The Once-Popular Glass Trend That's Set To Have A Resurgence In 2026

Decorative glass can make quite the statement in your home. Not only that, it's on trend. Speaking to Homes & Gardens magazine, interior designer of Kailee Blalock of House of Hive Co. said she expects stained glass — yep, that once-popular style with ancient roots and religious connotations — to make a major comeback in 2026. "And no, it doesn't have to be traditional or church-like," she explained. "[Stained glass] is a bold, artistic way to bring color and light into interiors, and I think we'll see it reinterpreted in very fresh, contemporary ways." 

A quick history lesson: This colorful glass style is believed to have originated in Medieval Europe, where it's commonly found in the window panels of churches and cathedrals. More recently, in the 19th and 20th centuries, it experienced a revival as the Art Nouveau movement gained traction. Today, many contemporary designers incorporate stained glass into sculptural art pieces, light fixtures (à la the iconic Tiffany lamp), and furniture items. With bold and glamorous decor styles like art deco and maximalism on the rise for 2026, it's no wonder stained glass is projected to have a resurgence. Here's everything you need to know to incorporate this vintage-inspired glass trend into your space in the new year.

Despite their traditional vibe, stained glass accents come in many modern, playful styles. Sure, you can go the old-school stained glass route, but it's almost 2026. Why not have some fun with it? 

For a modern take on this trend, we're big fans of decorating with stained glass art that's bold, eclectic, or a little cheeky — figuratively, or literally in the case of this Small Booty Stained Glass art from Soldered Curves. (Talk about a fresh re-interpretation of an ancient art form!) If that's too provocative for your taste, hop on over to Etsy. The popular online marketplace is full of handmade sun catchers, mobiles, picture frames, and other stained glass art pieces from small artisans all around the world. Bigger home goods retailers like Wayfair sell stained glass panels and frames, too. On a tight budget? You can try your hand at making DIY "stained glass" window panels with glue and paint, two craft supplies you may already have lying around at home.

Styling stained glass panels in your home is simple. First, be sure to choose a specific panel or art piece that meshes well with your existing home decor. Then, you'll want to position your stained glass panel in a spot where natural light will shine through, whether that's on a window, across from a window, or on top of a clear glass panel on your front door. That way, you and your family can appreciate its bright colors and light-filtering capabilities in their full glory.