What is Patterned Glass?

Patterned glass may be plain or colored; it contains patterns or textures. It's available in many colors, shapes and sizes. Patterned glass can be used to accent the home in different ways, such as in dishware, lamps, sinks and door panels.

A textured glass front exterior door panel can give an interesting, elegant look to a home. There are styles available to suit all types of house exteriors. For example, some patterned glass front door panels feature rippled glass in a straight-lined black door frame that suits contemporary homes. For an older character home, an elegant white door with an oval panel of etched glass can be appealing. Etched glass has a white, stenciled-looking pattern that could be in any type of design, such as graphic stripes or detailed flowers.

Vessel sinks are often made of beautifully patterned glass that can add a lot of style to a bathroom. A vessel sink is bowl-shaped and mounted above a bathroom counter top. It may be clear or in one or more transparent colors. Some vessel sinks feature patterns made with different colors of glass blended or swirled together for an art glass effect.

Painted glass lamps are often patterned with flower and leaf designs. Many of these are Victorian-style lamps with double glass shades hand-painted with roses and leaves. The shades are usually globe shaped. The look of these delicate glass lamps suits antique or traditional furniture.

Antique pattern glass is popular with collectors. Early American Patterned Glass (EAPG) is an example of what many collectors look for in antique stores, auctions and estate sales. The lace-like texture of EAPG dates back to the 1820s and 1830s in the United States. Unlike the mouth blown glass of Italy, the lacy technique was made with a pressed pattern. Pressed pattern glass was created by human-operated machines in glass manufacturing companies located mostly in the eastern United States.

Patterned window glass is available for custom ordering through fabrication companies. Different possibilities from etched to textured patterns can replace traditional clear glass windows. Checks, swirls, ripples and many other patterns used to texture glass can give style to plain windows.

In addition to window applications, patterned glass panels can be used as room dividers. Textured glass panels can divide open concept home interiors such as lofts into separate living areas while still letting light through. Depending on the space as well as the homeowner's taste, the patterned glass panels may be mounted into frames or suspended from the ceiling by stainless steel cables or chains.