Stained Glass Window Replacement: Bringing Empty Frames Back

Quick answer: Stained glass window replacement means building a new stained glass panel for an existing opening, often keeping the original frame, when the old glass is missing, damaged beyond repair or simply not what you want. The Glass Master, Steve Downing's studio in Thornton, CO, salvages old frames and designs replacement stained glass for homes across the Denver metro. Call (303) 457-1886 to talk about your frame.

The Empty Frame Problem

Steve gets asked at least ten times a year whether there's any way to salvage a window frame where an old stained glass used to be. Maybe a previous owner took the glass, or it broke and was replaced with plain glass or plywood. The frame is still there, a reminder of what the house once had. Usually, something beautiful can go back in.

Stained Glass Window Replacement or Repair?

Repair makes sense when the original glass is mostly intact, damage is limited, or the piece has historic or sentimental value. It's time to replace a stained glass window when the glass is gone or mostly broken, the opening holds plain glass or a board, or repair would take more effort than building new. Steve will tell you honestly which way he'd lean.

How Salvaging an Old Frame Works

1. Evaluate the frame. Is the wood solid, and is the opening square?
2. Measure precisely. Arches, ovals and settled frames need careful measuring.
3. Design the new piece. You're an integral part of the design, whether you want something true to the house's age or something new.
4. Build in the studio using Steve's copper foil and leaded technique for detail and strength.
5. Install the new stained glass in the old frame.

Design Ideas for Missing Stained Glass

• Recreate the era: jewel borders, beveled centers, diamonds and soft florals
• Match other windows that still have original glass
• Go personal with a family crest, initial or favorite flower
• Go modern: a clean geometric piece in a historic frame can look striking

If the original glass broke, save every piece. Fragments can help inspire or color-match a new design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put new stained glass in my existing window frame?

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

What if my old frame is an unusual shape?

Arches, ovals and irregular openings can all be measured and fitted with a custom piece.

Can the new window look like the original?

Steve can design a piece in the style of the original, especially with photos or fragments to work from.

Bring Your Frame Back to Life

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 examples in the windows gallery.