Stained Glass in Arvada: Ideas for Older and Newer Homes

Quick answer: For stained glass in Arvada, The Glass Master is a custom studio in nearby Thornton, CO, where owner Steve Downing repairs older windows and designs new door inserts, sidelights and windows for Arvada homes and the wider Denver metro. Every piece is designed with the homeowner. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your project.

Arvada Stained Glass for Old and New Homes

Arvada has historic streets around Olde Town and plenty of newer neighborhoods. That mix means Arvada stained glass projects range from repairing original windows to adding custom glass to a newer build.

Stained Glass Ideas for Older Arvada Homes

Repair and Restoration

Original stained glass with cracked pieces or sagging lead can often be repaired or releaded.

Bringing Empty Frames Back

Many older homes have a frame where stained glass used to be. Steve can design a new piece to fit it.

Period-Style Designs

Jewel borders, beveled centers and soft florals suit Olde Town Arvada homes and their glass.

Transoms and Half-Round Windows

Curved and high openings are natural places for art glass.

Stained Glass Ideas for Newer Arvada Homes

Front Door Inserts

A door conversion adds decorative Arvada door glass to the door you already have, typically installed in just over an hour.

Sidelights, Bathrooms and Stairwells

Textured and stained glass add privacy where homes sit close together.

Modern Designs

Geometric lines and clear textures suit contemporary builds.

How Steve Works

You're part of the design from the first conversation. Steve's signature technique combines copper foil with leaded glass for a painted look, and he'll give you honest guidance on whether to repair, restore or start fresh.

Getting Started

Send a few photos of the opening or the existing glass, rough measurements and any ideas you have. For repairs, close-ups of the damage help Steve understand what the piece needs. For new work, inspiration photos or a favorite color are a great place to begin, and the design comes together from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with homeowners in Arvada?

Yes. Arvada is part of the Denver metro area Steve serves from his Thornton studio.

Can you put new stained glass in an old frame?

Often, yes. If the frame is sound, a custom panel can be built to fit it.

Do you design modern stained glass too?

Yes. Steve designs everything from period-style windows to clean, modern pieces.

Start Your Arvada Project

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery and full stained glass gallery.

Modern Stained Glass Windows for Contemporary Homes

Quick answer: Modern stained glass windows use clean geometric lines, textured clear glass and restrained or bold blocks of color to suit contemporary homes. The Glass Master, owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, CO, designs custom contemporary stained glass for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about a modern design.

Stained Glass Isn't Just for Old Houses

Many people picture Victorian florals when they hear "stained glass." But the craft works just as well with clean lines and simple shapes, and it can add privacy and warmth to a modern home without fussiness.

Modern Stained Glass Windows: Popular Styles

Geometric

Geometric stained glass uses rectangles, squares and angles, often in an asymmetrical layout.

Minimalist

A mostly clear window with a single line or block of color.

Clear and Textured

Modern leaded glass in all-clear textures gives privacy and sparkle without color.

Bold Color Blocks

Large pieces of saturated color for a graphic statement.

Linear and Dark Lines

Lead lines become part of the design, like a drawing in glass.

Where Modern Stained Glass Works

Front doors (a door conversion adds a modern insert to your existing door), French and interior doors, bathrooms, stairwells, feature walls and kitchen cabinets.

Designing Modern Stained Glass

• Restraint is a tool. Leaving areas clear makes the colored pieces stand out.
• Think about the architecture. Echo the lines of the house, windows and trim.
• Glass choice is everything. With fewer pieces, each texture and color carries more weight.
• Technique still matters. Clean lines need precise cutting and leading, and Steve's copper foil and leaded technique handles both bold and fine work.

Mixing Modern and Traditional

Transitional homes can blend the two, such as a classic beveled pattern with a modern color accent. Every piece is custom, so the design can land exactly where you want it. Browse the windows gallery and doors gallery for examples.

Planning Your Modern Window

Start with a photo of the opening and the room around it, rough measurements and a few images of designs you like. Note how much privacy you need and which way the window faces, since light changes how clear and colored glass read throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stained glass look modern?

Yes. Geometric layouts, clear textures and restrained color give stained glass a clean, contemporary look.

Is modern stained glass good for privacy?

Yes. Textured clear glass blurs the view while keeping rooms bright.

Does modern stained glass have to be colorful?

No. All-clear textured and beveled designs are some of the most popular modern choices.

Design Something Modern

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. See more in the windows gallery.

Wine Cellar Glass Doors With Stained and Beveled Glass

Quick answer: Wine cellar glass doors with custom stained or beveled glass let you show off a wine room while adding color, sparkle and a personal design. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, designs wine room door glass, from single inserts to double doors, for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your wine room.

Why Wine Cellar Glass Doors Make Sense

A wine room is often one of the most personal spaces in a home. Glass in the door lets the collection be part of the house instead of hiding behind solid wood, and art glass turns the door itself into a showpiece.

Design Ideas for a Custom Wine Cellar Door

• Grapevine stained glass: the classic choice, with vines, leaves and clusters in rich color
• Clear beveled designs: sparkle while keeping the bottles visible
• Textured glass: softens the view for a more private feel
• Monograms and family crests: a personal mark on the door
• Modern lines: simple geometric patterns for contemporary homes
• Old World and wrought iron: see the wrought iron page

For detailed vines and leaves, Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, so the design can look almost painted while staying strong.

Insert vs. Full Glass Room

A Single Door Insert

The simplest option is one decorative panel in the wine room door.

Double Doors

A pair of doors can share one design that flows across both.

Glass Walls and Larger Projects

Some homeowners want glass beyond the door. Steve can talk through what's possible for your space.

Practical Considerations

Wine rooms are often kept cooler than the rest of the house, so ask about how the door and glass are built and sealed for your setup. Lighting inside the room makes stained glass glow from behind. And decide how much of the collection you want visible.

A stained glass wine cellar in Denver is always custom, so every piece starts with a conversation about your room and your taste. See examples in the wine cellar gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add stained glass to my existing wine cellar door?

Often, yes, depending on how the door is built. Photos and measurements help Steve plan it.

Will stained glass show my wine collection?

Clear and beveled glass show more of the bottles, while textured and colored glass soften the view.

What designs are most popular for wine room doors?

Grapevines are the classic, but clear beveled, monograms and modern designs are all popular.

Design Your Wine Room Door

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the wine cellar gallery for ideas.

Stained Glass Windows for Homes in Denver: What I've Learned

Quick answer: After designing stained glass windows for homes in Denver since 1989, my biggest lessons are simple: go a little bigger than you think, plan privacy around real sightlines, never skimp on glass quality and design the piece together. I'm Steve Downing, owner of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, and every window I build is custom-made for one home in the Denver metro. Call me at (303) 457-1886.

Lessons From Putting Stained Glass Windows in Denver Homes

Most of my best lessons came from listening to clients, before and after a piece was installed. Here are the ones I share most often about residential stained glass in Denver.

Lesson 1: Go a Little Bigger

The regret I hear most is, "I wish I'd made it bigger." Glass almost always looks smaller once it's in the wall, surrounded by trim and furniture. When we plan, I often suggest considering a size around 20 percent larger than your first instinct. It doesn't always make sense, but it's worth thinking about.

Lesson 2: Plan Privacy Around Real Sightlines

Homes in newer neighborhoods in Thornton, Brighton and Broomfield are often close together. Rather than making a whole window opaque, I plan around where people actually look in: clear spots where you want a view, textured or colored glass where you need privacy.

Lesson 3: Glass Quality Matters

When someone describes a disappointing stained glass experience, it usually comes down to poor craftsmanship or poor glass. Cheap glass looks flat and never glows. I select and blend glass carefully, because it's the one thing you can't fix later.

Lesson 4: The Details Make It Yours

A favorite flower in a corner, a color pulled from a rug, an initial in a border. Those small home stained glass ideas are often what clients talk about most.

Lesson 5: Light Changes Everything

Colorado sun moves across your home all day. A west window glows in the evening, and a north window gives soft, even light. I factor direction and season into every color choice.

Lesson 6: Design It Together

This goes back to my years as an executive chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies: the best events came from understanding what the host wanted. I believe the client is an integral part of the design, and my proudest windows came from real back-and-forth.

Where Stained Glass for Houses Works Best

Entryways, bathrooms, stairwells, living rooms with arched windows and kitchens are where I see these lessons most. Old frames where stained glass used to be also deserve a second chance; see the windows gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rooms are best for stained glass windows?

Entries, bathrooms, stairwells and living rooms are popular, but any window where you want privacy, color or a focal point can work.

Can stained glass work in a newer Denver home?

Absolutely. Designs with clean lines and clear textures look great in new builds.

Do you design every window from scratch?

Yes. Every piece is custom and designed with the homeowner.

Let's Plan 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.

Call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Read more about me or browse the home gallery.

Beveled Glass Door Inserts in Denver: What to Know

Quick answer: Beveled glass door inserts in Denver homes are decorative panels with angled, polished edges that sparkle in the light, set into a new or existing door. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, offers door conversions with beveled triple-glazed inserts across the Denver metro, typically installed in just over an hour. Call (303) 457-1886 to plan yours.

Why Beveled Glass Door Inserts Work So Well in Denver

• Sparkle and movement: each bevel bends light into small rainbows in Colorado sun.
• Privacy: bevels and lead lines break up the view while keeping the entry bright.
• Timeless style: a beveled glass front door suits traditional and newer homes alike.

How a Beveled Door Insert Installs

Adding Glass to a Solid Door

An opening is cut in your existing door, and the insert is installed with a frame that seals it in place.

Replacing an Existing Insert

If your door already has glass, the old insert can be removed and replaced with a new beveled door insert.

How Long It Takes

An insert is typically installed in just over an hour.

Insert Options

Beveled Triple-Glazed Inserts

A triple-glazed door insert sandwiches the decorative beveled glass between protective layers, making it practical for an exterior door facing Colorado weather.

Wrought Iron Inserts

Ironwork over glass gives a bold look. See the wrought iron page.

Beveled With Stained Glass Accents

Color or a stained glass motif can be combined with bevels.

Design Choices

Think about the insert's shape (oval, arched, rectangular or full-length), size (going a little larger is often worth it), privacy level, and whether it should match your sidelights and transom. Double doors can share one design across both. See examples in the doors gallery and sidelights gallery.

Caring for a Beveled Insert

Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and water or mild soap, and skip abrasive pads. If you notice fogging, rattling or a loose frame, have it checked early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a beveled glass insert in my existing door?

Yes. A door conversion adds or replaces a decorative insert in the door you already have.

What does triple-glazed mean?

It means the decorative glass is sealed between protective layers of glass, which helps shield it on an exterior door.

How much does a door conversion cost compared with a new door?

A door conversion costs a fraction of what a new decorative glass front door would, and Steve offers a free consultation.

Upgrade Your Front Door

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Learn more on the door conversion page.

Stained Glass in Broomfield: Windows, Doors and Inserts

Quick answer: For stained glass in Broomfield, The Glass Master, owned by Steve Downing, is a custom studio in nearby Thornton, CO, that designs front door inserts, sidelights, transoms, windows and cabinet glass for Broomfield homes and the rest of the Denver metro. Every piece is designed with the homeowner. Call (303) 457-1886 to get started.

Custom Broomfield Stained Glass for a Growing Community

Broomfield has a mix of established neighborhoods and newer homes, and many came with plain, builder-grade glass. Custom stained glass in Broomfield, CO, is a way to make a home feel like yours.

Project Types for Stained Glass in Broomfield

Broomfield Door Glass

A door conversion adds a decorative insert to your existing front door, typically installed in just over an hour.

Sidelights and Transoms

Custom sidelights and transoms bring light and privacy to the entry. See the sidelights gallery.

Windows

Bathroom, stairwell and accent windows in stained, leaded or beveled glass.

Cabinets, Fireplace Screens and Wine Rooms

Inserts and screens add color to kitchens, bars and living rooms.

Design Ideas That Suit Broomfield

• Clean and contemporary: geometric lines and textured clear glass
• Clear beveled elegance that sparkles in Colorado sun
• Colorado inspired: mountains, aspens and wildflowers
• Personal touches: an initial, a favorite flower or a meaningful color

What Sets The Glass Master Apart

Every piece is custom, and you help design it. Steve's signature technique combines copper foil with leaded glass for a painted look. He's known for quality, transparency and heartfelt service, and many clients come back for another piece.

Planning Tips

Photograph the opening, take rough measurements, and note how much privacy you need. If you're updating the entry, plan door glass and sidelights together so they coordinate.

What to Expect When You Call

Steve will ask about the opening, the room, the light and what you have in mind. You don't need a finished idea; many projects start with a photo or a favorite color. From there, the design takes shape together, and you'll know what the project involves before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve Broomfield?

Yes. Broomfield is a short drive west of the Thornton studio.

Can you add stained glass to a newer home's builder-grade door?

Yes. A door conversion adds a decorative glass insert to the door you already have.

Can new sidelights match my front door glass?

Yes. Steve can design sidelights to match or complement your door insert.

Start Your Broomfield Project

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the stained glass gallery for ideas.

Stained Glass in Westminster, CO: Ideas for Your Home

Quick answer: For stained glass in Westminster, CO, The Glass Master is a custom studio in neighboring Thornton, owned by artist Steve Downing, that designs door inserts, windows, sidelights and cabinet glass for Westminster homes and the wider Denver metro. Every piece is custom and designed with the homeowner. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your project.

Custom Westminster Stained Glass From Next Door

Westminster sits just west of the Thornton studio, so Westminster stained glass projects are close to home for Steve. Whether you live in an established neighborhood or a newer build, custom glass in Westminster can add light, privacy and character.

Popular Projects for Stained Glass in Westminster, CO

Front Door Inserts

Door inserts in Westminster homes are one of the most popular projects. A door conversion adds decorative glass to your existing door, typically installed in just over an hour.

Sidelights and Transoms

Custom sidelights and transoms brighten the entry while adding privacy.

Bathroom and Stairwell Windows

Textured and stained glass give privacy without blinds and turn a tall stair window into a focal point.

Kitchen Cabinets and Fireplace Screens

Glass inserts and screens bring color into living spaces.

Ideas by Home Style

• Established homes: classic beveled glass, florals and borders suit traditional architecture.
• Newer builds: clean geometric lines and textured clear glass upgrade builder-grade doors and windows.
• Colorado style: mountains, aspens and wildflowers in Steve's copper foil and leaded technique.

How Working With Steve Goes

You're part of the design from the first conversation. Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, so detailed designs can look almost painted. And you get straight answers about what your project involves.

Why Westminster Homeowners Add Stained Glass

Privacy Without Blinds

Textured and stained glass blur the view from the street or a close neighbor while keeping rooms bright.

Light Where You Need It

A dark entry or hallway can come alive with a sidelight, transom or door insert that lets daylight in.

A Home That Stands Out

Custom glass gives a house character that builder-grade glass never will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with homeowners in Westminster, CO?

Yes. Westminster is a short drive from the Thornton studio, and it's one of the areas Steve serves most.

Can you add stained glass to my existing front door?

Yes. A door conversion adds a decorative insert to your existing door for a fraction of the cost of a new decorative glass front door.

Do you repair stained glass as well?

Yes. Steve repairs and restores existing stained glass in addition to building new pieces.

Bring Custom Glass to Your Westminster Home

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the doors gallery and full stained glass gallery.

Protective Glass for Stained Glass Windows: Is It Worth It?

Quick answer: Protective glass for stained glass windows is an exterior layer of clear glass or glazing installed outside the stained glass to shield it from hail, weather and impact. It can be worth it on exposed windows, but it needs proper ventilation so heat and moisture don't get trapped. Steve Downing of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, can talk through whether it makes sense for your window anywhere in the Denver metro; call (303) 457-1886.

What Is Protective Glass for Stained Glass Windows?

Protective glazing, sometimes called stained glass storm glazing, is a separate pane of exterior glass over a stained glass window. The stained glass stays inside, and the outer layer takes the weather.

The Pros

• Hail and impact protection: the outer layer takes hits that might otherwise crack the art glass.
• Weather protection: less direct exposure to rain, snow and sun.
• Fewer drafts around older windows.
• Added security for ground-floor windows.

The Cons and Cautions

Trapped Heat and Moisture

Without ventilation, the space between the layers can trap heat and condensation, which can stress the lead and frame over time.

Changes to the Outside Look

Exterior glass over stained glass can reflect light and change how the window looks from the street.

It Doesn't Fix Existing Problems

If the stained glass is bowing or has loose pieces, those should be repaired before it's covered.

Why Ventilation Matters

A small gap with venting lets air move between the layers so heat and moisture can escape. How that's done depends on the window and frame, so it's worth discussing for your specific opening.

When Protective Glass Makes the Most Sense

Windows on exposed sides of the house, ground-floor windows and older pieces worth preserving are the most common candidates. For door glass, triple-glazed inserts already sandwich decorative glass between protective layers; see the door conversion page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does protective glass hurt stained glass?

Not when it's installed with proper ventilation. Poorly vented glazing can trap heat and moisture.

Will protective glass stop hail damage?

It adds an outer layer that takes the impact, which reduces the risk to the stained glass behind it, though no glass is hail-proof.

Should I repair my stained glass before adding protective glass?

Yes. Any bowing, loose pieces or cracks should be addressed first so they aren't sealed in.

Protect Your Stained Glass

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery to see finished work.

Why My Stained Glass Studio Is in Thornton, CO

Quick answer: My stained glass studio is in Thornton, CO, just north of Denver, and I'm Steve Downing, owner of The Glass Master since I founded it in 1989. Thornton puts me close to homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and across the Denver metro, which matters when every piece is custom and designed with the client. Call me at (303) 457-1886.

A Working Stained Glass Studio in Thornton, CO

When people picture a stained glass studio, they sometimes imagine a storefront full of finished pieces. Mine is a working studio at 9838 St. Paul Street. It's where I sketch, select glass, cut, foil, lead, solder and assemble every piece that leaves here. Racks of glass, door inserts waiting to be installed and patterns on the bench: that's a normal day.

Why Thornton Works for Me

Close to the North Metro

Northglenn is right next door. Westminster and Broomfield are a short drive west, Brighton is to the northeast, and Arvada and Denver are an easy trip south. That makes it practical to see a space in person when a project needs it, which is why I think of myself as a north metro Denver stained glass studio.

Room to Work

Custom glass takes space: glass storage, worktables and room to lay out a full-size pattern for a door or a big arched window.

Lower Overhead, Better Focus

Larger operations carry larger overhead, and that cost ends up on the customer's bill. Keeping the studio focused on making glass lets me spend my time on design and craftsmanship.

What Happens in the Studio

Every project starts with your ideas, because I believe the client is an integral part of the design. I pick and blend colored, textured and beveled glass for each piece, and I'm picky about quality. Then I build it with my signature technique, combining copper foil for fine lines with leaded glass for strength, so a window can look almost painted.

What a Local Studio Means for You

The person you talk to on the phone is the same person who designs your piece, picks the glass and builds it. There's no hand-off to a sales team or a factory. If you want to visit a stained glass studio before you commit, call first and we'll talk about your project.

Why I Still Love Coming to Work

Before glass, I was Executive Chef at one of Denver's largest catering companies, and seeing original Tiffany windows in Washington, D.C. changed my path. I still get the same feeling when light hits a finished piece for the first time. Thornton stained glass work has been my life's craft, and when a past client calls about their next project, I know the studio is doing its job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your stained glass studio?

The Glass Master is at 9838 St. Paul Street, Thornton, CO 80229, just north of Denver.

What are your hours?

You can call (303) 457-1886 from 7am to 5pm daily, and messages through the website get a reply within 48 business hours.

Do you work outside Thornton?

Yes. I work with homeowners across the Denver metro, including Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton and Arvada.

Come Talk Glass

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. You can read more about me or see recent projects.

Hail Damage Stained Glass Repair: What to Do After a Storm

Quick answer: Hail damage stained glass repair starts with saving every broken piece, photographing the damage and covering any openings from the outside, then having a stained glass studio replace the broken pieces or rebuild the panel. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, repairs storm damaged stained glass for homeowners across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 after the storm.

Hail Season on the Front Range

Hail is a fact of life along the Front Range, and hail damaged windows in Colorado are common after a big storm. Stained glass can survive more than you'd expect, but a direct hit can crack pieces or knock them out.

What to Do Right After the Storm

1. Stay safe. Wear gloves and watch for sharp edges.
2. Save every broken piece. Fragments help with color and texture matching.
3. Take photos of the whole window and close-ups of the damage.
4. Cover missing glass from the outside to keep weather out without stressing the panel.
5. Don't glue or tape it. Adhesives make proper repair harder.
6. Check everything else, including other windows, door glass and sidelights.

How Hail Damage Stained Glass Repair Works

Single Cracked or Broken Pieces

When only a few pieces are damaged, they can often be removed and replaced with matching glass.

Widespread Damage

Broken stained glass after hail that runs across much of a panel, or that has bent the lead, may need to come apart and be releaded.

When the Glass Can't Be Saved

If a panel is beyond repair, Steve can design a new piece for the existing frame.

Matching Glass After Hail

Some colors are easy to match, while older or unusual glass takes searching. The saved fragments make a big difference.

Protecting Stained Glass From Future Hail

Exterior protective glazing over a stained glass window is one option many homeowners consider, especially on exposed sides of the house. Ask about ventilation and how it would be installed for your window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hail-damaged stained glass be repaired?

Often, yes. Broken pieces can usually be replaced, and badly damaged panels can be releaded or rebuilt.

Should I remove the damaged panel myself?

It's best not to, since removing a panel can cause more damage. Cover it from the outside and call a studio.

Do I need to keep the broken glass?

Yes. Saved pieces help match color and texture during the repair.

Get Help After the Storm

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send photos through our contact page. Browse the windows gallery to see finished work.

Front Door Glass Replacement in Denver: Insert or New Door?

Quick answer: For front door glass replacement in Denver, you can add or replace a decorative glass insert in the door you already have, or buy a new door. An insert keeps your existing door, is typically installed in just over an hour and costs a fraction of a new decorative glass front door. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, offers custom door conversions across the Denver metro; call (303) 457-1886.

Why Homeowners Consider Front Door Glass Replacement in Denver

People call because the door is solid and the entry feels dark, the glass is dated or damaged, they want more privacy, or they want a better first impression. The real question is whether you need a new door or just new glass.

Option 1: A Decorative Door Glass Insert

A front door conversion adds a glass insert to your current door. If the door is solid, an opening is cut and the insert is installed with a frame that seals it into the door. If it already has glass, the old insert can be swapped out to replace the glass in your front door.

• You keep your door if it's solid and in good shape.
• Less disruption: typically installed in just over an hour.
• Cost: a fraction of the cost of a new decorative glass front door.
• Options: beveled, triple-glazed, wrought iron and custom stained glass.

Option 2: A New Front Door

A new door makes sense if yours is warped, rotting or doesn't close properly. It's a bigger project, often involving the frame and trim, and you may be choosing from a manufacturer's stock glass rather than a design made for your home.

Door Insert Styles

Beveled Glass

Clear beveled designs sparkle in the sun and add privacy.

Triple-Glazed Inserts

Decorative glass between protective layers, a practical choice for doors facing Colorado weather.

Wrought Iron

Ironwork over glass for a bold, Old World look. See the wrought iron page.

Custom Stained Glass

Color, florals, geometrics or something personal, designed with you.

The Door Conversion Process

1. Free consultation about your door, style and goals.
2. Design: choose size, shape and glass. Going a little larger is often worth it.
3. Installation into your existing door, typically in just over an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add glass to a solid front door?

Yes. A door conversion cuts an opening in your existing door and installs a sealed glass insert.

How long does a door insert take to install?

An insert is typically installed in just over an hour.

Will a glass insert make my door less private?

Not with the right glass. Beveled, textured and stained glass let light in while blocking a clear view.

Brighten Your Front Door

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Learn more on the door conversion page and browse the doors gallery.

Stained Glass Cabinet Doors: Ideas for Denver Kitchens

Quick answer: Stained glass cabinet doors use custom glass inserts, leaded, beveled, textured or colored, set into kitchen or built-in cabinet doors to add color and hide clutter. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, designs stained glass cabinet inserts for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your kitchen.

Why Stained Glass Cabinet Doors Belong in the Kitchen

The kitchen is where people gather, and cabinets take up a lot of its wall space. Swapping a few solid panels for glass breaks up all that wood, adds light and gives the room a custom feel.

Existing Doors vs. New Doors

Adding Glass to Existing Cabinet Doors

Many cabinet doors with a center panel can take a glass insert, depending on how they're built. It's a way to refresh the kitchen without replacing cabinets.

Inserts for New Cabinets

If you're remodeling, ordering cabinet doors made for glass lets you plan kitchen cabinet glass inserts from the start.

Cabinet Door Ideas

• Leaded glass cabinet doors in clear glass for a classic look
• Textured glass to soften the view of dishes and clutter
• Beveled accents for sparkle under the lights
• A touch of color in a border or a few jewels
• Full stained glass designs, florals or landscapes, in Steve's copper foil and leaded style
• Modern lines in simple geometric patterns

Where to Use Glass Cabinet Doors

Upper kitchen cabinets, butler's pantries, bar cabinets, built-ins beside a fireplace and bathroom vanities all work well.

Planning Tips

Choose which doors get glass; a few accent doors can look better than all of them. Think about lighting, since in-cabinet lights make glass glow at night. Coordinate with the room's colors and any other stained glass in the house.

Steve designs every piece with the homeowner and builds it in his studio, so each insert fits the door it's made for. See examples in the fireplace and cabinets gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put stained glass in my existing cabinet doors?

Often, yes, depending on how the doors are built. Photos and measurements help Steve tell you what's possible.

Will glass cabinet doors show my clutter?

Not if you choose textured or patterned glass, which softens the view of what's inside.

Can cabinet glass match other stained glass in my home?

Yes. Steve can design cabinet inserts to coordinate with door glass, windows or other pieces.

Update Your Kitchen

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the fireplace and cabinets gallery for ideas.

Looking for Stained Glass Near Me in Thornton? Start Here

Quick answer: If you're searching for stained glass near me in Thornton, The Glass Master is a custom stained glass studio in Thornton, CO, founded in 1989 and owned by artist Steve Downing. Steve designs and builds door inserts, windows, sidelights, transoms, cabinet glass and repairs for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily.

Why Stained Glass Near Me in Thornton Makes Sense

Stained glass is personal and built for a specific opening, so it helps to work with someone close by. A local studio can look at your space, talk through the design in person and handle installation without a long trip. For stained glass in Thornton, CO, and north Denver stained glass projects, The Glass Master is right in the neighborhood.

What a Thornton Stained Glass Studio Offers

• Door conversions and inserts: add decorative glass to your existing front door, typically installed in just over an hour. See the door conversion page.
• Windows: custom stained, leaded and beveled windows.
• Sidelights and transoms: light and privacy around the entry.
• Cabinets, pantries and wine rooms: glass inserts for interior doors.
• Fireplace screens and special projects.
• Repair and restoration of existing stained glass.

What to Look for in a Stained Glass Studio Near Me

• Custom design built around your home, not a catalog
• Photos of finished work you can review
• Clear, honest answers about what your project involves
• A real conversation with the person who will make the piece
• Quality glass and careful craftsmanship

What Makes The Glass Master Different

Steve founded The Glass Master in 1989 after a career as an Executive Chef, inspired by Tiffany works he saw in Washington, D.C. His signature technique combines copper foil with leaded glass for a painted look. Every piece is custom, and clients take part in the design. Many come back for another piece.

Areas Served Around Thornton

From the Thornton studio, Steve works with homeowners in Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Arvada and throughout Denver.

How to Get Started

Call or send a message with photos of the space, rough measurements and any ideas. You can also browse recent projects to see current work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Glass Master located?

The studio is at 9838 St. Paul Street, Thornton, CO 80229, just north of Denver.

What are your hours?

You can call (303) 457-1886 from 7am to 5pm daily, and messages are answered within 48 business hours.

Is all your stained glass custom?

Yes. Steve designs every piece with the client for their specific home.

Visit Your Local Stained Glass Studio

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886 or send a message. Browse the stained glass gallery for ideas.

My Custom Stained Glass Design Process, Step by Step

Quick answer: My custom stained glass design process has six steps: a first conversation, understanding the space, sketching the design together, choosing the glass, building the piece in my studio and installation. I'm Steve Downing, owner of The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, and I work with homeowners across the Denver metro. Call me at (303) 457-1886 to start.

Why My Custom Stained Glass Design Process Starts With You

When I left my career as an executive chef and founded The Glass Master in 1989, I brought one lesson from the kitchen: the best results come from listening to the people you're creating for. A beautiful dish the host didn't want isn't a success, and the same goes for glass.

The client is an integral part of the design. You know your home and how you live in it. I know glass, light and structure. Working with a stained glass artist should bring those together.

Step 1: The First Conversation

You call or send a message about what you're thinking: a door conversion, a bathroom window, sidelights, cabinet inserts or something different. You don't need a finished idea. Photos of the space and rough measurements help.

Step 2: Understanding the Space

Which way does the opening face? How much privacy do you need? What's the style of the house, and what colors are in the room? I've always been interested in architecture and natural light, and these answers shape the design more than anything.

Step 3: Sketching the Custom Stained Glass Design Together

I put ideas on paper and we adjust until it's right. I tell almost everyone two things: glass often looks smaller once installed, so consider going a bit larger, and think about the small details, like an initial or a favorite flower, that make a piece personal.

Step 4: Choosing the Glass

I select and blend colored and textured glass for each piece. Glass quality is one of the biggest differences between a window you love for decades and one that disappoints.

Step 5: Building the Piece

I build it in my studio just north of Denver, combining copper foil for fine lines with leaded glass for strength, so a window can look almost painted. Every stained glass commission is custom; nothing comes off a shelf.

Step 6: Installation

For door conversions, an insert typically goes in in just over an hour. For other pieces, we talk through what your opening needs.

Plenty of clients have come back to me for another piece, and I think this transparent process is a big reason why. It's the same process I use for every custom stained glass project in Denver and the north metro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a design idea before contacting you?

No. Many projects start with a feeling or a few photos, and we build the design together.

Can I make changes to the design?

Yes. Adjusting the sketch until it feels right is part of the process.

What should I send to get started?

Photos of the space, rough measurements and any inspiration images you have.

Start Your Design

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. Read more about me and see finished work in the stained glass gallery.

Beveled Glass Windows in Denver: How They Catch the Light

Quick answer: Beveled glass windows in Denver homes use pieces of glass with angled, polished edges that act like prisms, scattering sunlight into rainbows while softening the view for privacy. The Glass Master, owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, CO, designs custom beveled windows and door glass for homeowners across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to plan a design.

What Is Beveled Glass?

Beveled glass is thick glass with its edges ground and polished at an angle. When many beveled pieces are joined with lead came, the result is a window that sparkles from every angle. Beveled glass can be all clear or combined with color.

How Beveled Glass Windows Catch Denver's Light

The Prism Effect

Each angled edge bends light, throwing small rainbows across walls and floors. Colorado's strong, bright sun makes the effect especially lively.

Privacy Without Darkness

The angles and lead lines break up the view, so clear beveled windows offer some privacy while letting in nearly all the light.

Sparkle From Every Angle

As you move through a room or the sun moves across the sky, the window keeps changing.

Where Beveled Glass Shines

• Entry doors and sidelights: a beveled glass front door is a classic, welcoming look.
• Transoms: bevels catch light high above a door or window.
• Living rooms and stairwells: large openings get the most sun and the most sparkle.
• Angled and bay windows: several faces mean light hits at many angles.
• Cabinets and fireplace screens: smaller pieces bring the effect indoors.

Design Options

All-Clear Beveled

Clear beveled designs with a central motif are timeless and suit almost any home.

Beveled With Color

A few colored accents or jewels warm up a clear design.

Beveled Stained Glass

Bevels can frame a full stained glass design. Steve often combines beveled glass with copper foil and leaded work so detailed areas look almost painted.

Planning a Custom Beveled Window

Measure the opening, note which way it faces and how much privacy you need, and gather a few styles you like. Steve designs every piece with the homeowner, so the pattern fits your home. For a front door, a door conversion can add beveled glass to your existing door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between beveled glass and stained glass?

Beveled glass refers to thick glass with angled, polished edges, often clear, while stained glass usually refers to colored glass. The two are often combined.

Do beveled windows provide privacy?

They provide some privacy by breaking up the view, and textured glass can be added where more is needed.

Can beveled glass be used in doors?

Yes. Beveled door glass and sidelights are among the most popular uses.

Add Some Sparkle

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery for beveled designs.

Stained Glass Entryway Ideas for Denver Homes

Quick answer: A stained glass entryway combines a door insert, sidelights and a transom into one custom design that brightens the foyer and adds privacy at the front door. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, designs entry glass for homes across the Denver metro, including conversions of the door you already have. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your entry.

The Three Parts of a Stained Glass Entryway

The Door Insert

The door glass is the centerpiece. If your door is solid, a door conversion can add a decorative insert to it, typically installed in just over an hour.

Sidelights

The narrow windows beside the door bring in light. Entry door sidelights and transom glass are where privacy matters most, since they face the porch.

The Transom

The window above the door frames the whole entry and catches light high up.

Stained Glass Entryway Ideas

Classic Clear Beveled

Clear beveled glass sparkles in the sun and suits almost any home style.

Color Accents

A clear or textured field with a colored border or a few jewels adds personality without darkening the foyer.

Floral and Nature Designs

Steve's copper foil and leaded technique lets florals and landscapes look almost painted.

Modern and Geometric

Clean lines and textured clear glass suit contemporary entries.

Wrought Iron Inserts

Glass paired with wrought iron gives a bold, architectural look.

Planning the Whole Entry

These front entry glass ideas work best when you plan them together:

• Start with what you have. Note which openings exist and what condition the glass is in.
• Think about privacy levels. Sidelights may need more texture than a high transom.
• Coordinate, don't copy. The pieces should feel related, not identical.
• Go a little bigger where you can; glass often looks smaller once installed.

Every design is built around you. Steve works with each homeowner on the design, so the entry reflects your home rather than a catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add stained glass to my existing front door?

Yes. A door conversion adds a decorative insert to your existing door for a fraction of the cost of a new decorative glass front door.

Do my sidelights and door glass have to match?

No. They should coordinate, but many of the best entries use related designs rather than identical ones.

Will a stained glass entry make my foyer darker?

Not if it's designed for light. Clear, beveled and textured glass keep the entry bright while adding privacy.

Design Your Entry

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the doors gallery and sidelights gallery for ideas.

Custom Stained Glass Windows in Denver: Planning Your Design

Quick answer: Custom stained glass windows in Denver are designed and built for one specific opening and one homeowner, from the pattern and colors to how the glass handles light and privacy. At The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, owner Steve Downing designs every window together with the client and builds it in his studio for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to start planning.

How the Custom Stained Glass Design Process Works

It Starts With You

Every project begins with a conversation about the room, the light, the view and what you love. Photos, sketches or a favorite color are all good starting points, but you don't need a finished idea.

Thinking About the Light

Steve considers which way the window faces, how much privacy you need and how the colors will look at different times of day.

Choosing the Glass

Clear, textured, beveled and colored glass each behave differently. Choosing glass is a big part of the design.

Building the Piece

Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, so fine details can look almost painted while the lead adds strength. Every piece is made-to-order stained glass, built for your opening.

Stained Glass Window Design Ideas That Fit Denver Homes

• Colorado landscapes: mountains, aspens, wildflowers and big skies
• Traditional and Victorian: florals, borders and jewel accents for older homes
• Modern and clean: geometric lines and clear textured glass
• Personal and heirloom: family crests, initials or a meaningful symbol

Where Custom Stained Glass Windows Make the Biggest Impact in Denver Homes

Entry sidelights and transoms, bathroom windows, stairwell landings and windows that face a neighbor are the spots where custom glass changes a room the most.

Tips Before You Start

• Measure the opening and photograph it with the surrounding wall.
• Note which direction it faces and how private it needs to be.
• Collect a few images of styles you like.
• Consider going a little bigger; people rarely regret it.
• Share your budget early so the design fits it.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Panels

Ready-made panels come in standard sizes and generic designs. Custom stained glass design means the piece fits the opening exactly and reflects your home and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a design in mind already?

No. Many clients start with only a feeling or a color, and the design takes shape through conversation with Steve.

Can you make a stained glass window for an existing opening?

Yes. Custom windows are built to the measurements of your existing opening.

Can stained glass windows be modern?

Absolutely. Geometric designs and clear textured glass suit contemporary homes well.

Start Your Custom 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.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery and read about Steve.

Leaded Glass Windows in Denver: A Homeowner's Guide

Quick answer: Leaded glass windows in Denver homes are panels of glass, often clear, textured or beveled, held together with strips of lead came to create patterns that add privacy and sparkle. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's custom studio in Thornton, CO, designs and builds custom leaded glass for homeowners across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to plan yours.

What Are Leaded Glass Windows?

A leaded window is made of many pieces of glass joined with H-shaped lead came and soldered at the joints. The lead lines become part of the design, forming diamonds, grids, curves or detailed patterns.

Leaded Glass vs. Stained Glass

People use the terms interchangeably, but there's a difference. "Leaded glass" describes how the window is built. "Stained glass" usually means colored glass. A clear beveled window is leaded glass with no color at all, while a colorful floral may be both. Many of Steve's pieces combine leaded construction with copper foil detail for a painted look.

Why Homeowners Choose Leaded Glass Windows in Denver

• Privacy with light: textured and beveled pieces blur the view while keeping rooms bright.
• Sparkle: leaded beveled glass throws prisms of light in Colorado sun.
• Timeless character: leaded patterns suit older homes and look sharp in newer ones.

Room-by-Room Ideas

Entryways

Leaded sidelights, transoms and door inserts are the classic use, framing the front door with light.

Living Rooms and Offices

A leaded transom over a picture window or a leaded pane in an office adds character without blocking light.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Textured leaded glass gives a bathroom privacy without blinds, and a leaded cabinet door or window above the sink adds charm to a kitchen.

Common Patterns

Diamond and grid patterns, beveled centers with a decorative motif, and clear designs with a few colored jewels are all popular. Because every piece is custom, the pattern can be built around your home's style.

Caring for Leaded Glass

Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Watch for bowing, loose pieces or cracked solder joints, and have them checked early before they spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leaded glass windows only for old houses?

No. Clean geometric patterns and clear textured glass look right at home in new construction and modern designs.

Can you match an existing leaded window?

Often, yes. Steve can design a new piece that matches or complements existing leaded glass in your home.

Can leaded glass be combined with color?

Yes. Many designs mix clear and beveled glass with colored accents or a full stained glass motif.

Plan Your Leaded Glass 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.

Call Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the windows gallery and home gallery for ideas.

Copper Foil vs. Leaded Stained Glass: Why I Combine Both

Quick answer: The difference in copper foil vs leaded stained glass is how the pieces are joined: copper foil wraps each piece in thin copper and solders every seam for fine detail, while leaded glass sets pieces in H-shaped lead came for strength and clean lines. I'm Steve Downing, and at The Glass Master in Thornton, CO, I combine both methods so a window can look almost painted and still be built to last. I work with homeowners across the Denver metro; call me at (303) 457-1886.

Two Stained Glass Techniques, One Goal

Every stained glass piece faces the same challenge: dozens or hundreds of separate pieces need to become one strong panel. People ask me about the two main stained glass techniques all the time, so here's how I'd explain it at my workbench.

How Leaded Stained Glass Works

Each piece is cut to the pattern and slipped into lead came, a soft metal channel shaped like an "H." The joints are soldered, and cement is worked under the lead to seal and stiffen the panel.

Lead is great for strength in larger windows and doors, bold lines that read from across a room, and classic looks like clear beveled and diamond patterns. Its limit is width: very small pieces and tight curves are hard to do in lead alone.

How Copper Foil Stained Glass Works

Each piece is edged with thin adhesive copper foil, fitted together on the pattern, and soldered along every seam, front and back. It's the approach associated with Tiffany's lamps and windows.

Copper foil stained glass excels at small pieces, tight curves and painterly shading. On its own, though, a large foil panel doesn't have the built-in structure of lead.

Copper Foil vs. Leaded Stained Glass at a Glance

• Detail: foil wins for small pieces; lead is better for bold, simple lines.
• Strength: lead gives large panels more structure.
• Look: lead lines are wider and graphic; foil seams are thinner and blend in.
• Best uses: lead for doors, large windows and geometrics; foil for florals and detailed accents.

Why I Combine Both

When I first saw original Tiffany windows in Washington, D.C., I was struck by how they looked painted. I've chased that effect since I founded The Glass Master in 1989. But I build for real homes, with doors that open and close all day and Colorado weather outside.

So in the same window, I use copper foil where I want fine detail, like the petals in a floral transom, and lead where the piece needs strength. That combination is my signature.

You don't need to know any of this to work with me. When we design your piece together, I'll suggest the right mix for the opening and the detail you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copper foil or leaded glass stronger?

Leaded glass generally gives large panels more structure, which is why I pair copper foil detail with leaded construction in bigger pieces.

Which method is better for a front door?

Door glass handles daily use, so leaded construction plays a big role. Detailed accents can still use copper foil.

Do you repair both kinds of stained glass?

Yes. I work in both methods every day, so I'm comfortable evaluating pieces built either way.

Let's Talk About Your Piece

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're curious how the two could come together in your home, call me at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Read more about me or browse the stained glass gallery.

Stained Glass Transom Windows for Denver Homes

Quick answer: A stained glass transom in Denver homes is a custom art glass panel set in the window above a door or window, adding color and light while keeping privacy. The Glass Master, owned by Steve Downing in Thornton, CO, designs and builds transom glass for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about yours.

What Is a Transom Window?

A transom is the horizontal window above a door or another window. Many homes have them over the front door, between rooms or above large picture windows. Because transoms sit high, they bring in light without giving up privacy, which makes them perfect for stained glass.

Why a Stained Glass Transom Works So Well in Denver

Colorado sun is strong and our days are bright most of the year. Transom window glass catches that light first, so color moves across the room as the day goes on. Swapping plain glass for art glass is one of the simplest ways to add character to a room.

Where to Put a Transom

Transom Above the Front Door

A transom above the front door frames the entry. Paired with a door insert and sidelights, it pulls the whole entry together.

Interior Doors

Transoms between rooms let light pass deeper into the house while keeping rooms separate.

Stairwells and Picture Windows

A transom above a large window or on a stair landing adds color up high, where it gets the best light.

Popular Transom Styles

• Leaded glass transom designs in clear and beveled glass, for sparkle with a classic look
• Floral and nature themes, like a vine or flowers running the full length
• Modern and geometric lines for contemporary homes
• Half-round and arched transoms, fitted to curved openings

For detailed florals, Steve combines copper foil with leaded glass, which allows fine lines and a painted look while the lead adds strength. See examples in the transoms gallery.

Planning Your Stained Glass Transom

Measure the opening, take a photo of it with the surrounding wall, and note the direction it faces. Think about whether it should match your door glass or simply coordinate with it. Steve designs every transom with the homeowner, so you can bring as much or as little of an idea as you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add stained glass to an existing transom?

In many cases, yes. A custom panel can be made for the existing opening, depending on how the frame is built.

Can a transom match my front door glass?

Yes. Steve can design a transom to match or complement your door insert and sidelights so the entry reads as one design.

Do transoms work in modern homes?

They do. Simple geometric designs or clear textured glass look clean and contemporary.

Let More Light In

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 Steve at (303) 457-1886, 7am to 5pm daily, or send a message. Browse the transoms gallery and the full stained glass gallery for ideas.