How to think and talk (with us or anyone else) a little bit about stained glass and other windows, so that we understand each other. You can also, then (like we do), pretend that you are experts.

Lites | Came | Window Sizes | Transom Window
 

Lites (lights)

• A “pane” of glass is often called a light (lite).
• So — a large wooden or metal window with many panes of glass is a “multi-lite” (multiple light) window.
• An arched (round top) window by itself, over a door, or over another window, is shaped like a fan; so it’s called a “fanlite.”
• A tall, slender window on one or both sides of a door is called a “sidelite.”

Already you know more than most.

   

Came

The multiple pieces of glass in a “leaded” glass window are held together with “H”-shaped pieces of lead strips called came (once upon a time called calme), which are soldered together at the joints. Except that in modern times the “lead” came may actually be made, for example, of zinc, brass, or copper instead of lead. This may be for decorative (color) reasons, or for strength. In old leaded glass windows there were often iron bars (which you weren’t supposed to view) to prevent the wind from bowing and tearing loose the came and glass. Now one may, in places, use zinc came for strength. Also, the came may now be a thin strip of copper foil on the edge of each piece of glass that is run over with solder to ensure structure and strength and give another kind of decorative appeal. The copper foil technique is often used in Tiffany-style lamp shades. The windows in our gallery use lead, zinc, or (occasionally) copper came.  

   

Window Size: Drop-In vs. Daylight

There are two basic sizes to any leaded glass window:   

1. Drop-in size
2. Daylight size

When we give a size in the gallery, it is the drop-in size, so that you can tell what opening it will fit into and have support. The daylight size (which is the dimension receiving light) is often 1″ smaller in each dimension, since on each edge 1/2″ is covered by the window frame (with putty and/or a wood strip).

Transom Window

A transom window is typically above a front door, topping out just below the ceiling. It may be single or multi-lite, and may be decoratively stained.