Decorative glass can add elegance at lower price

Sunlight filtering through

panes of stained glass adds an eye-catching element to any room, but as most homebuyers know, such elegance comesatacost.Havingawin- dow, sidelight or door panel decorated with stained glass involves precise craftsmanship and hands-on attention to detail that can push the price of the final product out of a budget.

But buyers or remodelers with hearts set on having a

decorative window will find a few less expensive options. One of the latest is created by silk-screening patterns onto

glass, then applying ink inside that pattern to create a design. It’s a technique used by Hy- Lite, a glass company based in Florida that works exten- sively with builders across ome the canc the “With outside country. add a textured up for silkscreen, with privacy,” a glass pattern said we to then Roger ident. “The Murphy, result Hy-Lite’s is a window pres- that’s more competitive than a stained-glass item that can be very expensive.” Decorative glass continues to be the top choice for windows over the spa or soak- ing tub in the master bath. They not only add a design element; they also allow light into a space where a window wouldn’t work. That aspect makes decorative windows even more attracti ve, said Murphy. “Think of anywhere you’re trying to put light in, but not necessarily with a window you’ll be viewing out of,” he said. “These windows as ovals, octagons or squares can add light to stairwells and closets. That’s There’s that sideration going infill light allow lots. without up a “These an on lot for you important smaller of having ho to versatility.” are mes that arehave windows plots to more close con- or the ues Murphy. curtains to make And for decorative that privacy,” fact contin- win- said dows bathrooms, extremely even in popular those with in oversized showers in place of tubs. New styles are also being made to tilt out from the bottom.

“A lot of people want to be able to open a window in the bath, but it’s also a tough place for curtains or blinds that can get moldy,” said Murphy. “These windows provide ven- tilation as well as privacy.”

Decorative windows are also proving useful in tran-

soms above traditio nalwin- dows or doors, above kitchen cabinets or counters, or in entryways. “This is where builders are looking for some- thing other than just a clear window that needs a blind or curtain,” said Murphy. In the Atlanta area, builders with Smith Douglas Homes are among those incorpo- rating more decorative windows into their house plans. In the master bath, a 4-by-4 patterned window is practically a standard. The affordability of silk-screened products makes them a good fit for the price range that starts at $120,000 and goes into the mid-$300,000s.

“They’re goi ng into a bout 85 percent of the homes we build, and last year, we built 796 in Atlanta,” said Jim Van

Kirk, Smith Douglas’ marketing director. “We used to have just one design, but now we’re offering a choice of four, even in our inventory homes. They’re a more reasonable cost alternative to a stainedglass window.”

Most important, said Murphy, decorative windows give owners what they want most: “More light.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS BY HY-LITE Decorative glass windows made with a silk-screen process offer color, light and privacy at a more affordable cost than stained glass.

Decorative windows designed to open out provide light as well as ventilation.