At Artscape, every window film has a story, but few carry the history, craftsmanship, and enduring popularity quite like Magnolia. We had the chance to chat with Kate Troyer, Artscape's talented creative director, about how Magnolia was made and why it’s become one of our most iconic designs.
The Making of Magnolia
"Magnolia was actually created before my time here at Artscape," Kate shares. "What’s fascinating about Magnolia is that it was made in a much different way than most of our window films today."
Rather than being drawn digitally or sketched out in a studio, Magnolia began life as a physical stained glass masterpiece. A stained glass artist collaborated closely with Artscape, building the design by hand as a 24 by 36-inch piece using authentic Tiffany glass and real wood framing.
"Tiffany glass has this remarkable variation, depth of color, texture, and luminosity that’s difficult to replicate in other materials," Kate explains. "It’s a specific type of glass we often try to emulate because it brings that authentic stained glass feel."
Once the physical piece was completed, it was photographed extensively under different lighting conditions. Those photographs were then merged and carefully processed to become the final window film. "So what you’re seeing when Magnolia is applied to a window is the richness and depth of real glass, captured through light and photography," Kate says.
What Makes Magnolia So Successful
When asked why Magnolia has remained one of Artscape’s top-selling window films over the years, Kate points to its authenticity.
"You can really see the luminosity in the final product," she says. "It feels like it glows when sunlight comes through. Because it was originally created as a real stained glass piece, the depth and natural variation shine through in a way that feels genuine. That’s hard to achieve if you’re starting with a purely digital design."
This ability to create something that feels like true stained glass, without the cost or fragility of actual stained glass windows, is one of the reasons Magnolia continues to resonate with customers year after year.
Magnolia’s Influence on Future Designs
But Magnolia didn’t just succeed, it also paved the way for how Artscape approaches design.
"One thing that sets Magnolia apart is that it’s not a repeating pattern," Kate points out. "The composition is unique across the entire piece. You’re not looking at a simple repeating motif, you’re looking at a full artwork designed specifically for your window."
That approach had a lasting influence. Inspired by Magnolia, Artscape began focusing on creating window films that are more than decorative, they’re works of art.
"Another key aspect of Magnolia is how the placement of glass creates a focal point," Kate adds. "The way the light gathers at the center and radiates outward informed how we’ve designed future films, ensuring they interact beautifully with natural light."
A Lasting Legacy
Magnolia’s success story is one anchored in artistry, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Its creation stands as a testament to Artscape’s commitment to blending function with beauty, offering privacy and design while transforming a window into a glowing focal point.
"It’s always been a bestseller," Kate reflects, "and I think it’s because it truly feels like stained glass. There’s something timeless about the way it captures light and color. It never goes out of style."
Over the years, Magnolia has not only stood out as a design favorite, but it’s also earned thousands of positive customer reviews. Many people have shared on social media and Amazon that they've had Magnolia installed for up to 25 years—and it still looks as stunning as the day they applied it. There’s a real sentimentality around this piece. It has become part of people’s homes, quietly nurturing their spaces with its glow. For many, Magnolia isn’t just a window film—it’s a long-standing part of their daily lives, offering beauty, comfort, and light year after year.
Check out the Instagram reel here.
