Taking Stock of your FireSpace Decor

Stained glass is making a comeback in home décor. There is a sweeping new artistic movement in stained glass that transforms the traditional designs into a more modern sleek presence. This article is going to give you some direction on how to incorporate this new and exciting art form into your home and hopefully your heart!

The Visual Vantage Point

Step back to the wall facing your fireplace and take a visual sweep of the entire space. Is it cluttered? Is it well lit or dark? Are there bookshelves flanking the area? Is it bland, boring, colorless? What material is the surround made of? Are there windows that affect the lighting or dimensions? How wide is the mantel? Is there a television or artwork mounted above the mantel?

Some fireplaces look grand all on their own, and some need a little help. A general rule of thumb in Interior Design is to make the fireplace the focal point of the room and from there decorate outwards (except in bedrooms or kitchens).

Without seeing firsthand what your space looks like, we’ll be offering suggestions, ironically, that coincide with the products on our website, www.StainedGlassSpark.com.

WHITE FIREPLACE   If your fireplace is white and your walls are white, you need a pop of color either flanking the chimney or guarding the fireplace opening. We’d suggest wall sconces, pendant lights, or artwork for the sides of the fireplace.  The hearth would look rich in texture and color with a stained glass firescreen, or firesafe hearth rug.

MANTEL DÉCOR   You want a focal piece over the mantel, something that suggests your family pride, philosophy or heritage.  A large family portrait, a shadowbox collection of the husband’s fishing lure collection (those are colorful!), or a special piece of artwork or objet d’ art.

NARROW WALLS   It’s often hard to find something to fit onto a narrow wall especially as they always seem to be in a high traffic area. We’d suggest an ornate mirror, thin tapestry or some flat piece of beauty. There are many, many stained glass windows, mirrors and hanging panels that would be perfect. Remember, stained glass does not have to have light behind it to look fantastic!

MANTEL TELEVISION  We’re not fans of televisions mounted over the mantel.  Historically, fireplaces are the common meeting place for family and guests to sit and talk, and a looming television screen is, well…distracting. We suggest placing it in the family room - not over a mantel.

FIREPLACE WINDOWS   If you have windows on either side of the fireplace, arrange a collection of plants surrounding a stained glass panel hanging in the window or a stained glass room divider. The muted light creates color, interest and is good for most plants.

FIRESIDE BOOKCASES   Bookcase corners beg for cozy little private reading areas, a stained glass pendant light hanging above a plush armchair invites family to open those dusty tomes. If you have an end table in this area, place a stained glass lamp there with adequate wattage!

DOME CEILINGS   If you are building a home ask your contractor how much more it would cost to install a dome ceiling that will support the weight of a stained glass ceiling medallion. These are incredibly beautiful and elevate your home décor beyond elegance!

SKYLIGHTS  are desirable for the amount of light they let in. However in some areas the light is too direct and intense. A textured stained glass window will soften the direct light while allowing brightness in. Plus, it gives a pop of color to your ceiling and draws the eyes up.

WAINSCOTING    Instead of wainscoting, consider recessing fluorescent lighting horizontally along the walls where wainscoting would normally top out. Then flush mount a thin (4”-6”) strip of stained glass that encircles your room. This transforms your space into The Room. It brings color, warmth and dimension into a bland space. This can also be done just under crown moulding – breathtaking.

FIREPLACE HEARTH  One of the most phenomenally beautiful yet comfortable views you will ever see is in watching a flickering fire behind a firescreen made of stained glass. The shadows and light dance unpredictably against textures and colors on the glass. Everything becomes special, necessary and your room suddenly turns into a sacred spot you don’t want to leave. Times this by two if your fireplace is stone!  Natural settings are enhanced by stained glass.

Please tell us your tips and suggestions on how you've used stained glass in your home!