Traditionally, stained glass patterns were used in church architectures. Now they are increasingly used in shopping centers, office buildings, international airports, bars, hotels, and private houses.

A wide selection of original, fresh, and natural stained glass patterns are offered for sale. Stained glass patterns often come with fancy names such as Holly and Ivy, Wonder in Amber, Imagination Unbridled, and Moonlight Dreams. Plenty of stained glass patterns are available on the Internet. Custom-made stained glass patterns are also available at many stained glass studios. A customer gives them their idea or vision, and the studio artist draws up sketches that are used to create custom glass patterns. In modern times, computers provide infinite possibilities for the custom-made of stained glass patterns.

Stained glass patterns are mostly used for lanterns, clocks, ceiling fixture, lead figurines, lead lights, panels, photo frames, lampshades, jewelry boxes, sun catchers, spinning crystal sun catchers, candle holders, wreaths, window corners, and tissue boxes. The patterns include flat patterns, mosaic mirror patterns, up-light and down-light patterns, and kaleidoscopic patterns. Oriental, Victorian, and Celtic designs are also available.

Common panel images include discus fish, gourmet harvest, magnificent lyre bird, lesser birds-of-paradise, climbing rose, humming birds, and waterfalls. Other themes commonly featured are ribbon horse, real snowflakes, desserts, garden flowers, backyard birds, exotic birds, and coral leaf. Lampshade patterns come in a variety of flavors such as humming birds, mini peaches, climbing roses, strawberry garden, plum tree, and spring bulbs.

Stained glass patterns are available on compact disks in tif, glass eye 2000 (stained glass software), and jpg formats. The main advantage of computer-generated patterns is that they can be resized, re-colored, and reshaped. There are a number of books available on stained glass patterns. Also available are a wide range of online design books, for those interested in learning more about stained glass patterns.