“Old pane, all gain
They say that the eyes are window to the soul. So what does that make stained glass?
Many Victorian houses sported wonderful stained-glass windows, some in strange sizes or shapes such as the “l’ceil de boeuf” or “cow’s eye.” Sadly, some of these have fallen prey to the elements or to misguided renovators.
Fortunately, a business· called The Stonehouse of Campbellville (8565 Guelph Line, P.O. Box 137, Campbellville, 905-854-2152) can help set things right.
This family concern has rescued all kinds of wonderful windows from wrecking sites, both here and across the pond. Their storehouse has many fine examples from tom-down Victorian churches.
This is not a bargain basement sort of place, although my husband and I managed
to stay within our $150 budget and found a very nice stained-glass window to go over our front door. French doors and stained glass windows range from $100 to $3,000, with the higher prices for ornate items in impeccable condition.
This is also the place to come if you’re looking for stained-glass doors. These range from $600 to $2,000, and the investment is probably worth it for that incredible eye-catching piece.
How does all this apply to condo and loft dwellers?
If you have high ceilings, you’ll need a large piece of art to handle the overwhelming decorating proportions. This isn’t the place to wimp out on miniature portraits.
Since glass is an excellent light conductor, a large stained-glass or church window would also make a dynamite room divider in a condo or loft, where it’s vital to preserve the sense of spaciousness created by high ceilings.
How about a gorgeous stained-glass window suspended from the ceiling flanked by a Nienkamper couch or Corbusier recliner? Barcelona chairs also work well against concrete and stainless steel. (Okay, a girl can dream can’t she?) Why not study the look of the high-end stuff and look for something moderately priced to replicate it?)
Just a word to the wise here. Stained glass can be extremely heavy, so be sure your ceiling can take the weight. If you’re going to erect a large window, check with the condo management so they can help you take the right steps by reinforcing your ceiling, or completely rain on your parade and forbid you from doing it altogether.
Another point to keep in mind is that stained glass, by virtue of its ornate colours and composition, contrasts nicely cellent light conductor, Second-hand Sleuth a large stained-glass or with modern furniture, The two co-exist very well, but if your interior is already busy, you might consider a simple glass pattern so they don’t visually duke it out…..
Second Hand Sleuth Jo-Ann Dodds Toronto Star – May 4, 2002″”