Stained Glass Around the World: From Europe to the Middle East

When it comes to forms of art with a vast history and meaning, stained glass art in Europe (and, well, all over the globe) is 100% on the list. Just take a look at the stained glass in medieval Europe. Chartres and Notre-Dame in France, tortoise shell-shaped windows of Gaudí in Barcelona, the largest stained glass window in Europe in Great Saint Laurence Church, and Persian “orsi” windows in the Middle East are just a few examples of out-of-time handmade stained glass art. There’s actually more to it! While classy crafts are usually focused on religion, modern stained glass designs go beyond it. They are the source of color, privacy, art, and light effects.

Cool Uses of Classic Art in 2025’s Spaces

You can do a lot with stained glass materials in the interior of the 21st century. The good news is - we did some homework here. So, you’re about to dive into some of the hypothetical or real-inspired ideas of how to blend light-filtering panels into today’s interior. Based on EU and Middle Eastern traditions (special muses in our creative research), the recommendations below blend well with the products we offer.

• Mediterranean villa. A desirable choice for many, it hooks with terracotta tiles, wooden beams, and white or light plaster walls. Here’s an interior idea: install a panel with warm hues (amber, burnt orange, ochre, gold) and mid century modern stained glass patterns over the main entrance. Now, sit in an armchair with a Negroni and admire the way the French Riviera’s midday sun casts golden tones into the entry hall. Add a couple of suncatchers in the windows as a cherry on top!
• New-age co-working spaces. You are welcome to use stained glass panels or fixed windows as partitions between meeting, call, rest, conference, and other settings. Geometric patterns (typical for this décor) are most likely inspired by Islamic art (repeated geometric tessellations, star shapes, etc.). In communal areas, modern stained glass lamp shades are also a hit. As for the smaller bird or butterfly suncatchers, they look stunning in window frames, especially in break areas where some playful tones are always a good idea.
• Urban apartment with minimalist style. Here, fancy items like a modern stained glass chandelier or a baroque crystal-embedded panel won’t fit. Instead, pick a simple rectangular panel above the shower (in safety glass) or bathtub. If not, consider adding glazed sliding door panels with minimal color to create the urban room you love best. Install 1-2 suncatchers near kitchen windows or a lamp to have some ambient lighting.
• Café or restaurant with EU/Middle East fusion. More than just dressing - windows or arched panels reminiscent of mashrabiya - top our hit parade of décor in dining areas. Insert patterned colored glass to filter light, and see how east and west happily coexist in your special place. One of the labels of the Arab world, mashrabiya, is a synonym for beauty and utility.Hang a stained glass chandelier modern over tables, add candle holders, counters, and tabletops encrusted with mosaics. These touchpoints are the gems to set your place apart from the pack.

In a gadgetized world, stained glass mid century modern or luxe ornamental décor signals a classy-but-new feeling, handcraft, and naturally bounces light around the space. We’re proud to provide creative souls with a wide range of authentic products for every taste and purpose, every home and special event. And a bonus from us - more stories on our stained glass blog!