Home Tours

How to make the most of leadlight windows

Our tips on including these charming features in your period home
John Downs

Leadlight windows display a delicate time-honoured art of yesteryear. Here’s how to include them in your home.

Leadlight delight | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
Indoor architecture (Credit: John Downs)

More than just a sum of their parts, each leadlight window is handmade and takes loving care and the skill of an artisan to produce, protect and restore.

Architectural designs include them in sash, bay and entryway windows both indoors and out.

Leadlight delight | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
Let the sunshine in (Credit: Derek Swalwell)

If you’re lucky, your home may have retained beautiful, original designs intact, or in a condition good enough to be matched or duplicated. Alternatively you can have your own design custom made by a licensed glazier. Second hand windows in their original frame can also be purchased from restoration yards.

Leadlight delight | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
Delicate details (Credit: Derek Swalwell)

The lead ‘cames’ that divide small panes of glass also hold them in place. These, together with the decorative glass pieces can be restored, usually involving the removal of the window, which is taken away for studio repair. Search online for a licensed leadlight glazier near you.

Leadlight delight | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
Hallway entrance (Credit: John Downs)

For more inspiration, click here.

Related stories