How much do stained glass windows cost?
How much do stained glass windows cost?
$90 – $600 average cost per square foot
$300 – $3,000 average cost per window (materials only)
$400 – $3,300 average cost per window (installed)
Average cost of stained glass windows
The average cost of stained glass windows is $90 to $600 per square foot or $400 to $3,300 total, depending on the type, size, and design. Small, prefabricated stained glass windows or simple designs cost less than average. Antique stained glass, custom-made designs, and large church windows cost more.
| Type | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Prefabricated | $90 – $250 |
| Antique | $100 – $500 |
| Custom-made | $250 – $600 |
Prefabricated
Prefabricated stained glass windows cost $90 to $250 per square foot with installation. Stained glass windows emerged in the Middle Ages but still add a unique, colorful element to modern homes. Prefab stained glass can add value to your home for a smaller price tag than antique or custom windows.
Antique
Antique stained glass windows cost $100 to $500 per square foot on average, depending on the condition and source. You might be able to find a piece at a yard sale or local antique shop for a good price, but you're more likely to find them on vintage marketplace sites or through a collector.
Custom-made
Custom-made stained glass windows cost $250 to $600 per square foot. You can find skilled artists to make a stained glass window online, but they charge premium prices for their services.
Stained glass window cost factors
Many stained glass panels include a chain to hang them on a wall. To install a stained glass window into a wall, installers charge an extra $100 to $300 for labor, depending on the size and the existing frame or space where the window will go.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $300 – $3,000 |
| Installation cost | $100 – $300 |
| Average total cost | $400 – $3,300 |
Several factors affect the cost of a stained glass window:
Design: Both custom and premade stained glass windows have a wide variety of designs. The number of panels, colors, and the overall complexity will determine the cost. Simple geometrical patterns cost a lot less than Art Deco designs or lifelike scenes.
Window frame: Stained glass windows come in multiple sizes. If you have to alter the existing window frame, you'll end up paying more.
Repairs: Stained glass repair costs $50 to $700 on average, depending on the size and severity of the damage.
Maintenance: Window maintenance for stained glass windows is a bit more complex than for standard windows. You should be gentler when cleaning stained glass windows, and if you hire a professional to clean them, you'll pay more.
If a stained glass window is not in your budget or you're renting, you can use stick-on panels to get the appearance of stained glass for $10 to $100.
Add-ons
You can bundle some related projects and potentially save money while the window professional is working:
Weatherstripping costs $1 to $5 per linear foot and can help keep your home insulated during the winter months.
Painting window trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Recessed lighting costs $125 to $300 per light and can help by highlighting your new stained glass.
How stained glass windows are made
Professionals make a stained glass window by combining pieces of colored glass into a design and then securing the pieces together with lead or copper. The process involves these steps:
An artist makes a sketch of the window's design.
They cut the glass into rough shapes.
They paint and decorate the individual pieces of glass.
The artist places the glass into a kiln to melt the colors into the glass.
They place the glass pieces and join them together with lead lines.
To complete the panel, they cement the glass pieces together.
Stained glass window FAQs
How do you clean stained glass windows?
To clean a stained glass window, use warm water and a mild soap with a neutral pH. Gently wipe the glass with a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Never use harsh solutions with ammonia or vinegar, and don't scrub the lead aggressively.
Where can I buy stained glass windows?
You can buy stained glass windows online at specialty websites, in antique shops, at art studios, or on an online marketplace.
How long does it take to make custom-made stained glass?
Stained glass windows are created by skilled professionals using delicate and expensive materials. Custom-made stained glass windowpanes take 6 to 8 weeks on average but may take up to 10 weeks.
Do stained glass windows increase the value of my home?
Yes, stained glass artwork can increase the value of your home! However, this can be risky because buyers may not appreciate the particular style or design of the stained glass. If you're more concerned about a return on investment than personal style, consider another project like upgrading to double- or triple-pane windows.
Getting estimates from stained glass window installers
Follow these suggestions to find the best stained glass companies or window installers near you:
Get quotes from multiple artists that specialize in stained glass.
Ask about their experience and the installation process.
Explore customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask the creator or installer whether they offer financing options.
Questions to ask a window installer
Ask these questions to assess the installer's experience and to ensure you select the right company for your window project:
How much experience do you have making or installing stained glass windows?
What certifications or training do you have?
Do you have a portfolio I can see?
Can you provide any references from past projects?
How much design input can I give?
How much do you charge for installation?
Do you offer any financing?
Do you use copper or lead in your windows?
How long should this project take?
What warranties or guarantees do you provide?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.