12 Feb 24

Trend Report: Stained Glass Windows

I first noticed a few interior pictures before Christmas featuring beautiful stained glass windows and I think it was the fact I saw three or so within a few days of each other, that made me wonder, ‘ooh, is this a thing’?

I parked the idea over the holidays but interestingly, since doing so, I seem to have stumbled upon even more fabulous modern and traditional stained glass that all have one thing in common; celebrating colour and light in all its magnificent glory!

Whilst it may be a slower trend than others (I’m sure we’re not all going to go out and install a stained glass window tomorrow!) it is often the trends that creep up on us gradually that stick around for longer, and I love that this old craft is being restored, adapted and rejuvenated.

Let’s have a look at some of the stained glass that have caught my eye:

Found via @glassette, @_itsbeautifulhere

Original stained glass in a Victorian home belonging to Louise McCabe for 91 Magazine.

Photo by Katarina Grip Hook.

An exterior door in an upstairs hall giving the stairwell some beautiful light whilst still providing some privacy. Design by Reath Design. Photo by Laure Joliet.

When Jess and her husband Rick Sowerby (@thehousethatcolourbuilt) bought their beautiful 1930s home, they both immediately knew this window in the stairwell would be perfect for some stained glass. With it’s west facing view giving it gorgeous evening light, the colours used provide some beautiful reflections. Unfortunately due to reno costs elsewhere, they had to wait 4 years before getting the window commissioned and installed, but it was definitely worth the wait, isn’t it stunning?!

Another stained glass feature installed by Jessica Sowerby in her home, @thehousethatcolourbuilt.

I love an interior window and what better way to make a feature of it than by installing some colourful stained glass that is inspired by the age of the house combined with your own design tastes. This window honours the traditional craft but shows how it can be used in a more contemporary manner with the pastel colours used to match those found in Jess and Rick’s home.

An interior window makes a statement with pretty stained glass in Jessica Sowerby’s home @thehousethatcolourbuilt

An eclectic mix of colours throwing beautiful light on the floor of this home in Burgundy, France. Photo by Tim Street-Porter.

It’s also interesting to see people have started to interpret this look using AI (read my blog on artificial intelligence in design here) which makes me wonder if this is a look people are dreaming about but not seeing, are we to see more features like this coming to actual architecture and design in the coming years? Just like the Pinterest Trend Report (listen to my podcast episode on it here) looks at what people have been searching for and which search terms have risen exponentially to predict the trends for the coming year, are the AI pictures being created a sign of things to come too or will they just stay in this dream world of AI?

AI generated image by @archboom__

Now whilst you may not have an opportunity any time soon to include stained glass within your home, I have seen people using coloured film for a budget friendly way to update your windows and make a lovely feature. This would be especially helpful if you needed a little privacy, or if your room is south facing, to help shield out some sunshine. There are also some gorgeous homewares out there inspired by the colours and shapes found in stained glass windows which I thought I’d share too!

Inspired by stained glass…

1. Waste paper bin by Remember, Trouva,
2. Mirror, Oliver Bonas.
3. Glass Ice Cream Spoons, Zara.
4. Glass Mosaic Votive, Ian Snow Designs.
5. Storage Jars, Shropshire Design.
6. Round rim acetate glasses, Anglo American.
7. Doormat by Remember at Trouva.

Do you want to discover your style and get confident with colour? My online courses will help you navigate the incredible world of interior design with ease and inspiration. Click here.