geese roses swans mission style
victorian window art deco window dogwood art deco mirror
floral bath window egret in flight roses window tudor window
click images to enlarge
Window stained glass overlays can be applied in one of two ways:
  •  direct installation onto an existing glass pane
  •  a separate glass pane which is installed as an insert over the existing window on the interior side
The choice of which method is best for you depends upon a few factors.  Normally, overlays are leaded on both sides of the glass.  However, if you have dual-paned windows, only the interior pane can be overlayed.  This means that, from the outside, the design will not look quite as good.  This may not be a factor if the window faces a side or back yard, but you wouldn't want to do this if your window will be seen from the street.

Overlays applied to existing windows are, of course, done on-site.  The extra costs incurred with travel time and less-than-optimal working conditions, will result in a higher project cost than that of an insert.  The only time you would definitely want a direct application is if the window is operable, e.g., a slider, single hung, patio door, etc.

Inserts are installed as removable panels, fitted to appear as if they were the actual window pane.  The advantages are several: generally lower cost than on-site applications, not affected should the actual window glass break or, in the case of dual-paned windows, if the seal should fail requiring its replacement.  Additionally, direct application of anything on the interior surface of a dual-paned window will void the manufacturer's warranty.