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How much does custom stained glass cost? Per square foot, design and fitting
Short answer: stained glass is usually priced by area and then adjusted for design complexity (number of pieces and how intricate the cuts are), glass type, construction method (lead came or copper foil), painting or fusing, and framing and installation. For a US reference point, HomeGuide gives USD 250 to 600 per square foot for custom-made stained glass windows, and USD 50 to 700 for an average stained glass repair (HomeGuide, checked 27 October 2026). Small hanging panels and suncatchers are often priced per piece.
What do published figures say?
These figures come from a US home-services publisher. Use them only as a sense of scale:
| Item (US) | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Custom-made stained glass, per sq ft | USD 250–600 |
| Antique stained glass, per sq ft | USD 100–500 |
| Prefabricated (with installation), per sq ft | USD 90–250 |
| Average cost per window, installed | USD 400–3,300 |
| Extra labour to install into a wall | USD 100–300 |
| Average repair | USD 50–700 |
Source: HomeGuide, cost of stained glass windows. Prices outside the US, and for your design, will differ.
What makes stained glass cost more?
- Piece count and cut difficulty: more, smaller, curved pieces mean more cutting, grinding and soldering.
- Glass: hand-blown, textured and specialty glasses cost more than machine-rolled glass.
- Painting, staining or fusing: kiln-fired details such as faces and lettering add skilled hours and firings.
- Construction: lead came suits larger windows; copper foil suits fine detail and lamps.
- Strength: large panels may need reinforcing bars, and exterior windows may need protective glazing.
- Frame and fitting: HomeGuide lists the design, the window frame (altering it adds cost) and repairs as cost factors.
How do I brief a glass artist?
- Size: exact opening dimensions, or the panel size for a hanging piece
- Location: interior or exterior, which way it faces, whether it needs privacy
- Design: sketch, references or a theme; say how much creative freedom the artist has
- Colours and glass: palette, clear vs coloured, textures
- Installation: into an existing frame, a new frame, or a free-hanging panel
- Budget range and deadline
For repairs, send photos of the whole panel and the damage, front and back.
Is restoration cheaper than a new panel?
Often, if the lead and most of the glass are sound. Re-leading a whole panel is a bigger job. Ask the artist to assess from photos first.
On The Spool List glass market you post once for free, glass artists quote, and you choose. You pay the quote with no buyer fee, and the payment is protected until you confirm delivery.
Sources
- HomeGuide: how much do stained glass windows cost? (article dated 6 January 2025, page titled 2026; checked 27 October 2026)
FAQ
How much does a custom stained glass window cost? HomeGuide gives USD 250 to 600 per square foot for custom-made stained glass in the US. Your price depends on design, glass and installation.
Why is stained glass priced per square foot? Area is a good first measure of glass, cutting and soldering. Artists then adjust for complexity and painting.
Can old stained glass be repaired? Often. HomeGuide puts the average US repair at USD 50 to 700. Send photos so an artist can assess it.
Can stained glass go in an exterior window? Yes, but it may need reinforcement and protective glazing. Tell the artist where it's going.
Post it free and let makers bid. Your payment is protected until you confirm delivery.