How I transformed a boring double-glazed window into a unique piece of art

As with many homes, conservatories were (or still are) added at a later date, which depending on the room, can leave an outside window essentially in your living space!

Aug 13, 2023

Showing the conservatory before the stained glass window was added. The bookcase is to the left of the window and there is a palm-type plant, and a futon opposite, there are bamboo blinds in front of the windows and doors. — What the conservatory looked like when we first moved in

This is exactly where we were when we bought our house, so when sat in the conservatory you were looking at an ugly uPVC window, which I really disliked.

I wanted to replace the window with something more “artistic” that wouldn’t restrict any light shining into the lounge and the idea of a bespoke stained-glass window was looking to be the solution.

Randomly I came across John from Village Stained Glass, a local guy based in Beccles who creates stained glass pieces in his workshop set up in his garden.

Popping over one Sunday afternoon for a chat, the next thing I know I’m sat at the dining table with a couple of rolls of paper and a box of stained-glass swatches, working on my design.

I have to say I was in my absolute element having not really done anything too creative since studying Textiles at university.

Hand drawn image of stained glass window design on paper. Each segment it defined by colour and glass type. — Original paper design

I shared my design with John and he started work almost immediately.

The stained-glass window is made out of two separate pieces due to it being too large (and a high risk of cracking).

Stained glass panel work in progress, made up of multiple rectangular and square panels of different colours and textures. The colours include brown, yellow, orange, maroon and clear glass. — Work in progress

Working with a local timber merchant I was able to get a frame made to the dimensions of the existing window split into two allowing the stained-glass panels to be fitted securely.

When it came to fitting the window in place, it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience and I was keeping everything crossed that the stained-glass panels weren’t going to crack (oh could you imagine)!

If it hadn’t been for the brilliant work from my other half making sure the measurements were exact and a very steady hand when it came to installing, it could have been a completely different story!

Stained glass window, the design is made up of small, rectangular and square panels in various colours and textures. The colours include shades of pink, red, gold, brown, and clear glass. — In pride of place

Within just two weeks of designing the new stained-glass window it was positioned in pride of place.

Not only is it a completely bespoke, unique design it’s a beautiful focal point for both the lounge and the conservatory which resolves the problem of having an outside window in your living space!

Corner of lounge with a tall, abstract lamp and a stained glass window. The lamp is made of brown leather and has a bulb at the top and bottom. It is curved and leans towards the window. The window is made of different colours and shapes of stained glass. The colours are mostly pink, purple, and brown. — Stained glass window: lounge side

Conservatory after the stained glass window was fitted. There is a wooden cabinet with multiple drawers positioned to the left of the window. — Stained glass window: conservatory side

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How I transformed a boring double-glazed window into a unique piece of art

As with many homes, conservatories were (or still are) added at a later date, which depending on the room, can leave an outside window essentially in your living space!

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