Stained glass is a type of colored glass that has been around since ancient times. This type of glass is extremely decorative and beautiful and those looking for attractive replacement windows in Baltimore might consider adding some stained glass. Stained glass can make a beautiful addition to a home as an accent window or as a larger piece.
Stained glass windows are often found in churches where they form highly ornate patterns and often depict biblical scenes and other more abstract visions of angels or other holy bodies. Ancient examples of stained glass have been found left over from both Egyptian and Roman cultures. Stained glass windows are painstaking to make and high quality examples from the 4th and 5th centuries have endured until today.
How is stained glass made?
Stained glass, like other types of glass, is made primarily from silica. This silica is heated to an extremely high degree where it becomes molten. It is then poured into the desired shape and allowed to cool very carefully. In order to make the many beautiful colors found in stained glass impurities are added to the silica such as gold, copper and other metals and oxides. These impurities are added at very low concentrations, often below 2-3%. For example, medieval blue glass was created by adding less than 1% concentration of cobalt into the mixture. Many other materials such as nickel, titanium, calcium, sulfur, carbon, and even uranium can be used to make a wide variety of colors. Once the glass is made, it is cut very carefully and placed into the larger work that it will be part of. The glass is held together by thin strips of lead and is made into intricate patterns.
Residential settings
Stained glass is often found in homes as an accent piece. This beautiful type of glass is often placed above doors or above windows. It is very common in the top section of bay windows and many homes have stained glass over the front entrance. These applications of stained glass add a touch of beauty and color to the home. The light coming through the stained glass affects the mood in the room and creates a sense of tranquility and peace.
Most stained glass windows in residential settings are custom made and there are many shops that specialize in this type of work. Here, master artisans will measure the space and get an idea for what colors and themes are desired. They will then create a beautiful custom window for the home and help to install it.
Simpler, mass produced pieces are also available for more standard sizes. These pieces are generally less expensive and less complex. These are a popular choice for those looking to add a little color to their home without breaking the bank.
Not just for cathedrals
We typically think of stained glass depictions of biblical scenes and other religious ephemera in Christian churches and cathedrals. Stained glass has been used in many other applications as well. It can often be found in Mosques however the subject matter is quite different. Here it is usually geometric patterns as any depiction of God or the prophets is strictly forbidden. Many modern examples of stained glass can be found in schools, museum, and state buildings. Here again, the subject matter often reflects the purpose of the building the glass is found in. Also, in these settings, the style of the design tends to be more angular and modern.
There are several artists, currently working, who have made a name for themselves working with stained glass in an abstract way. These artists are creating highly attractive abstract windows that are often found in universities and government buildings. The medium of stained glass allows these artists to work with light in a truly unique way.
