What hardware and method should I use to suspend an antique stained glass window?


I agree with the previous posters: eyehooks in the frame with a wire/chain will do the job. However, be sure that your antique frame is sturdy — windows are designed to support the glass in a stable, supported wall opening, not hang and support themselves and the glass. So, if your frame is narrow/thin or has any sort of structural issue (cracks, weak joints, etc) or if your window is overall more than 5 lbs, then don't do this method.

If your window frame is sound and a good thickness but the window is just heavy, you can get the frame itself reinforced to support the weight of the glass via hanging (I would suggest seeing a glazier about this, not doing it yourself). If it's not sound or it is very thin framin, see about reframing the glass or just framing (with a properly reinforced frame for the weight) around the old frame if the glasswork is too delicate to transfer. There are reinforcing hardware kits out there that you can use on the old frame (wires/springs pulled around the outer edge of the frame), but I wouldn't suggest them unless your window is small and light, but even then reframing is safer. After reframing, hang as suggested earlier, using the eyehooks on the new frame.

3 Responses to “What hardware and method should I use to suspend an antique stained glass window?”

  1. GracieM, on March 30th, 2008 at 8:40 am Said:

    Screw 2 hooks into the frame, and 2 into wherever you're hanging it. Then suspend it, using chain.
    References :

  2. Annette B, on March 30th, 2008 at 8:42 am Said:

    I have seen windows that have a stain Glass piece and it 's hung from hooks and 2 chains either in the pewter finish or old brass/bronze colour you know the weight of the piece that you wish to hang so you must consider the gauge of the chain needed .
    References :

  3. ulmets, on March 30th, 2008 at 10:21 am Said:

    I agree with the previous posters: eyehooks in the frame with a wire/chain will do the job. However, be sure that your antique frame is sturdy — windows are designed to support the glass in a stable, supported wall opening, not hang and support themselves and the glass. So, if your frame is narrow/thin or has any sort of structural issue (cracks, weak joints, etc) or if your window is overall more than 5 lbs, then don't do this method.

    If your window frame is sound and a good thickness but the window is just heavy, you can get the frame itself reinforced to support the weight of the glass via hanging (I would suggest seeing a glazier about this, not doing it yourself). If it's not sound or it is very thin framin, see about reframing the glass or just framing (with a properly reinforced frame for the weight) around the old frame if the glasswork is too delicate to transfer. There are reinforcing hardware kits out there that you can use on the old frame (wires/springs pulled around the outer edge of the frame), but I wouldn't suggest them unless your window is small and light, but even then reframing is safer. After reframing, hang as suggested earlier, using the eyehooks on the new frame.
    References :

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