Tiffany Style Stained Glass Windows: What Changed My Career

Quick answer: Tiffany style stained glass windows use the copper foil method, where each piece of glass is wrapped in thin copper and soldered, allowing small pieces, fine lines and rich, painterly color. I'm Steve Downing, and seeing original Tiffany works in person is what pulled me into this craft. Today at The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, I blend copper foil with leaded glass for custom windows across the Denver metro; call me at (303) 457-1886.

The Day I Saw the Real Thing

I wasn't a glass artist when I first stood in front of an original Tiffany window. I was a chef, running kitchens as Executive Chef for one of Denver's largest catering companies. On a visit to Washington, D.C., I saw Tiffany's work in person, and it stopped me.

The colors seemed to glow from inside the glass. Leaves, petals and skies had the shading you'd expect from a painting, not cut glass. That curiosity never wore off, and it led me to found The Glass Master in 1989.

What Makes Tiffany Style Stained Glass Windows Different

The Copper Foil Method

Copper foil stained glass skips the lead channels. Each piece is edged in thin copper foil, fitted to its neighbors and soldered along every seam. Because the foil is so thin, you can use smaller pieces and tighter curves than with lead alone.

Glass Chosen Like Paint

In Tiffany stained glass, the glass does the shading. Streaky, mottled and textured sheets let one piece move from light to dark like a brushstroke, so choosing glass is a big part of the art.

Nature Everywhere

Louis Comfort Tiffany inspired windows lean on flowers, vines, trees, water and sky. Those themes feel right in Colorado homes, surrounded by mountains, wildflowers and big skies.

Why I Combine Copper Foil and Leaded Glass

Copper foil is wonderful for detail, but large windows need structure, and traditional lead came has held windows together for centuries. So I use copper foil for fine detail, like petals or a delicate border, and lead where the window needs strength and clean lines. Up close it looks almost painted, but it's built for a real home with real doors slamming and real Colorado weather.

Where Tiffany Style Works in a Home

• Sidelights: a floral brings color to the entry while softening the view in.
• Transoms: a long, narrow canvas for a vine or landscape.
• Bathrooms and stairwells: privacy plus plenty of light for rich color.
• Cabinets and fireplace screens: the look in a smaller dose.

I design every piece together with the homeowner. You tell me what you love, I show you how glass can get there, and we go back and forth until it feels right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tiffany style windows made by Tiffany?

No. "Tiffany style" describes the look and method, especially copper foil construction and painterly glass, while original Tiffany works are historic pieces.

Is copper foil stained glass strong enough for a window?

Copper foil works well for detailed areas. For larger windows, I combine it with leaded glass to add strength.

Can a Tiffany style design work in a modern home?

Yes. Simpler shapes, limited color or a single nature accent can feel very contemporary.

Let's Design Your Window

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.

If you've been dreaming about a Tiffany style window, call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. You can read more of my story and browse the windows gallery.