One of the most common causes of broken stained glass isn't age. It's suction cups.
Suction cups are inexpensive and convenient, but they eventually lose their grip, often without warning. Heat, humidity, and time all contribute to failure. But there are several easy alternatives, which I'll share below.
How to Choose the Right Window for Your Suncatcher
Many suncatchers are designed to be backlit with natural sunlight. Each window can provide different looks for the same pieces. As the light changes throughout the day, you’ll notice all the stunning details regardless of where you place it.
An east-facing window will give you gorgeous morning color, while a west-facing window will provide an incredible afternoon and evening display.
Your north-facing windows will give the most consistent color display throughout the day. Those south-facing windows will give a brighter view than the north-facing windows while still giving a full day of amazing color!
How to Hang A Suncatcher in the Window
Use an anchored cup hook, or picture hanger, in the window frame or wall. Using a drywall anchor rated for the weight of your suncatcher, drill a small hole and sink the anchor flush with the surface. Twist the cup hook into the anchor until secure.
Hang ribbon, lightweight decorative chain, or clear monofilament of the desired length and add your stained glass suncatcher. For wood, you can generally screw the cup hook directly into the wooden window frame.
If drilling holes isn’t an option, you can also hang your suncatchers from the curtain rod as long as you choose a sturdy rod. The inexpensive or lightweight rods intended for sheer curtains may not be strong enough to hold the weight of your beautiful suncatcher. If the rod can easily be flexed or bowed with little pressure, it’s best to upgrade to a sturdier rod or choose another method.
A small finishing nail can sometimes provide a suitable hanging point in a wooden frame. The tiny hole will be very easy to patch when you remove it. Make sure the nail is secure, and (again) rated to hold your suncatcher, before you hang your artwork.
Adding a second, decorative rod in front of your window treatments is a fantastic way to add multiple suncatchers in the same window. A standard rod can be added between the window and window coverings when you want the suncatchers closer to the window glass.
Some double-hung windows have sturdy lock hardware that can be used as a hanging point. Just slip the ribbon or monofilament around the latch and add the suncatcher. Be careful to place the hanging loop where it won’t interfere with the lock mechanism. And, when opening the window, make sure you don't accidentally drop your suncatcher!
I haven’t tested removable damage free hanging hooks, but some owners say they have had success using them to hang suncatchers. If you try one, follow the manufacturer's weight rating and surface-preparation instructions carefully, and remember that the rating may not account for repeated movement from opening and closing a window.
How to Display Stained Glass Without a Window
Some stained glass panels are designed to stand on a shelf, desk, or tabletop, making them great choices for office desks, foyer tables, and vanity displays.
Tuck one on a bookshelf or in a lighted curio cabinet with a faux candle for a softer look.
Add a stained glass panel to your gallery wall and use the existing lighting set up to front light your art. It’s a great way to highlight the unique colors and textures found in each piece.
For tabletop display, select an appropriately sized easel or plate stand. Many of these allow you to tuck a small LED candle behind the stand. Ornament hooks are also a fun way to add stained glass to a hallway tablescape. You can swap suncatchers and ornaments out for each season.
Lastly, you can add a small shepherd hook to your indoor potted plants and add a brightly colored suncatcher to your greenery. A small s-shaped hook can suspend a small suncatcher to the outside of a pot. Choose pots that are lighter colors with minimal patterns that won’t compete with the suncatcher.
How to Light Stained Glass from Behind
Stained glass can be lit in several ways, but most are designed to be backlit with sunlight. Sometimes though, sunlight isn’t available, ideal, or practical, especially when your art is displayed in an office with interior windowless walls, rental homes with strict lease restrictions for window displays, and homes with young children or pets. Each situation has solutions!
For offices, you can display your art on your desktop with a small LED votive behind it or a mini-gallery light clipped to your desk, cubicle, or wall. A string of fairy lights will give a soft, delicate glow and a small light box will give you bold, bright colors.
Rental homes can use similar techniques to display stained glass art on tabletop, vanity and dresser top, bathroom counters and bookshelves. Placing your art on these surfaces also keeps stained glass away from small children and pets who are curious window watchers!
The best display for stained glass is the one that lets you enjoy it. A sunny window may show off its color beautifully, but a shelf, desk, mantel, gallery wall, or plant can give a favorite piece a completely different look.
With the right hanging or display method and appropriate lighting, handmade glass can become part of your home in all kinds of unexpected places.
Whichever method you choose, make sure the hardware and hanging surface are rated for the weight of your art, and check the hanging hardware occasionally for signs of wear.
For other stained glass care info, join the TCAG Insiders and download your copy of “Stained Glass Owner's Guide: Caring for, Displaying and Enjoying Handmade Glass Art". It’s a 15 page full color eBook in PDF format free for all Insiders.
Looking for your next handmade glass piece? Browse our collection of stained glass suncatchers, ornaments, and panels.