Des Moines

ETCHED GLASS

Des Moines

ETCHED GLASS

Bespoke

Etched Glass

We produce bespoke etched glass panels for homes in Des Moines, Iowa. 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

Browse our store to find a wide range of etched glass designs to choose from. If you’ve found a design you like 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 have a selection of designs influenced by the renowned works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright. Many homeowners in Des Moines, Iowa, opt to showcase their house name or number in etched glass above their front door, transforming a simple transom window into a distinctive focal point of their home. Our collection of house name and number designs includes a variety of styles, from sleek, minimalist designs to elaborate Victorian-inspired motifs, offering something to suit every taste.

Every customer has unique glass sizes, so when an order is placed, we always adapt their chosen design to suit their glass sizes perfectly. This may be a few small adjustments or complete re-designs if necessary. 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 explore an extensive range of etched designs suitable for different door types. You can filter by door type to view designs tailored to your specific needs or browse by collection to find styles that match your preferences. We regularly update our store with new designs, so be sure to visit often for the latest additions.

To place an order, find a design you like in our store, enter your glass specifications, then proceed through checkout. If you require glass in a different shape or size to what’s available in our store, please contact us directly for a quote. After your order is confirmed, we’ll start the proofing process.

Nearly all etched glass orders placed with us qualify for free delivery to Des Moines, Iowa.

How to order

Visit our store to explore an extensive range of etched designs suitable for different door types. You can filter by door type to view designs tailored to your specific needs or browse by collection to find styles that match your preferences. We regularly update our store with new designs, so be sure to visit often for the latest additions.

To place an order, find a design you like in our store, enter your glass specifications, then proceed through checkout. If you require glass in a different shape or size to what’s available in our store, please contact us directly for a quote. After your order is confirmed, we’ll start the proofing process.

Nearly all etched glass orders placed with us qualify for free delivery to Des Moines, Iowa.

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Proofing process

Your satisfaction is our highest priority, this is why we create a proof for every order, allowing you to see exactly how your chosen design will look with your glass sizes. In the proof, etched areas are shown in gray, while clear sections are shown in white. If you’ve given us your visible sizes, we’ll include a dashed line on the proof to highlight the portion of the panel that will be visible once the glass is installed. We typically send proofs via email within 5 business days of receiving your order.

Once we send you your proof, you can review it and let us know if anything needs altering. Once you’re happy with the design, approve it and we’ll begin work on your glass. 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

The art of etching glass has a long and fascinating history, originating in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where early artisans employed abrasive techniques to adorn glass surfaces. Over time, the craft evolved, with acid etching gaining popularity in Renaissance Europe, allowing for more detailed and refined patterns. By the 20th century, sandblasting became a favored method, offering cleaner, more accurate results without the need for toxic chemicals. Today, etched glass continues to be a classic choice for enhancing windows, doors, and decorative features, adding both beauty and privacy to homes in Des Moines, whether modern or traditional in style.

About Etched Glass

The art of etching glass has a long and fascinating history, originating in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where early artisans employed abrasive techniques to adorn glass surfaces. Over time, the craft evolved, with acid etching gaining popularity in Renaissance Europe, allowing for more detailed and refined patterns. By the 20th century, sandblasting became a favored method, offering cleaner, more accurate results without the need for toxic chemicals. Today, etched glass continues to be a classic choice for enhancing windows, doors, and decorative features, adding both beauty and privacy to homes in Des Moines, whether modern or traditional in style.

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 designing a custom mask with your unique pattern, which is applied to the section of the glass that will be etched. This mask safeguards the clear areas, ensuring they remain untouched during the sandblasting process. The glass is then placed in a chamber, where a stream of pressurized abrasive material is directed at the exposed areas, etching the design into the surface. After the etching is complete, the mask is carefully removed, unveiling the untouched, clear portions of the design. For single-glazed glass, we apply a protective sandblast coating to make marks such as fingerprints easier to clean. This protective layer isn’t needed for double-glazed panels, as the etched surface is safely enclosed within the unit.

Perfection

Quality Redefined

What to avoid when buying etched glass

Many companies advertise etched glass, but what they actually offer are “etched effect” vinyl decals, which don’t involve any real etching. Others promote “screen printed etched glass,” but be cautious—this process uses ink to replicate the appearance of etching, again, no etching has taken place. Both vinyl decals and screen-printed designs can fade or discolor over time due to sun exposure, and vinyl stickers may even shrink or peel.

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality and most durable etched glass. That’s why we use sandblasting for the etching process. This technique allows us to craft intricate details and custom designs while ensuring that the etched glass maintains its beauty and visual impact for years to come.

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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines.

If you have a transom window above your front door and aren’t sure how to utilize it, a house name or number panel can be a stylish and functional option. For homes without a transom, the glass in your door or side panels provides another great opportunity to display your house name or number. If you’re interested in a custom panel with more than just a house name or number, feel free to reach out to us for a quote.

Once your order is received, we design a digital proof to give you a preview of how the final panel will look. We tailor the design to fit your glass dimensions precisely. If needed, we can make revisions to the proof until you’re completely satisfied with the design. Production only begins once you’ve approved the proof.

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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines.

If you have a transom window above your front door and aren’t sure how to utilize it, a house name or number panel can be a stylish and functional option. For homes without a transom, the glass in your door or side panels provides another great opportunity to display your house name or number. If you’re interested in a custom panel with more than just a house name or number, feel free to reach out to us for a quote.

Once your order is received, we design a digital proof to give you a preview of how the final panel will look. We tailor the design to fit your glass dimensions precisely. If needed, we can make revisions to the proof until you’re completely satisfied with the design. Production only begins once you’ve approved the proof.

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.