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If you are looking for the ultimate way to show off your personality, it doesn’t get any better than utilizing this thousand-year plus old, historical art form.
Far from the ordinary, stained glass tattoos feature see-through, transparent window designs with individual pieces and shapes connected by thin frames.
The overall design can either be a single element or several things combined into one beautiful finished product. Some women choose to overlap the individual pieces while still keeping the clean fitment that you’d expect from a stained glass window.
Ultimately, your artist will determine how much space should be between each piece to look best when they are put together. Regardless of the pattern, most choose to use a solid black ink line either thin or thick, to separate each glass panel. This follows the iconic construction method of using lead.
These designs symbolize new beginnings and rebirth, of the idea that a person can be like a patchwork of different things. These images show how our bodies have been mixed with heaven and Earth; we have become just another part of those.
We are all composed of different life stories, and must work to fit all our experiences, lessons and knowledge together. When you look at the image of stained glass windows, you may see one solid piece of art, but upon closer look, all the unique details are revealed. It’s a lot like taking away an impression of someone from the first glance. However, upon getting to them know them closely, you start to notice far more intricate things about them; things you would have otherwise compltely missed.
Stained glass design idea inspiration:
Popular and historical windows: Popular places and windows:
– Augsburg Cathedral
– Saint Adelaide
– Cathedral of Brasília
– Aachen Cathedral
– Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Sebastian
– Chicago Cultural Center
– Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
– The Chapel of Thanksgiving
– Palau de la Música Catalana
– Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
– Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum
– The Domes of the Chicago Cultural Center
– The Baptistry at Coventry Cathedral
– Christ of Wissembourg
– Blue Mosque
– Chartres Cathedral
– King Arthur and Sir Lancelot
– Frank Lloyd Wright’s stained-glass window
– Brown Memorial Church
– Vence Chapel
– Grossmünster Zürich
– King’s College Chapel
– Chartres Cathedral
– Sainte-Chapelle
– York Minster
– Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
– La Sagrada Família
– The Grossmunster
– The Rosary Chapel
The feathers on the bird have so much variation of color, and so much detail, it really creates a beautiful illusion of light shining behind it. The peach shade in the roses and the forest green and golden yellow colors that surround the bird all play so well off each other.
I like the way that the artist chose to combine two different styles in this piece. The rose in the stained-glass style and the frame in a more classic one. The thick black lines that separate the different colored geometric shapes are very readable as stained glass.
This women’s tattoo reminds me of the Hogwarts Castle in Harry Potter. The classic stained-glass design window is very colorful and grand, and the way the owl’s feathers are splayed out in flight, gives this tattoo a lot of movement. When it is finished, it will look incredible, I am sure.
With a hawk that looks almost too detailed to be stained glass. The theme comes across in the window behind it. The color theory at play, between the warm yellows and reds, and the coolness of the blue-gray hawk are amazing!
Disney bodes well to this theme, as many of the castles in their movies feature stained-glass. The use of stained glass to portray Sleeping Beauty is so unique and creative! I enjoy the fact that the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Meriweather, were also included.
This small rectangular piece has a good color contrast between the light pinks of the background and the green snake image. It’s colors and image remind me of a snake slithering through the desert. The neat square it’s in is unique!
Perfect for a stained-glass theme, a rose is a classic and beautiful way to display the beauty of the art. The thick black lines on this tattoo appear almost three dimensional and really make the rose’s rich red and oranges pop well. The shine that the artist was able to recreate is also an impressive feat.
What a unique subject matter for stained glass! The cute little mouse is so different than what you would expect, as it appears to be crawling through a stained-glass window. The detailing in the textures between the “glass” and the mouse are very different and allows for a clear definition between the two.
Darker and almost creepy, stained glass works well as subject matter for this gothic piece. The placement of the window arching and coming to a point just over the wrist allows this to look almost like a gauntlet or armor. The butterfly in the foreground seems to be a focus, and probably has deep meaning behind it.
This piece impressively creates two unique tattoos with very similar subject matter! One the first, the skull seems almost shy, and has its wings closed and eyes down. The background is mostly gold and simple. The second, seems opened as it’s wing splay open, the background is livelier and more detailed.
This Lilly has a great saturation of color. The combination of dark black lines against the bright white petals creates a three-dimensional effect, perfect for the raised metal edges of stained-glass art pieces. The marble effect on the leaves in the background is also a great addition.
Red roses often represent love, and passion. The stained-glass look of this rose is a perfect way to show off its beauty. This red rose design would be perfect to represent a partner or loved one, or to show the passion and beauty of the person who wears it.
A black and white outline is a unique way to depict stained-glass. The tulips and frame look like they belong in a Victorian house’s kitchen. It’s impressive, that even without color, the subject matter can be so easily determined.
A very classic looking stained-glass windows is made more creative and interesting with the addition of a string instrument. The window reminds me of a large cathedral, and perhaps alludes to a religious meaning, or maybe even that music is seen as a religion to this individual.
Incredibly detailed, and clean, this black outline has a beautiful and unique shape as it comes to a point at both the top and bottom. Its shape is well suited for the rose’s placement on the arm. Color could be added in the future and make this a very bold piece.
I am in love with this one! The rich teal and warm hues in this piece are so beautiful! The thick outlines and wavy details in the shading of the colors, come across as stained glass, and the floral design is laid out in such a great way for the placement on the inner arm.
How trendy is the unique take on stained glass? An avocado strangely enough, makes an interesting design here. The different shapes and shades that go into this make a fun and funky design, that really stands out!
Iconic and easily recognizable, the artist did a great job of recreating the famous imagery of beauty and the beast in this tattoo. The stained-glass window featuring the duo famously appears during the movie, and it makes a perfect subject for a major Disney fan!
Cute little bees add just the right amount of playfulness to this floral take on stained-glass. There is a lot going on in this stained-glass sleeve, and it’s a great way to fill up a large area. I love how playful this can BEE, when normally, stained-glass subject matter I more serious.
Princess peach looks so cute here in a stained-glass style. A hard-core Mario fan would really love this fun design, as it brings a bit more maturity to a video game character. The little stars in the frame make a really cute addition, which allows the Mario theme to come across that much more.
Delicate daffodils look so sweet here, in this simple image. The pastel hues bode so well to the springtime flowers, and the perfect little circles that serve as a frame help the image come across as stained glass. I could see this as a small round window in a Victorian home.
An almost fence like lattice pattern is such a creative way to feature the tiny florals in this sophisticated, and feminine tattoo. I love the way the curves accentuate the flowers and complete this composition in such a delicate way.
While many people associate stained-glass being in a large grand cathedral, stained glass can also be delicate and small, and looks beautiful either way. This design showcases how simple and small pieces, can still be beautiful, a little goes a long way here.
Vivid, rich, saturated colors, and thick, clean lines really make this piece appear like art deco jewelry on the wrist. The jewel tones and floral design are perfect for someone wanting to make a statement with their tattoo. It is so eye catching!
Classic medieval imagery is shown here. It looks like a piece of a grand cathedral was cut and placed directly on the body. This would be perfect for someone that wants to have a religious tattoo, or someone who is a classic art afficionado.
A tiny rose is featured so nicely on the straight black lines that you would see through a small window or doorway of a classic Victorian home. A delicate and feminine way to feature such a classic floral choice, it makes a classic rose tattoo, more unique and delicate.
Beautiful blooms sit so nicely in the round circles that surround them in this sweet, delicate design. Perfect for someone who wants something simple and sophisticated. It is still unique and creative!
The little roses seem to be crawling and slowly growing up the delicate lattice featured here. It reminds me of the book the secret garden and would make a great tribute to the literary classic. You could even add more variety of flowers or add things in the background if you wanted more detail later.
Black and gray is not the first tattoo technique you think of when designing stained-glass as it is usually a very colorful art form. However even with the absence of color, this design manages to create a variety of shades and the illusion of light coming through the design.
I love the creative way of showing the classic idea of dark and light. A vivid yellow sun with bright blue backdrop appears cheerful and bright, and juxtaposed is a deep, red sun that looks quite menacing with light blue eyes and a warmer color palette.
The tongue in cheek humor in this tattoo is great. “Thy blessed rat” is a hilarious text to accompany the design. The artwork manages to make the creature seem very at home in a classical stained-glass window.
This looks both American Tradition style, and like stained-glass to me. I like the way both styles stand out, and blend so well together. The bold color palette also makes this a stand out piece.
Stained-glass makes a strangely perfect way to feature the mythical creature Cthulhu. The flaming eye above, really gives this a more eerie design. I wonder what it symbolizes in the mythology associated with it.
The precise line work in this piece really shows off the artist’s talent. The pastel pinks, green and blues in this artwork really look perfect together. Creating a delicate, sophisticated art piece that is beautiful and tasteful.
The neon colors on this are gorgeous! I love the way the crystal seems to be refracting a very bright light, because of the way the artist featured so many vivid hues. The sword pierced into the pile of stones, really gives a very mythical vibe.
I love the hand in this female tattoo. I love the way that it holds the rose so delicately. Hands are notorious for being hard to draw, and especially tattoo, so many come up short and this one is perfect! The clean lines of the squared background really make it stand out here.
Aquatic hues create a beautiful bejeweled like wave that curves into a perfect circle. This would be perfect for someone that loves the beach, or even better someone that surfs. People often has such a deep connection to the ocean, and what a great way to show it.
This ultra-detailed women’s design is incredible! I love that the mountains are shown in this image. Such a majestic landscape is created using the simple shapes in glass art and it has an absolute glow that comes off it, because of the color scheme and fine details included.
A latticework like fence appears with buds that seems to grow up and bloom out of it. This design is so pretty and prim. This would be a beautiful design for an older woman looking to have a tattoo done.
A teeny tiny rose is featured in the middle of this little fence like design. I love the tiny dots that add so much detail to this very simple tattoo. The color scheme of light and airy pastels is perfect to finish the petite women’s little tattoo.
Stained Glass tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do stained glass window themed designs mean and symbolize?: The beauty of stained glass windows is a timeless symbol of faith, hope, and love. For centuries, these windows have been used to adorn churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship around the world. They are a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of spiritual devotion.
Stained glass window tattoos are works of art that tell stories through their intricate designs and vibrant colors. This architectural feature can be found in churches from all denominations, each with its own unique style and symbolism. The colors used in stained glass windows represent different aspects of faith, such as blue for heaven, red for passion, and green for growth. The shapes used in the designs often represent religious figures or symbols associated with Christianity or other religions.
The light that passes through stained glass windows creates an atmosphere of awe and reverence. It is said that when sunlight passes through the colored panes it creates a rainbow effect that illuminates the entire room with its beauty. This light has been known to bring peace and comfort to those who view it.
Stained glass windows also serve as a reminder of our mortality. They remind us that life is fleeting and that we should make the most out of every moment we have on this earth. They also remind us to stay humble and thankful for all that we have been given in life.
These beautiful female window themed designs are truly powerful symbols of faith, hope, and love that will continue to inspire generations to come. Their beauty is timeless and will always be remembered as a reminder of our connection to something greater than ourselves.
My personal favorite historical stained glass windows:
What do stained glass window themed designs mean and symbolize?: Here are some of my favorite historical buildings with beautiful stained glass winows:
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France is home to some of the most iconic stained glass windows in the world. The cathedral was built between 1163 and 1345 and features three large rose windows, which are among the oldest and most impressive examples of Gothic architecture. The three rose windows depict scenes from the Bible, including stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The intricate designs of these windows are truly breathtaking, and they remain one of the most popular attractions at Notre Dame Cathedral today.
The Palace of Westminster in London, England is another famous palace was built between 1840 and 1870 and is home to two large windows that were designed by Augustus Pugin. These two windows feature intricate designs depicting various religious symbols, such as angels, saints, and other figures from Christian mythology. Considered to be some of Pugin’s finest works, they remain one of the main attractions at Westminster Palace today.
The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris was built between 1242 and 1248 by King Louis IX to house his collection of relics from Jesus Christ’s Passion. The chapel features 15 large stained glass windows that depict scenes from both the Old Testament and New Testament. These stunning works of art are considered to be some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, and they remain one of the main attractions at Sainte-Chapelle today.
The Chartres Cathedral in France was built between 1194 and 1220 and contains some of the oldest surviving examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral features several large rose windows that depict various religious symbols, such as angels, saints, and other figures from Christian mythology.
The Cologne Cathedral in Germany features stunning stained glass windows that were installed between 1248 and 1880. The cathedral features several large windows that depict various religious symbols, such as angels, and saints, among other Christian themes.
