Stained Glass Window

Artistry in Glass

Stained glass windows, known in Dutch as glas-in-lood (glass-in-lead), are a cherished and beautiful feature found in many pre-war Dutch homes, particularly from the early 20th century (1900-1940). These windows are composed of small pieces of colored or textured glass held together in a lead framework, often forming intricate patterns or images. They are most commonly found in the upper sections (bovenlichten) of window frames and in the panels surrounding a front door, casting colorful light into the hallway and living spaces.

The Insulation Dilemma

While undeniably beautiful, original glas-in-lood is a single layer of glass with notoriously poor thermal and sound insulation properties. In an era of high energy prices, this can be a significant drawback, leading to drafts and heat loss. To combat this, many renovated properties will have their original stained glass panels encapsulated within a modern double-glazing unit. This preserves the historical aesthetic while providing the thermal performance of modern insulation glass. A prospective tenant should always check for this. If the stained glass is not double-glazed, it is a significant red flag for high heating bills and potential drafts.