We're finally getting around to renovating our old Victorian house, and I'm kinda stuck on the window situation. Originally, I was dead set on bay windows because, you know, they're classic and give that cozy nook vibe. I can already picture myself curled up there with a book and some tea on rainy days. But then my partner brought up stained glass windows, and now I'm torn. Stained glass feels so authentically Victorian and adds a splash of color and personality, but I'm worried it might make the rooms feel darker or too church-y.
Anyone here have experience with either of these window styles in their own homes? Which one did you go for, and do you regret it at all? Curious to hear some real-life experiences before we commit to anything pricey.
We had stained glass in our old Victorian, and honestly, it was beautiful but a bit of a pain. You're right about the darkness—it definitely cut down on natural light, especially in winter. Plus, stained glass isn't exactly energy-efficient (speaking from experience here, our heating bills were not pretty). We ended up adding storm windows outside to help with insulation, but that kinda took away from the charm.
Bay windows, on the other hand, can actually boost your home's efficiency if you pick good double-glazed ones. You still get that cozy nook vibe you're after, plus way more natural light. If you're really set on stained glass, maybe consider just one smaller accent window or panel somewhere? That way you get the best of both worlds without sacrificing too much practicality or daylight.
Just my two cents—good luck with the reno!