Inspired by religious architecture, monastic interiors are set to define 2026, championing rustic wood, limewashed walls, and stained glass to achieve spaces that feel characterful and peaceful. While traditional monastic buildings are known for their grandeur, the look is surprisingly achievable at home.

With searches for ‘stained-glass windows’ surpassing 100k in the past month Steven Dempsey, style consultant at Shutterly Fabulous, reveals the simple DIY hack to recreate your own stained-glass windows for a fraction of the cost.

“Stained glass windows are one of the most recognisable features of religious architecture, and they’re also a simple, renter-friendly way to bring monastic interiors into your own home without a big budget. Instead of paying for a full window replacement, stained-glass window films offer an effective alternative.

“These frosted sheets come in a variety of period-inspired patterns that mimic the stained-glass effect and can be easily removed, making them ideal for renters or anyone experimenting with the monastic trend. The colours and shapes on the film refract light around the room as the sun shines through, creating an ethereal, warming glow.

“When applying stained-glass window films, ensure the glass is clean for best results. It’s also best to avoid using them on textured glass, which can affect how well the film adheres. Not only are stained-glass window films a stylish and affordable way to embrace monastic interiors, but they also increase privacy –perfect for bathrooms that lack frosted windows.”