stained glass

Lood en Spelen is the place to go for all your stained glass needs!


Do you live in a classic house with stained glass but a window is missing, or are windows broken? Then I can make a replacement window for you or repair what is broken. Do you live in a new-build house and think that stained glass doesn't fit the style? Of course it does! Together, we will create a window or artwork that makes your home even more beautiful.

In principle, I divide stained glass into two lines: geometric and free design.

Geometric design

Classic windows with rectangular or square panes and a narrower frame all around, optionally with a pattern in the center. The basis: straight lines with right angles. Think, for example, of De Stijl and Art Deco. Naturally, modern variations can also be devised based on this. These windows with straight patterns are relatively easy to assemble; the price is largely determined by the choice of glass, the size of the window, and the number of panes from which it is constructed.

Free design

Freeform designs are also nice, but significantly more labor-intensive. They are best known from Art Nouveau or Jugendstil buildings, but are naturally also perfectly suitable for modern buildings. The price for this type of window varies widely. Depending on the design, size, and choice of glass, the number of labor hours can be limited or extremely high.

Characteristics of stained glass:

  • It is literally stained glass

    The glass is set IN the lead.

  • Construction of stained glass window

    In a nutshell: - designing - calculating dimensions - cutting glass - grinding away imperfections - setting the glass in lead - folding the lead closed and aligning all pieces - sanding and greasing intersections - soldering intersections - turning the window over - sealing with sealant if necessary - folding the lead closed - sanding and greasing intersections - soldering intersections - polishing - optionally sanding and patinating the lead on both sides (chemically aging the lead), polishing again - optionally attaching hooks to the window

  • Weatherproof

    For exterior windows, all glass panes are sealed on both sides. Special glass sealant is applied between the glass and the lead, making the window wind- and watertight and preventing the glass panes from rattling. Large interior windows are sealed on one side only, purely to make them more robust. Small interior windows do not need to be sealed.

  • Lead decays

    Lead weakens over the years and eventually breaks. On average, this takes about 70 to 80 years. This is the main reason why windows need to be restored. Do you have an old window and are unsure whether you should have it restored? Tap the panes in different places and listen for rattle. With strong lead, this should not be the case. Another method is to inspect the lead: check for cracks at the intersections, or if you see areas where the lead appears crumpled or narrower. If your window is bulging, you need to act fast! Without restoration, it will fall apart.

  • A new window can be made to look 'old' immediately.

    Do you have an old window that needs replacing, or would you like to have a window made that matches your existing ones? No problem. Virtually all glass is still being supplied, so it is often possible to order new glass without the difference from the old being visible. However, in recent years, much glass has not been produced for a period due to new environmental requirements, which can sometimes result in a long(er) delivery time. New lead shines and is silver-colored. Over time, this oxidizes and becomes increasingly dark. If you do not want to wait years, it can be chemically aged and colored immediately.

  • Sustainable or not?

    I am regularly asked this question, and rightly so. And as with all sustainability questions, this one cannot simply be answered with a 'yes' or 'no'. To start with 'no': quite a few raw materials and chemicals are needed to make a stained-glass window. Moreover, lead is a heavy metal; it cannot simply be disposed of with the regular trash. Additionally, a stained-glass window is always made of single glass, so do not expect great thermal or sound insulation. On the other hand, you can also choose 'yes': if you consider that a stained-glass window lasts 70 to 80 years and can be restored afterwards, then you are certainly not contributing to the throwaway society. Furthermore, a window can always be completely disassembled, and with some creativity, a new design can be made from the glass. In terms of insulation, you could consider having the window installed in double glazing, or if you do not like that look, use it as a secondary or upper window. Environmental measures I take: old lead is disposed of separately, I use green soap instead of cutting oil and cleaning agents containing propellants, and all electricity used here is generated by solar panels. Glass scraps are reused as much as possible.