One of my favorite things about stained glass is how much it changes depending on where you put it. A piece that looks pretty sitting on a table can look completely different with sunlight shining through it.
And while hanging stained glass in a window is probably the most popular option, it's definitely not the only way to enjoy it.
Here are a few ways to display your stained glass, whether you have a sunny window or not.
Hanging Stained Glass in a Window
Windows are a natural choice for stained glass. Sunlight brings out the colors, textures, and details that you might not even notice otherwise.
But let's talk about how you're hanging it.
Please don't use suction cups!
I know they're convenient, but suction cups eventually lose their grip. And there's nothing worse than hearing your beautiful stained glass hit the floor.
Instead, use a sturdy hook or other properly installed hanging hardware that's rated for the weight of your piece.
Always hang your stained glass from the attached hanging rings or designated hanging points.
Turn It Into a Tabletop Display
Here's something you might not have considered: you don't have to hang your stained glass at all!
At Narrow Gate, we offer several types of display bases so you can enjoy stained glass on a table, shelf, desk, or mantel.
Simple wooden blocks: These are great for smaller pieces. They have a clean, simple look that lets the glass be the focus.
Wooden bookends: I love these because they're both decorative and useful. You get a beautiful stained glass display that also holds your favorite books in place.
Light-up displays: These are especially fun! A lighted base illuminates the glass from below, bringing out the colors even when there's no sunlight.
Just make sure the base is designed to securely support the size and weight of your stained glass.
What If You Don't Have a Sunny Window?
Not everyone has a great window for stained glass, and that's okay.
A light-up display can be a great option for a darker room, hallway, or office.
You can also place a tabletop piece near a lamp or somewhere it catches indirect natural light.
And don't overlook bookshelves! Stained glass looks beautiful mixed in with vintage books, pottery, and other collected pieces.
Try Different Locations
One of the things I always recommend is moving your stained glass around a little before deciding where it belongs.
Hold it up in a few different windows. Try it against a light-colored wall. See what it looks like with a lamp behind it.
Some glass looks completely different depending on whether the light is coming through it or reflecting off the front.
And textured glass can be especially interesting because the patterns change as the light moves.
Display It Your Way
Whether you hang it in a window, place it in a simple wooden stand, turn it into a bookend, or give it its own lighted display, there's no single right way to enjoy stained glass.
I love that something as simple as changing the light or display can give a piece an entirely different look.
We offer a variety of handmade stained glass pieces and display options at Narrow Gate, including wooden bases, bookends, and light-up displays.
So don't pass up a piece you love just because you don't have the perfect window for it. You might already have the perfect spot on your bookshelf.
