If you are choosing stained glass for a window in a private house, both options work: Tiffany stained glass and film stained glass, and both can be installed in an insulated glass unit. Tiffany is assembled by hand from separate pieces of glass: original work with the play of real glass, easy to repair if broken. Film stained glass is made on a single sheet of glass from stained glass films and lead strips: it is more affordable, does not fade and holds fragments together.
Key points
- Tiffany stained glass is assembled from separate pieces: each piece is cut by hand, ground, wrapped in copper foil and soldered.
- Film stained glass is made from hand-produced self-adhesive Decra Led and Regalead films and lead strips on a single sheet of glass.
- Both can go into an insulated glass unit; Tiffany is installed without breaking the unit’s seal or fixed on the inside of the room.
- The film holds fragments if the glass breaks and does not fade, while Tiffany stained glass is easy to repair if broken.
- Film stained glass is more affordable: the films cost much less than stained glass.
How does real stained glass differ from film stained glass?
The main difference is the material: Tiffany is assembled from real coloured glass, while film stained glass imitates it with films on a single sheet of glass.
Tiffany stained glass. The artist draws a sketch, and the craftsman cuts each piece of glass by hand, grinds it, wraps it in copper foil and solders it to its neighbours. The glass can be coloured, clear, semi-transparent, opal, with a wavy, textured or bubbled surface, or with light effects.
Film stained glass. Self-adhesive decorative stained glass films and a lead profile imitating solder lines are applied to a single sheet of glass. The workshop uses hand-produced Decra Led and Regalead films with uneven, feathered colouring. The films can be smooth, of different transparency, or textured.
| Tiffany stained glass | Film stained glass | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Assembled from separate pieces, soldered by hand | Films and lead strips applied to a single sheet of glass |
| Material | Real stained glass | Decra Led and Regalead films |
| Safety if broken | Assembled from separate pieces | The film holds fragments |
| Colour | Colour and texture come from the glass itself | Fade-resistant, the colour does not change |
| Cost | Higher: more handwork and glass | Lower: films are cheaper than stained glass |
| Insulated glass unit | Possible, without breaking the seal | Possible |
Dim Skla is a stained glass and glass workshop in Odesa, Ukraine: an art studio and a glass production facility. The studio makes both Tiffany and film stained glass, so the choice depends only on your task.
Can stained glass go into an insulated glass unit?
Yes, both kinds can. Tiffany stained glass is installed in an insulated glass unit without breaking its seal, or it can be fixed on the inside of the room. Film stained glass is easy to install and also suits an insulated glass unit.
The finished piece is installed in the window opening by the workshop’s fitters. It is best to agree on the fixing method in advance, once the window size and structure are known.
Which is safer and more durable?
Each option has its own advantage.
- Safety. The film applied to the glass can hold the fragments if the glass breaks, so film stained glass is considered safer.
- Colour. Film stained glass is fade-resistant: its colour does not change over time. This matters for windows on the sunny side.
- Repair. Tiffany stained glass is easy to repair if broken.
- Care. A window stained glass panel needs no special care after installation.
Which is cheaper and what does the price depend on?
Film stained glass is cheaper: the films cost much less than stained glass, and the work is done on a single sheet. Neither option has a fixed price; the cost is calculated after the sketch.
The price of film stained glass depends on the complexity and density of the design, the amount of film used and the type of lead strip.
The price of Tiffany stained glass depends on the number of pieces, the glass, the sketch and template, the frame and installation. The more detailed the design, the more pieces and handwork.
Which to choose for your window?
The choice starts with the task: why the window needs stained glass and what the budget is. Answer four questions.
- Why stained glass. To hide an unattractive view, screen the room from outside or add a colour accent.
- Budget. If it is limited, film stained glass gives a similar look for less money.
- Style. Any design can be made in the Tiffany technique, from a complex original piece of small details to a simple decorative composition.
- The window. Which way it faces, its size and shape, and whether the stained glass will be in an insulated glass unit.
Tiffany is chosen when the play of real glass, textured or opal glass and original work matter: its look changes during the day with the light, and the coloured glass casts reflections on the walls. Film stained glass is chosen when you need affordable stained glass, safety if broken and a colour that does not change. It can be combined with fusing, bevelled elements and painting. We describe the stained glass techniques ordered in Odesa in a separate article.
How to order stained glass for a window?
An order goes step by step: discussing the task, the sketch, choosing glass or films, cost estimate, advance payment (usually 50–70 % of the order value), production, installation and acceptance of the work.
For a quote, prepare the window dimensions and photos from outside and inside, describe what is visible from the window and what needs hiding, and collect examples of stained glass you like. Dim Skla ships across Ukraine and abroad, and the workshop and production are in Odesa at Mykolaivska Doroha 253, Prodmash plant.
FAQ
Does stained glass film fade on a sunny window?
The workshop’s film stained glass is fade-resistant: its colour does not change over time. It uses hand-produced Decra Led and Regalead films.
Can stained glass be installed in an existing insulated glass unit?
Tiffany stained glass can be installed in an insulated glass unit without breaking its seal or fixed on the inside of the room. Film stained glass also suits an insulated glass unit. The exact method is agreed based on the window size and structure.
What happens if a window stained glass panel breaks?
The film in film stained glass holds the fragments, so it is safer if broken. Tiffany stained glass is easy to repair if broken.
Can I order window stained glass to my own design?
Yes. Stained glass is made to an original sketch, and any design can be made in the Tiffany technique.
Does a stained glass window need special care?
No. A window stained glass panel needs no special care after installation.
To choose stained glass for your window, call +380 67 783 40 89 or message us on WhatsApp. Discuss your order · Stained glass windows · Film stained glass