Custom Stained Glass in Denver: Why Every Piece I Make Is Custom
/Quick answer: Every piece of custom stained glass I make for Denver homes is designed for one opening, one home and one person. I'm Steve Downing, founder of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, and I've worked this way with homeowners across the Denver metro since 1989. Call me at (303) 457-1886 to start a conversation about your piece.
Why I Don't Work From a Catalog
People sometimes ask whether I have a book of designs to pick from. I understand the question, but catalog designs rarely fit a real home the way they should. Openings aren't standard. Light changes from house to house and room to room. And people are different: what feels right in one home feels wrong in another.
What Custom Stained Glass in Denver Really Means
- Designed for your opening: I design for the exact space, whether it's a door, a transom, an arch or a cabinet.
- Designed for your light: a south-facing window floods with sun, a north-facing one has soft light, and I choose glass accordingly.
- Designed for your style: Victorian, Craftsman, farmhouse or modern.
- Designed for your story: a family crest, a favorite flower, a mountain you love.
That's what makes a piece truly one-of-a-kind stained glass.
How I Learned to Work This Way
Before glass, I was Executive Chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies. Every event was different, and every client had their own vision. I learned to listen, then create something specific for them. When I saw original Tiffany works in Washington, D.C., I realized glass could be just as personal.
You're Part of the Design
I believe the client is an integral part of the design process. We talk about your space and style, you share photos and inspiration, I sketch, and we refine together. Then I select glass that fits the design and the light, and I build the piece. My signature technique combines copper foil, for fine details with a painted look, and leaded glass, for strength.
What I Make
Door conversions and custom door glass (learn more), sidelights and transoms, windows, pantry and cabinet inserts, fireplace screens, wine room glass, and repairs. Every piece of custom glass in Denver homes that leaves my studio is built for one place.
Custom work fits better and means more. It's also why so many clients come back to me for another piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have stock designs to choose from?
My work is custom, so we design each piece together for your home.
What if I don't know what I want?
That's fine. We'll talk about your space and style, and I'll sketch ideas for you to react to.
Can you match glass I already have?
Often, yes. I'll look at your existing glass and design a piece to coordinate with it.
Let's Make Something Just for You
About The Glass Master: The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, Colorado, serving Denver and the north metro, including Westminster, Northglenn, Broomfield, Arvada and Brighton. Phone: (303) 457-1886.
Call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. See my work in the gallery and read more about me.
