Stained Glass Windows vs Window Film: Which Should You Pick?

Stained glass window film and stained glass windows share many similarities.

Both windows offer unique styles (although at much different prices), as well as offering privacy and the ability to reduce heat due to the tinted effect.

However, these products are not exactly the same.

Most obviously, a stained glass design comes with an expert team who will fit the windows into your home – this installation may take some days.

However, the stained glass design film runs on a delivery system. We ship it straight to your door and then you’re able to put the designs up in your home yourself.

The film often is either adhesive-backed or static cling-backed making it easy to install in your home.

The Pros of Stained Glass

A stained glass window is a dream interior attraction for many people, with its intricate designs and iridescent effect, the stained glass window is impactful for a reason.

But beyond its immense beauty, true stained glass windows have many other perks.

Can improve the value of a home

Stained glass windows are mostly seen in majestic churches or jaw-dropping monuments and this elusive and luxury element has followed stained glass windows through history. So much so, that if a homeowner manages to invest in a true stained glass window, then it can add to the value of their home when it comes to selling – although who knows if the owner will be able to leave the piece behind..

Classic

The quality design and the rich colour of stained glass windows often results in elegant designs and a classic appeal. While stained glass window film has the same effect, sometimes the authority that comes with installing authentic stained glass can offer a heightened feeling of achievement and grandeur for the homeowner

Longevity

With upkeep and care, a stained glass design can last for decades, making it ideal for those who want to invest in the perfect piece of decor.

The Pros of Stained Glass Window Film

Slowly gaining popularity online, decorative window film is becoming an option for more and more people as a way to decorate their homes. However, as with everything, there are positives and negatives to consider.

Easy to remove

For renters or those likely to move, stained glass window film is an ideal alternative to the real thing. These films usually come with an adhesive backing that can be removed with soapy water, ensuring that at the end of your tenancy or homestay, the film is easy to remove and with zero lingering marks.

Reusable

Under the proviso that the glass window film is treated with care and has retained its adhesive back, then the film can be repurposed and reused for many more surfaces – making it not just a useful product, but also environmentally-conscious.

Cheaper

Stained glass windows often exceed people’s budgets. However, due to the material of stained glass window film, the cost to produce this product is much lower in comparison to the real thing – and you even get a similar effect.

Various options

Before you purchase a decorative window film, you’ll be asked for specific measurements and your unique design. Due to the nature of stained glass window film, you’re able to change any design and make it customisable to fit your home.

To view our online window film shop, view here.

The Cons of Stained Glass

With a unique decor comes unique problems. Always check with yourself whether you can not just afford the price of the decor window, but also that you can afford the price of the up-keep.

Framing Issues

The way stained close is fit is usually through lead, zinc, brass, or copper. Unfortunately, these materials often erode or decay over time. And if a bit of the structure begins to fail, then the glass will begin to sag.

Allowing it to sag will lead to cracks to form, breaks to appear, and the glass may even fall out of the frame.

Deteriorated Paint

Due to the heat of the sun and general weather conditions, the colours of stained glass do dampen over time. There is a way to restore these to their previous glory, however, it takes a gentle touch from an expert who knows exactly what they’re doing.

The Cons of Stained Glass Window Film

As with everything, there are negatives to consider when looking at stained glass window film as well as positives.

Attract dust

Items at home attract dust and need cleaning – whether it’s in the office or in a busy room like a lounge, things need cleaning from time to time.

Window film (and stained glass) is no different. However, with this unique film, you’ll also need to consider that the dust may impact how great and vivid the colours come through in the room when the light hits.

Limited light

These windows are a striking piece of decor – but they also double as a privacy window film. Due to that sometimes they can do too good of a job at blocking the light. The more intricate the design is, the more difficult it can be for the light to filter through some of the darker colours – however, you may want to consider that the light blocking (and the cleaning up-keep) is an issue with all stained glass windows and not just the window film variation.

Which Is Better?

Ultimately, the final decision to choose between stained glass window films and a stained glass effect is down to you.

However, as the stained glass film often offers the same effect – at a cheaper price, we feel that the results from the window film outweigh the real thing.

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