Love the look of vintage leaded glass windows? Well, you can put a custom leaded glass window look in your house for a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
The hardest thing about this project is deciding on a design that works for your space and style. The window I wanted to "makeover" was my window in my stairwell. I put in interior wood shutters, which I love, but I still wanted something interesting without overpowering the small area. I decided on making my own faux leaded window with no stained glass coloring. I previously made one of these for a window we didn't end up using, so this is my "take two."
My window is 56x32", so not a small accent window, but a substantial focal window. The thing that needed the most planning was factoring in the size. Hobby Lobby sells all you need, but the thin plexi glass sheets do not come large enough. In fact, I needed 3 of their largest size ($6.99 each before coupon) to fill up my window. With that came strategic design plans and making a pattern that disguised the seams. Here is what I came up with:
I cut and planned and measured a ton, and then, you just have to go for it! As it is, this stuff is not expensive, and it's not on anything permanent. So, don't worry! The worst case scenario is just tossing it in the trash and nothing changes.
I mentioned applying the different paints in different ways to add style and believability to the piece. I chose a stiff paint brush for horizontal strokes, a foam sponge brush for dabbing (leaving bubbles), and using the tip of the paint nozzle in circular motions for "swirls."
Here is the center panel with no fancy design, just the line work, making sure my strips align up against the edges where the other panels will connect...making that seam "disappear." You can also see the protective plastic film on the underside of the plexi glass. I suggest keeping that there until you hang it up. No sense in exposing it to scuffs and scratches early on. I say this, and yet, I still ended up with some scratches...I don't know how.
I installed each section with just a generous dap of hot glue in the corners on the plastic window trim of the existing window. I did struggle a bit between keeping the lines straight, and keeping them fluid from one section to the other. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close. It looks how I envisioned it and I am glad I did all the work. It was a weekend project, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. I did stop for long periods of time (i.e. eating, soccer games, dry time) but it will take some planning and patience...maybe less if your window is smaller and/or your pattern is simpler.
Total cost of this DIY: ~$35 (always use that 40% coupon at Hobby Lobby!)
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