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Decorative beveled glass window

8 years ago

I'm building and am interested in having a nice, small decorative clear beveled glass in the staircase window area. I've read it's much better/energy efficient to hang this separately as a window "covering" against a regular double pane window. My staircase window will be a double hung window, and I have 1 week to decide (windows for the house will be ordered in one week).

My questions are:

1. How do you do this exactly (how do you install the window "covering" against a regular window)? (When is this done? Does it need to be done/inserted when the regular window is installed)?

2. Can this be done if I have a double hung window? Should it cover top/bottom or only one of the two panes, and if so, which one?

3. What size does the decorative window need to be (if installed this way) relative to the regular window?

4. Where can individuals purchase the decorative window covering? (I'm thinking of something similar/to the effect of the following picture below) - doesn't have to be exact, but just to give an idea...

Thank you!

Featured Answer

cpartist

8 years ago

I would think in the staircase area you don't need an operable window. Just get one sized to the same size of stained glass you want and then have the builder insert it into the opening and hold it in place using a quarter round. That is what I'm planning on doing.

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Comments (12)

kbear_15
Original Author
8 years ago
For this scenario, is it best the window be operable or non-operable?
kbear_15
Original Author
8 years ago
does the type of window matter? i.e. is it easier/cheaper/better to have a picture window instead of double hung? and is there an "ideal size" (increase chance of finding something already made instead of custom making?)
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Slateberry, from your pics, I'd say the two side windows and the area around the pause marks is original--the colors look right, and it is a pain to change out old glass with stained--I've done that on my main parlor window--as high up as that looks, it would be even tougher--so I bet it's original. As to the balcony, do the prints show spindles, or are they just calling the knee-wall a railing? Worthy, the big draw in old homes for most buyers IS the original details--they are unmatchable today without huge cost--and add significantly to resale value if they are still there for the next owners. Don't care about stuff like that, then why are you in such a house? Newer is usually cheaper to keep up; don't care if you risk losing prospective buyers by altering your house's original details--then go ahead and kiss your dollars goodbye. As to style--old houses tend to be well-built and appeal because of their design--and that is something which anyone can appreciate--don't you have an idea when something appeals to you or when it doesn't? If you change exterior features a house just won't 'look' right, and the parts which don't fit will become obvious as you look hard at a place. Most old house buyers have a basic idea of what fits or appeals to them, and want houses which preserve as much of that charm as possible. I had a vague idea of the different styles, but I educated myself during my years in my house--you just need to look at a few plan books to get an idea; the one thing I KNEW when house hunting was this: I grew up in a 50's ranch, and would never buy such a house for myself--I had to have two stories, and something with some character inside, not just boxes with basic trim as I'd grown up in.
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kbear_15
Original Author
8 years ago
cpartist - where did you find your stained glass window panel?
mrspete
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have a similar window and love it. Mine is set in the wall and is inoperable

Funny story though: The first night we were in this house, I walked into the room with this window and screamed for my husband to come running -- I thought something was on fire outside. Turns out, when our neighbors pull into their driveway and their brake lights are on, this window amplifies the red, and it does look like a fire! I've never made that mistake again, but, oh, did my husband make fun of me!
cpartist
8 years ago
I didn't yet. You can google stained glass. There are people who make them to size.
kbear_15
Original Author
8 years ago
ok. thanks.
energy_rater_la
8 years ago

single glass & leaded stained glass will not stand up well

to the elements. heat/cold transfer through the single glass,

and air leakiness would also be issues.

in winter it would condensate to interior, in summer

to exterior.

I've come across these issues in the past in my

testing/inspecting homes.

build the wall/window as usual. hang stained glass in front.

best of luck.
kbear_15
Original Author
8 years ago
how exactly do you hang stained glass in front of a pre-existing window? the "pre-existing" window will likely be a vinyl in-operable picture window. Thank you.
dekeoboe
8 years ago
You hang it on chains. Do a search for "hanging stained glass window" and you will find plenty of photos.
cpartist
8 years ago
I'm not hanging mine but putting it up against the window before trim goes on. Then we'll trim both windows together.
Annie Deighnaugh
8 years ago
cpartist, you need to consider air circulation as condensate and/or heat can build up between the two windows causing the leaded glass to get fogged and/or warped.

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