The world has long since advanced past the time when stained glass was only used for medieval structures and in the grand halls of churches. Today, you can probably spot stained glass being used wherever you go.
Design has come a long way and you can even find stained glass flooring in more stylishly designed hotels. Other places where you can commonly spot this are on the window panes of restaurants, in the bathrooms of hotels and even on tables and ceilings of entertainment joints such as clubs and bars.
With the increasing popularity stained glass is enjoying these days the demand for this beautiful feature is starting to build up as well. Many love it as an inexpensive alternative to marble and gold materials while others prefer it due to the ease of maintenance. Unlike common material such as wood and metal, stained glass does not rust or corrode and can easily be wiped clean with nearly all forms of washing detergents.
Ways To Get Stained Glass
There are various different ways in which one can acquire stained glass. The most common method is obviously contracting a professional to install everything for you. For those of us who are slightly more adventurous, it is possible to purchase big pieces of ready-made stained glass from stained glass shops. DIY lovers or people who are good with tools can even try to make their own stained glass. There are many guides around which are available to help guide you through the step by step process to creating your very first piece of stained glass.
However, before you begin your adventure into stained glass territory, the most vital thing will always be to find good stained glass shops. This will be where you will get all your wares or materials. Do take note though that stained glass shops can be dealing with a full-scale stained glass installation jobs or simply supply you material to manufacture one yourself. Be certain of what the store deals with before you head down to it.
Locating A Stained Glass Shop
Look through your local business directories and you should be able to get a full list of stained glass shops in your area. Make it a point to take down a few numbers and start calling them up. Check with the shops for the exact type of service that they offer and make some basic inquiry about prices. Prices for stained glass can vary a lot. This is mostly due to how much effort and quality is put into the design itself. One important thing to be aware of is cheap replicas.
Along with the increased demand and supply for stained glass also come many low quality replicas that do not last very long. Do not waste your money on these and go for genuine, high quality pieces. High quality stained glass can last a very long time and the pieces still found in hundred year old churches are only further testament to this. |
