Chicago

ETCHED GLASS

Chicago

ETCHED GLASS

Bespoke

Etched Glass

We produce bespoke etched glass panels for homes in Chicago, Illinois. We have a wide range of etched designs to choose from which are suitable for both windows and doors. Every panel we create is tailor-made to suit our client's unique glass sizes.

Etched Glass Designs

You can browse our store to find a wide range of etched glass designs to choose from. If you like a design but have glass sizes that can’t be ordered through our store, contact us with your sizes to request a quote. If you provide suitable artwork we can even produce bespoke designs. Popular etched glass ranges include our Shadows of Nature collection and our elegant Traditional collection. We also offer a collection of designs inspired by the iconic works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright. Many of our clients in Chicago, Illinois choose to display their house name or number in etched glass above their front door. This is a great way of elevating a property’s identity and turning a plain transom window into a standout feature of a home. Our range of house names and numbers offers everything from minimalist styles to intricate Victorian designs. 

Every window and door is unique, so we customize your chosen design to ensure a perfect fit, making any necessary adjustments or redesigns. If you’d like to modify any elements from our designs, just contact us, let us know your requirements and we’ll provide a quote.

Unparalleled

Attention to detail

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How to order

Visit our store to discover a wide selection of etched designs for various door types. You can filter by door type to view only the designs suited to your door, or filter by collection to find styles that match your taste. We frequently add new designs, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.

To order glass, simply enter your specifications and complete the checkout process. If your sizes fall outside our standard parameters or you need something custom, feel free to contact us directly for a quote. Once your order is confirmed, we’ll begin the proofing process.

Nearly all etched glass orders placed with us qualify for free delivery to Chicago, Illinois.

How to order

Visit our store to discover a wide selection of etched designs for various door types. You can filter by door type to view only the designs suited to your door, or filter by collection to find styles that match your taste. We frequently add new designs, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.

To order glass, simply enter your specifications and complete the checkout process. If your sizes fall outside our standard parameters or you need something custom, feel free to contact us directly for a quote. Once your order is confirmed, we’ll begin the proofing process.

Nearly all etched glass orders placed with us qualify for free delivery to Chicago, Illinois.

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Proofing process

Your satisfaction with the glass you receive is our top priority. That’s why we create a proof for every order, giving you a preview of how your chosen design will look at your specific glass dimensions. In our proofs, gray indicates etched areas, while white shows the clear sections. If you’ve provided visible sizes, we’ll include a dashed line on the proof to mark the visible area once the glass is installed. Proofs are typically emailed to you within 5 working days of placing your order.

Once you review your proof, you can approve it if it meets your expectations, we’ll then move forward with production. If anything needs tweaking, let us know, and we’ll adjust it as many times as necessary to get it right. Production will only begin once you’re completely happy with the proof.

Tailor-made

For your home

About Etched Glass

Etched glass has a long history, beginning in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where early artisans used abrasive techniques to decorate glass surfaces. The craft developed over time, with acid etching emerging in Europe during the Renaissance, allowing for more detailed and refined designs. In the 20th century, sandblasting became a popular alternative, offering cleaner, more precise results without the need for toxic chemicals. Today, etched glass is a timeless method of adding elegance and privacy to windows, doors, and decorative features in both modern and traditional Chicago homes.

About Etched Glass

Etched glass has a long history, beginning in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where early artisans used abrasive techniques to decorate glass surfaces. The craft developed over time, with acid etching emerging in Europe during the Renaissance, allowing for more detailed and refined designs. In the 20th century, sandblasting became a popular alternative, offering cleaner, more precise results without the need for toxic chemicals. Today, etched glass is a timeless method of adding elegance and privacy to windows, doors, and decorative features in both modern and traditional Chicago homes.

How do we etch glass?

We craft etched glass by sandblasting toughened safety glass, a method chosen for its many benefits. Sandblasting provides a durable, high-quality finish that stands the test of time, while allowing us to create intricate, personalized designs for our clients. It also ensures excellent light transmission, which gives it an edge over acid etching. Most importantly, sandblasting avoids the dangers of toxic acids, making it a safer and more environmentally responsible choice.

Our Process

We start by creating a custom mask with the bespoke design, which is applied to the area of the glass panel that will be etched. This mask shields the clear areas, preventing them from being etched during the sandblasting process. The glass is then placed in a chamber, where a pressurized abrasive material is blasted onto the exposed areas, etching the design into the surface. After the etching is finished, we remove the mask to reveal the clear, unetched sections of the design. For single glazed glass, we apply a protective sandblast coating to make cleaning marks like fingerprints easier. This coating isn’t necessary for double glazed panels, as the etched side is protected within the unit.

Perfection

Quality Redefined

What to avoid when buying etched glass

Some companies claim to sell etched glass, but in reality, they simply apply “etched effect” vinyl stickers, meaning no actual etching has occurred. Others advertise “screen printed etched glass,” but don’t be misled—this process uses ink to mimic the appearance of etching, without any true etching taking place. Both vinyl stickers and screen printed designs can discolor over time due to sun exposure, and vinyl stickers can even shrink.

We are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality, most durable etched glass to our clients. That’s why we use sandblasting for etching. This method enables us to create intricate details, custom designs, and ensures that the etched glass retains its beauty and impact for many years.

House Names and Numbers

We offer a wide selection of etched glass designs to display house name and numbers which are a popular choice among our Chicago clients. These etched panels add a touch of prestige to a property’s entryway, enhancing its appeal. Each year, our studio produces hundreds of these bespoke panels in varying styles, with many being installed into homes throughout Chicago.

If you have a transom window above your front door and aren’t sure how to make use it, a house name or number panel could be a great addition. For those without a transom window, the door glass or side panels are also excellent places to display your house name or number. If you’re looking for a custom panel, contact us for a quote.

After placing your order, we create a digital proof to show you how the finished panel would look. We adjust the design to suit your glass sizes perfectly. If required, we can make amendments to the proof until you’re happy with the design. Only then do we begin production.

House Names and Numbers

We offer a wide selection of etched glass designs to display house name and numbers which are a popular choice among our Chicago clients. These etched panels add a touch of prestige to a property’s entryway, enhancing its appeal. Each year, our studio produces hundreds of these bespoke panels in varying styles, with many being installed into homes throughout Chicago.

If you have a transom window above your front door and aren’t sure how to make use it, a house name or number panel could be a great addition. For those without a transom window, the door glass or side panels are also excellent places to display your house name or number. If you’re looking for a custom panel, contact us for a quote.

After placing your order, we create a digital proof to show you how the finished panel would look. We adjust the design to suit your glass sizes perfectly. If required, we can make amendments to the proof until you’re happy with the design. Only then do we begin production.

Exquisite

Fused Glass

Combine the sleek elegance of etched glass with our eye-catching range of fused glass tiles.

Exquisite

Fused Glass

Combine the sleek elegance of etched glass with our eye-catching range of fused glass tiles.

Your words

Our customers say

The four panels were so carefully packed and the dimensions were to the millimetre of our requirements. The result has absolutely transformed our hallway but has retained our lovely old door. Absolutely wonderful service. Great communication and advice. The product is real quality and will no doubt last for years. Thank you so much.

Michael G.

We have been so pleased with the lovely window created by Leadbitter Glass for our lounge door. We wanted a traditional etched pattern to reflect our Edwardian house. They perfectly matched our existing glass. The service was excellent: the company responded speedily to all our queries and shared draft designs with us to ensure we were happy with the final pane. Within days of agreeing the design, the window was dispatched to us and fitted our door perfectly.

Pip K.

We were absolutely delighted with all aspects of our dealings with Leadbitter Glass. We wanted a negative etched tree spreading across our front door and adjacent panels. With plenty of clear and precise advice from Leadbitter Glass we were able to make our own image work exactly as intended. The glass was produced on time, exactly as defined. We couldn't be happier with the result.

Phil K.

I had two etched glass panels made for our bathroom door with bespoke images. The glass was made exactly to our requirements. Excellent service and attention to detail. Kept fully up to date with progress and delivery date. I was concerned about delivery as we've received damaged goods from other suppliers in the past but I needn’t have worried as the glass came well packed. Really happy with the finished product. I would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Keith J.

Excellent customer service and product quality is first class. It was a pleasure doing business with Leadbitter Glass. Our order wasn't large by any means, but I still felt it was as important an order to them as it was to us.

Steve F.

Excellent service. Francis quickly developed my draft sketch into a finalised proposal for the etched glass panels for the new doors at our Church and made the etched glass panels within a matter of few days, enabling us to start the works as planned. The packaging of the glass panels was also superb to prevent possible damage in transit. Highly recommended.

Graham L.

Best result you could wish for. We are so pleased we found Leadbitter Glass which we did on an internet search. I had tried locally but no one seemed to have the expertise or vision that we hoped for. Superbly packed with communication about delivery and advise on unpacking. Project complete and we have just the best front door. A great experience.

Mary H.

I have just received my glass door panel and it is absolutely beautiful. This is the second piece of glass artwork I have ordered from Leadbitter Glass and both times the service, attention to detail, and just general helpfulness has been second to none. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Elise C.