One Little Addition Can Transform Your Kitchen Into An Eclectic Daydream

Whatever your kitchen decor style, the smallest details can often have the most impact. A recent popular design trend is using the same stained glass accents often found in much older homes in newer spaces, usually as a replacement or addition to existing plain glass windows. The results can be stunning, adding not only visual interest to your kitchen, but also a sense of personality and history that complements maximalist, eclectic, and retro-inspired aesthetics. 

Unique stained glass window panels can be big or small, ranging from subtle items like small stained glass suncatchers to large salvaged pieces taken from older homes and repurposed in new and interesting ways. You can often find older stained glass windows in places like antique or thrift stores, estate sales, and architectural salvage shops. While these are rare finds and might be expensive, particularly for larger windows or panels, there are also some great ways to fake a stained glass window using paint or removable films that can give you a similar look for much less. 

The rich colors and vintage charm of stained glass can add a bit of color and texture to an otherwise boring or sterile space. They are not only perfect for giving a warm and cozy glow to the light that filters in, but they offer additional privacy and can block unsightly views. Stained glass is also a great solution to help control too much light and glare.

While replacing existing or new windows with stained glass can be a costly project, costing upwards of $500 per window, you can save by using the colorful glass sparingly, like on a single window over the sink or only partially at the top on vertically hung windows. If you have a sliding door or double doors that open to the outside, you can also opt for narrow panels alongside the doors that are stained glass or a stained glass panel for an overhead transom.

If you are not keen on replacing the glass or are renting your home, you can use older vintage stained glass windows as a decorative accent. Suspend a panel on hooks in front of an existing window over the sink or lean a large framed panel on the window ledge for an eclectic look. If you lack a window in your kitchen, try hanging a stained glass window on your wall and placing twinkle lights behind it for a cozy glow.

If your hunt for vintage stained glass windows proves unfruitful or too expensive, you can also make your own decor a budget with reclaimed windows. Peel-and-stick films that mimic stained glass come in a wide variety of designs, which complement everything from maximalist kitchens to more geometric contemporary spaces. Find a plain salvaged window panel you love and transform it into a unique stained glass window using a colorful adhesive film. You can even buy paint designed for creating renter-friendly stained glass windows or apply an easy non-toxic paint treatment using acrylic and glue to get the look of stained glass to customize your design. 

You can also use these treatments on other glass objects to add color and texture, like stunning kitchen cabinet doors and light fixtures, both of which can be fun ways to add stained glass accents if you lack windows in your kitchen. Just add some interior lights to the cabinet that will shine through the glass.