What Makes a Perfect Display Stand for Glass Artwork?
When it comes to displaying glass artwork, not every stand is up to the task. The delicate balance of light exposure, protection, and stability is what separates an adequate stand from a perfect one. So, what makes a display stand truly ideal for showcasing glass artwork? Here’s how I craft display stands to enhance and protect your glass piece, ensuring the glass is beautifully and safely displayed.
1. Embracing Light and Refraction
For glass artwork, light is everything. A well-crafted display stand should allow light to pass through and around the piece from every angle, bringing out its colors, textures, and transparency. To achieve this, I aim for the following:
Minimalist Frame Design: My stands, even the more ornate ones, are designed with slender, yet strong, prongs and supports that don’t overshadow the artwork, allowing maximum light to penetrate each angle of the glass.
Thoughtful Prong Placement: Each support is strategically positioned to secure the artwork without obstructing light, ensuring that the glass remains the focal point.
2. Protection Through Material Choice
To balance durability and glass protection, I design each stand with a solid structure made from harder metals, while using softer metals in any areas that make contact with the glass itself.
Hard Metals: I generally make the structure of the stand out of stronger, more-durable metals like steel, stainless steel, or bronze. These materials ensure a sturdy frame capable of holding heavy glass pieces.
Soft Metals: For parts that touch the glass, such as prongs or channels, I use softer metals like brass, copper, or aluminum. These metals, while very strong, are softer than glass and will not scratch or chip the glass.
When it is necessary to make the prongs out of harder metals, I always include a protective layer, such as silicone tubing or rubber pads, over any contact points to shield the glass.
3. Ensuring Stability and Balanced Weight Distribution
A stable base is essential for both safety and presentation, especially with larger or heavier glass pieces. Here’s how I design each stand to ensure balance and prevent tipping:
Wide, Weighted Bases: The base is always tailored to the stand’s height and weight, ensuring it is heavy and wide enough to prevent tipping. For taller or lighter stands (such as those made from aluminum), I use an extra-wide or weighted base to increase stability. I like to use the flick test when in-doubt - If you can topple a display stand by giving it a hard flick with your hand, your base is not sturdy enough!
Balanced Weight Distribution: By using multiple prongs or supports spaced around the artwork, I prevent stress from concentrating on a single point. Curved or angled supports are also used to naturally cradle the glass, reducing the risk of cracks or fractures.
I always construct my display stands to maximize light, protect the glass and ensure proper balance and stability. Reach out to me anytime if you have any questions about display construction or if you’d like a custom display stand made specially for your piece!
