Neither Blinds, Nor Curtains: The Vintage Way To Cover Kitchen Windows

Whether you're looking for a little more privacy or wanting to update your kitchen's look with a window treatment, take the road less traveled. Many people go for traditional options like blinds or patterned curtains, but those can end up feeling cluttered, dusty, and (yikes!) even boring. If you're struggling to find a functional choice that still feels stylish, skip the conventional in favor of a more creative window covering hack: Consider hanging a piece of vintage stained glass directly in front of your window.

Stained glass lets in lots of light, but some features bits that are clear, not translucent, so make sure you choose a piece that matches your privacy needs. Each piece is unique, thanks to imperfections and variations (although some design patterns can be reproduced), so you'll get to enjoy some one-of-a-kind art each time you do the dishes. This translucent glass will act as a filter, softening the glare of bright light while still offering enough for your houseplants to thrive. And as the sun shines through, it'll bounce the colors around the walls of your kitchen, making it feel magical.

Using stained glass in the home is gaining popularity. Plus, there's plenty to know about adding stained glass to your home, and hunting down the perfect piece for your window will be a blast. There are tons of options on eBay, Etsy, and even at antique stores.

Installation for this DIY project is easy, but will be a bit more involved if your glass piece doesn't already have eye hooks on it so it's ready to hang. If you're lucky and it does, all you need from the hardware store are some cup hooks; remember to choose hardware that can hold the weight of the piece. First, measure and mark where the centers of the hooks are on the upper inner part of your windowsill so your stained glass will hang centered. Then, carefully drill holes for the cup hooks. From there, just lift the panel and hook it into place.

If you scored a raw piece of stained glass without any pre-attached eye hooks, you have a little work to do. Warning: Don't try to drill into the glass or its delicate lead seams: this all but guarantees your vintage find will shatter or at least warp; plus, that won't hold the weight. To hang it successfully, you'll need to build a simple wooden frame around the glass. Secure the panel inside using clear silicone adhesive caulk (giving it 24 full hours to properly cure), and then measure then attach the eye hooks. From there, measure and hang your glass just like you would if it came with built-in hooks. 

Swapping boring blinds for a floating piece of vintage stained glass is a surprisingly simple project that'll elevate your kitchen in a big way. This is a fun way to use an old-school glass trend in your home, so enjoy the beautiful, colorful light it casts and the unique privacy it offers.