Transform your habitat with the timeless charm of stained glass
Once used for religious and cultural symbolism, stained glass has become a modern medium for artistic expression. It offers endless opportunities to reflect your personal taste and creativity
From the breathtaking Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Iran to the iconic windows of Notre Dame Cathedral in France and St. Paul's Church in Mongla, stained glass has captivated the world with its timeless charm. With its vibrant colours and ability to elevate any space, this art form has left its mark across cultures and eras.
Stained glass has adorned architecture for centuries, most notably in Gothic cathedrals across Europe. Originating between the 10th and 16th centuries, it was initially used to depict biblical stories in churches, serving as visual storytelling for largely illiterate populations. While the churches depicted various stories regarding Jesus Christ, Mary, and Christian saints, mosques and Muslim prayer houses incorporated geometric shapes and patterns.
In the 19th century, during British colonial rule, stained glass found its way into Bengal, influenced by European architectural trends. Initially installed in the churches, the zamindars added these fancy coloured glasses to their palaces.
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Today, stained glass isn't limited to religious spaces or palaces—it has found a home in modern art and architecture, from residential homes to commercial buildings. In the 19th century, artists like Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Henry Moore etc created exceptional works of art with stained glass. Architects now use it to craft stunning feature windows, room dividers, skylights, and bespoke décor elements.
Over time, stained glass has evolved, offering more intricate designs and larger installations that fit seamlessly into various architectural styles—from classical to minimalist and even abstract.
Architect Mustapha Khalid Palash, who designed the stained glass dome of the Bashundhara City shopping complex in 2004, notes, "Stained glass not only adds beauty and history to a building but allows for creative expression through light and colour. Its ability to transform a space by manipulating light makes it a timeless element that continues to captivate both designers and occupants."
How stained glass art is created
Creating stained glass begins with detailed drawings that serve as blueprints. Glass is infused with metallic salts or oxide powders during production to achieve its vivid colours. For instance, in the early stages of glass making, copper oxides were used to produce green or bluish-green, cobalt for deep blue, and gold for wine red and violet glass. Much of modern red glass is produced using copper, which is less expensive than gold and gives a brighter, more vermilion shade of red.
Once coloured, it is cut into shapes and assembled using lead strips or copper foil—a method popularised by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 19th century. The pieces are soldered together, resulting in a unified panel that plays with light and shadow.
Mustapha Khalid Palash, recalls the challenges of working with a limited budget in the Bashundhara project. "Forming the dome under a budget was difficult, but times have changed. Materials are more accessible now," he explains.
While glass can increase energy consumption by producing more heat, stained glass has the advantage of reducing light transmission, offering a natural shading effect.
In the Bashundhara City project, the 'sandwich method' was used—two layers of glass with a coloured film between them. As Khalid notes, "We wanted light but not heat, so we prioritised using glass on the north side and utilised methods that keep heat out."
Needless to say, stained glass is priced higher than regular glass. Locally, it costs about Tk 350-400 per square foot, whereas regular glass is around Tk 100-110.
Charutuli, a Dhaka-based interior solutions company, custom makes stained glass panels for doors, interiors, and room dividers. According to Goutam, the owner, the price of these glass panels depends on the glass quality, size, and intricacy of design.
He said, "A basic .6mm glass panel made from local Nasir or PHP glass costs around Tk 350-400, while a more premium option like Chinese crystal glass can cost Tk 600." Goutom and his team first carve the design on the glass panels and then put glass paint on them.
Though durable, stained glass requires gentle care. Non-abrasive cleaning materials are essential to preserve its colour and prevent scratching.
Incorporate stained glass in your home
Once used for religious and cultural symbolism, stained glass has become a modern medium for artistic expression. It offers endless opportunities to reflect your personal taste and creativity.
When sunlight streams through stained glass, it creates a mesmerising display of shifting colours, adding warmth, ambiance, and artistic flair to your living space. Here are some ways to incorporate it:
Use as window glass and invite a flair of colours
Whether it's a grand window or strategically placed smaller panels, stained glass brings both beauty and functionality to your home. The tinted glass provides privacy by obscuring the view from the outside while still allowing light to enter, making it ideal for enjoying spaces.
However, if you are staying at a rented space, and installing heavy glass is not allowed, you can always opt for the beautiful stained glass stickers and panels available online, which can be used as the perfect dupe without burning a hole in your pocket.
Colourful doors that match your taste and aesthetic
Add stained glass to bathroom doors or entryways to make a bold statement. Ask your interior designer to put the designs on a frosted glass though, so you don't have to worry about privacy too.
This works well for interior doors, to add character and a sense of sophistication, or for entry doors to make a dramatic statement. Doors are generally larger and taller compared to windows, so use sturdy frames of wood or metal to hold it.
Stained glass partition
If you're planning a room divider, stained glass instead of a wall allows you to give a wide room the chance to enjoy light flowing through. A stained glass partition with different shades can be your decorative element for the living room.
These partitions are a unique way to add personality and functionality to your space. Also, while using as a room divider, try to use compartmented glass panels, otherwise a large glass piece would be too heavy and hence more prone to accidents.
It's time to add those Moroccan light shades
If doors and windows seem too much commitment to you, invest in light shades, chandeliers and lamps. The vibrant Moroccan glass mosaic lamps and shades are perfect to fit in this trend.
Not only will it spread colours but also it will ensure a warm and cosy ambiance. The intricate patterns and vibrant colours of stained glass create beautiful light effects and can serve as a functional eye-catching decor.
The skylight effect
If you have that space in your penthouse, or maybe your very own Chilekotha, a stained glass skylight can be the one true element to change the overall design of your home.They serve as a unique focal point in a room, making them a standout feature.
The tinted glass filters and diffuses sunlight, creating a soft, colourful light that can add warmth and depth to the interior space. The changing light effects throughout the day can enhance the mood and atmosphere of the room.
