glass windows with leaded assembly (referred to as leaded stained glass) became popular in churches and cathedrals by the 13th century.  

In the early 1800s, Louis Comfort Tiffany’s creations lit the popularity of stained glass for use in the home. Tiffany created the copper foil technique for stained glass, a procedure which provided the strength and rigidity needed to create his signature lampshades. 

In the early 1900s, Frank Lloyd Wright used stained glass in geometrically designed windows. While most stained glass windows use lead came, (the slender channelled stripping that becomes the chief skeletal support in a leaded stained glass construction), Wright also used rigid metal cames to provide strength and straight lines for his designs. 

However, Whitworth says stained glass in the home isn’t just limited to windows and nature scenes of flowers and butterflies. “Some leaded stained glass designs are more simplistic with clean lines,” he says. “Decorative glass can be worked into any room in a house, including a walk-in closet.” 

Homeowners might become glassy-eyed when discussing design options, since decorative and stained glass comes in a rainbow of colours and a myriad of different types and textures: 

Antique Glass: This type of glass is mouth-blown, in the same that way glass was made in medieval times. 

Cathedral Glass: This is a transparent type of glass that is machine-made single-coloured glass. 

Opalescent Glass: Machine-made, this glass is opaque. Rather than allowing the light rays to pass directly through, opalescent glass spreads them within its surface, giving the effect of being lighted from within.  

Textured Glass: The appearance of this glass can look rippled, hammered, crackled, fractured or ring-mottled. 

Not all leaded glass designs contain stained glass. According to Whitworth, clear glass leaded windows are popular because they complement the decor in nearly any home. Instead of creating visual interest using colours, many homeowners are using clear glass with contrasting textures. 

Leaded glass windows, fireplace screens and large decorative objects can create an instant focal point in a room, Whitworth says. Pieces can be designed to complement traditional or contemporary styles with the use of floral, art deco, craftsman or religious patterns. 

“Most people want to be surrounded by light and beauty,” he says. “What makes stained glass unique is that depending on how the sunlight strikes it, the colours are ever-changing through the course of the day and seasons.”