The benefits of stained glass

Needless to say, the stained glass windows impress you. Try to imagine a cathedral with nothing in it and you will see! We even hear from others how it reduces stress, calms the soul, and improves mental state.

One advantage is that it can give you privacy or space. Whether it’s spectacular colors or clear, natural sunlight, you can make light shine and illuminate your world. Or, you can create privacy from the outside world without giving up lighting at all. Stained glass windows are successfully used to create any atmosphere, mood, or effect you wish to create.

This is one of the most versatile mediums out there and is commonly incorporated into other mediums such as wood, metal, stone, concrete, and even plastic. In fact, almost any material can be structurally designed with stained glass. It has been successfully incorporated into the design and construction of windows, doors, skylights, domes, railings, cabinets, tables, partitions, lamps, light fixtures, stairs, and decks, to name just a few.

It’s surprisingly durable and ruggedly developed and built to withstand the elements while remaining safe and relatively stable. In fact, it’s even safer and more durable than regular glass or even tempered or laminated glass! Whereas, for example, during an earthquake, those other types of glass would tend to break, with stained glass, lead rods tend to absorb most of the impact, so such breakage rarely occurs. After all, it is considered a functional art form.

Lastly, it’s actually an investment, believe it or not, because it’s an original piece of art. Even the structural parts built into windows, doors, and skylights are permanent fixtures and components of a building. They increase property value and some collectors even remove glass works when they sell their homes! Therefore, the benefits of stained glass windows are many and go far beyond pure aesthetic beauty.

By Simon Simonian

http://www.progressiveartstainedglass.com

© 2009 Simon Simoniano. All rights reserved.