Stained glass is still popular today, and for good reason. People love the look of this ornate, expertly-crafted glass, especially in a period property. However, real stained glass usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag. It needs ongoing maintenance too, and isn’t always as efficient as more modern methods of glazing. This means that stained glass windows can be really expensive.
However, there are some ways that you can get the stained glass look on a budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to achieve a stained glass effect on your windows.
Window film
Window film is a seriously cost-effective alternative to stained glass. It’s easy to apply, comes in a range of designs – you can even create your own – and doesn’t need extensive ongoing maintenance. You can create intricate, detailed designs that look just like stained glass and allow the light to shine through.
However, you can apply window film to modern windows so you get the look of stained glass, without the downsides. Whether you’re looking for Victorian stained glass, art deco or something abstract, there are a range of stained glass window films available. Plus, this way you can change designs so that your decor stays up to date without the prohibitive cost.
Paint or markers
For a hands-on approach, you can try using acrylic craft paint, glass paint or enamel paint to recreate the stained glass look. You need a steady hand and an ability to be patient as it can be pretty labour-intensive to recreate your designs in this way.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the window to remove grease or dust. Next, use tape to outline the design you want, creating something that looks a bit like a stencil. You need to make sure that you do this carefully. Paint within the taped boundaries, making sure that the colours stay vibrant and distinct. This DIY method allows you to customise your windows, but it isn’t always a quick fix. If art’s your thing then this might be a project that you actually enjoy doing.
Faux-lead adhesive strips
Replicate the appearance of traditional leaded stained glass windows with faux-lead adhesive strips. This budget-friendly option is easy to apply and customise to create the designs you’re looking for. Simply cut the strips to match the size and design of your windows.
It’s a simple but effective way to get a look of stained glass without the costs involved. It can be tricky and does require attention to detail, as well as the dexterity to add the pieces to your design.
Transform your windows for less with stained glass window film from Purlfrost.
