Let’s be real: buying art glass for stained glass projects online is a bit like online dating. Sometimes you get exactly what you expected based on the photos. Sometimes you unwrap your package and wonder if you’re looking at the same glass at all. And sometimes—sometimes—you open that box and fall head over heels in love.
We’ve been there, done that, and have the bandaged fingers to prove it. Here’s our brutally honest guide to the best places to buy art glass online, so you can spend less time gambling on mystery glass and more time actually, you know, making stuff.
Delphi Glass: The Reliable Ex You Keep Going Back To
Delphi is like that comfortable relationship that just works. They’ve been around forever, they know what they’re doing, and they’re not going to surprise you with any drama.
The Good: Massive selection, detailed product descriptions, and those handy light table photos that actually show you what the glass looks like. Plus, their sale section is dangerous for your wallet but great for your stash.
The Catch: Sometimes you’ll pay a bit more than smaller shops, but you’re paying for reliability and a no-fuss return policy.
Pro tip: Sign up for their email list. Their sales are legendary, and that’s when you stock up on the pricey stuff.
Anything in Stained Glass: The Name Says It All
These folks ship fast, have competitive prices, and their inventory is solid. They’re especially good if you’re looking for specific brands like Wissmach or Spectrum.
The Good: Great prices, frequent sales, and they actually answer their phone if you have questions. Novel concept, right?
The Catch: Website looks like it was designed in 2003 (because it probably was), but don’t let that fool you. They’re legit.
Oceanside Glass & Tile: Straight From the Source
If you’re into Spectrum glass specifically, why not go directly to the mothership? Oceanside owns Spectrum and sells directly to consumers.
The Good: You’re getting it from the source, so stock is usually good. Plus, they have their own line of stunning art glass that you won’t find elsewhere.
The Catch: Shipping glass from California to anywhere east of the Rockies is gonna hurt. Plan accordingly.
Pro tip: Buy in bulk. If you’re paying for shipping anyway, you might as well make it worth it.
Kokomo Opalescent Glass: For the Purists
Another straight-from-the-manufacturer option. Kokomo makes some of the most gorgeous opalescent glass in the game, and you can buy directly from them.
The Good: That butter-smooth Kokomo texture, incredible color selection, and you’re supporting American glass manufacturing.
The Catch: Their online shop doesn’t show every single glass they make. Sometimes you need to call like it’s 1995.
eBay: The Thrift Store of Art Glass
Look, we know what you’re thinking. But hear us out—eBay is where studio clear-outs, estate sales, and “I’m moving and can’t take 500 pounds of glass with me” sales happen.
The Good: DEALS. We’re talking discontinued glasses, vintage finds, and bulk lots that’ll make you giddy. Plus, sometimes you’ll find that one sheet of Youghiogheny that’s been discontinued for a decade.
The Catch: Photos can be misleading, sellers don’t always know what they have, and shipping costs can be wild. Also, no returns when you realize that “cranberry red” is actually pink.
Pro tip: Search for brand names with creative spelling. “Bullseye” might be listed as “bulls eye” or “bullzeye,” and you’ll face less competition.
Your Local Stained Glass Shop’s Website: Support Local (Online)
Many brick-and-mortar shops have expanded to online sales. Yeah, their websites might look like they were built by the owner’s nephew, but these shops are treasures.
The Good: You’re supporting small businesses, they often have unique stock, and if you live nearby, you might be able to arrange pickup and dodge shipping costs.
The Catch: Selection is often limited compared to big retailers, and their “online inventory” might not be updated since 2019.
Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: For the Brave
We’re putting these together because they’re basically the same experience: complete chaos with occasional buried treasure.
The Good: When someone’s late aunt was a stained glass artist and the family just wants it gone, you can score INCREDIBLE deals. We’re talking entire studios for a few hundred bucks.
The Catch: You usually can’t ship (pickup only), you have to sort through a lot of junk, and sometimes you show up and discover “art glass” means old windows from their shed.
Pro tip: Search terms like “stained glass supplies,” “glass sheets,” “hobby glass,” and be ready to move FAST when something good pops up.
Glass Crafters: The Hidden Gem
Glass Crafters in New York doesn’t get enough love. They’ve been serving the stained glass community since 1975 and have a solid online presence.
The Good: Excellent selection, good prices, and their customer service actually knows what they’re talking about when you call.
The Catch: Website could use a refresh, but the bones are good.
Instagram & Facebook Groups: The Destash Dealers
Stained glass destash groups on Facebook and Instagram are where artists sell off their extras, discontinued glasses, and “I bought too much for that one project” sheets.
The Good: Often below retail prices, unique or discontinued finds, and you’re buying from fellow artists who know how to pack glass properly (usually).
The Catch: You need to be QUICK. Post a “sold” comment within seconds or someone else will snag it. Also, payments are via Venmo/PayPal friends and family, which offers zero buyer protection. Know your seller.
Pro tip: Turn on post notifications for these groups. The good stuff doesn’t last.
The Real Talk Section
Here’s what nobody tells you about buying glass online: the colors in photos are LIES. Well, not lies exactly, but every monitor displays colors differently, and no photograph truly captures how art glass looks with light shining through it.
Our advice? Order samples when you can. Many shops will sell you 3×3″ or 4×4″ squares. Yeah, it’s an extra step, but it’s cheaper than ordering full sheets of glass that look nothing like you expected.
Also, factor in shipping. Glass is heavy and fragile, which means shipping is expensive and nerve-wracking. If you find a shop closer to you geographically, you might save enough on shipping to buy an extra sheet.
And for the love of all that is holy, buy more than you think you need. Nothing—and we mean NOTHING—is worse than being three pieces away from finishing a panel and realizing you’re short on glass that’s been discontinued for five years.
Final Thoughts
The best place to buy art glass online is honestly whichever shop has the specific glass you need at a price that doesn’t make you cry. Build relationships with a few reliable suppliers, join the destash groups for deals, and always—ALWAYS—have a backup plan for your color palette.
Now if you’ll excuse us, we just got a notification about a destash sale and we need to be faster than 47 other glass hoarders—we mean, artists.
Where do you buy your art glass? Drop your favorite shops in the comments! (Or keep them secret. We understand.)