How Much Do Stained Glass Windows Cost? [2025 Data]

Stained Glass Window Cost Factors

There are a few key factors that influence your stained glass window costs—you should consider each of these to get an accurate estimate for your project.

Size

The size of your stained glass window is the most crucial cost factor to consider. Standard window sizes vary based on the frame and overall design. On average, you'll pay between $100 and $250 per square foot for the cost of stained glass, but the price depends on the design. Smaller, highly intricate, or antique stained glass windows can cost up to $700 per square foot in extreme cases.

Type of Stained Glass

The rich history of stained glass means you can find pieces to upcycle everywhere, from thrift stores to antique dealers. Within the industry, however, stained glass is just one type of architectural glass or glass that has been tinted, stained, or frosted to meld with the style of your home. In other words, the window design ideas and opportunities are endless.

Standard pre-made stained glass will cost between $100 and $250 per square foot. Antique stained glass windows cost between $100 and $500 per square foot, whereas church stained glass with intricate depictions can cost up to $20,000 per window. You'll most commonly encounter custom-made stained glass that ranges from $100 to $600 per square foot.

Design Complexity

Both custom and premade stained glass come in a wide variety of designs. The number of panels, the variety of colors, and the complexity of the patterns all determine your stained glass window cost. Simple stained glass patterns that are geometrical and symmetrical will cost far less than windows that include lifelike scenes or complex Art Deco designs.

Type of Frame

The frame material surrounding the stained glass also plays a large role in the final price. The type of window frame you choose will determine the cost, energy efficiency, and its long-term durability, as well as the cost of repairs. If you're adding stained glass panes to an existing window, your contractor will need to ensure that the frame is strong enough to support the panel.

Aluminum and vinyl are the most cost-effective frame materials, but they’re also the least energy-efficient. These options also lack the curb appeal you’d get from higher-end materials, so most homeowners upgrade when installing stained glass windows. Wood and composite materials fall in the middle of the price range, while fiberglass is the most expensive but also the most durable and energy-efficient.

Number of Windows

Installing just a single stained glass window will cost an average of $589. If you have multiple windows you want to be fitted with stained glass, your total costs will go up from there. However, stained glass manufacturers and even window installation companies will often provide discounts if you need multiple windows, which means getting all of your windows installed at once can save you some money on a per-window basis.

Labor

Labor accounts for 20% to 50% of your stained glass window installation costs or an average of between $100 and $300 per window. Window installation prices depend on the size, design, and physical state of the existing frame and the structure around where the window will go. Additional repairs will increase the price. If you're only switching out the glass, window glass replacement costs between $50 and $150 for labor alone.

Ongoing Stained Glass Window Costs

Cleaning and caring for stained glass windows takes more time, patience, and money than transitional panes. Reinforcing panels, cleaning antique panes, and filling in cracks are all common maintenance tasks you can expect to do.

Repairs

Stained glass window repairs cost between $70 and $800, or $300 on average. Stained glass restoration, on the other hand, often requires a specialist and costs an average of $1,500, even for a smaller window. Restoring faded glass will cost between $100 and $300, depending on the window design, while regrouting and resoldering joints cost up to $1,000, on average.

Maintenance

Standard window maintenance is still necessary for stained glass windows, though it’s a bit more complex. Cleaning stained glass windows requires more caution and care, and professionals will likely charge more to clean them than they would for standard windows. You’ll need to address cracks and dents immediately to avoid larger damage to the window, drafts, or leaking windows. While you can save on the cost of cleaning a window by doing the work yourself, restorative cleaning for antique windows requires professional care and costs between $300 and $600.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Stained Glass Windows

If you’re comfortable installing your own stained glass windows, you’ll save between $100 and $300 each on labor costs. However, even an experienced DIYer might find window installation daunting, and it will be even more so with a stained glass window. Stained glass is far more expensive than standard glass, so maneuvering heavy stained glass windows yourself can lead to very expensive mistakes. Even if you do get your window in without breaking the glass, mistakes during the installation can lead to water leaks, drafts, and other expensive problems.

To ensure the panes are installed safely and correctly, it’s best to find a window replacement professional near you. If you hire a local window installer who is familiar with stained glass windows, you can expect them to charge an hourly rate of $30 to $50. Prices go up from there if you have larger windows that require multiple professionals to maneuver and install.

For custom jobs and large installations, this can prove to be costly. But considering the work involves creating or adapting window frames to securely hold the stained panes, it’s likely worth the expense. Stained glass is a custom piece of artwork, and you don’t want to risk damaging it due to poor installation. The cost to repair a stained glass window averages around $300 per window, depending on the level of damage.

Common Stained Glass Window Add-Ons

If you already have a window professional coming out to install your stained glass, here are some other projects you can bundle to save money and get the most out of your new window.

• Weather stripping: Window weather stripping can help keep your stained glass and other window panels in top shape during the cold winter months. Weather stripping installation costs between $130 and $430.

• Painting existing frames: Painting window trim and other surrounding features to match your updated stained glass can elevate your curb appeal even further. Expect prices of between $100 and $300 per window.

• Interior lighting: Consider updating interior recessed lighting to highlight your new stained glass artwork. You’ll pay between $100 and $300 per fixture you want installed.

How to Save Money on Stained Glass Window Costs

Unlike replacement windows that come in a range of budget-friendly styles, it can be challenging to save money with stained glass. However, there are a few tips you can use to keep your costs down.

• Keep the size in check: The larger your stained glass window panes are, the most expensive they’ll be. If you need to fill a larger window, consider purchasing smaller panes and separating them with grilles.

• Recycle or reclaim: You can save on material costs by sourcing stained glass from a glass dealer or another homeowner who’s getting rid of stained glass windows. This takes some time and effort, but it could be worth your while.

• Try stick-on panels: Stick-on stained glass panels go over your existing window glass and provide a similar appearance to real stained glass. These panels are far less expensive, and they give you the option of reverting to traditional windows if you change your mind.

• Invest in wavy glass: Wavy glass, also called crown or cylinder glass, won’t have any color but has an “old-fashioned” look and feel. This is a more cost-effective option that can provide a similar aesthetic to stained glass.

• Think outside the window: Purchase stained glass panels or wall decor that you can hang in front of an existing window. This will mimic the old-fashioned appearance of stained glass windows without the expense and commitment.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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