Fractured Glass

This year for their Easter services Nathan Stickling at Northwoods Church in Peoria, IL reached out the the team at Mod Scenes about creating a custom Stained Glass look.

Nathan and the team at Mod Scenes landed on creating 3 different elements: Stained glass chandeliers, large stained glass window arches, and smaller squares stained glass windows for use at their campuses. For the chandeliers, the team at Mod Scenes designed and CNC cut black coroplast frames that folded up and attached together to create an octagonal cylinder. They used colored film to create the stained glass pieces. They created the stained glass for the chandeliers by taping the colored film to clear plastic pieces they cut. They used black electrical tape to help make it look clean and finished.

For the large curved windows and small rectangular windows, the team at Mod Scenes used clear packing tape to attach the pieces. The design of the larger pieces create a 2″ separating between each color that allowed the tape to be hidden, creating a very clean finished product.

The large windows were made up of multiple different sections that bolted together using Mod Scenes connectors and black nylon bolts.

When attaching the colors, they were adhered in a random order to make the design not look to structured.

Mod Scenes has taken this design and turned it into a Mod Scenes Panel that can used to create a similar look or be included in designs with other Mod Scenes panels. You can see it here: Modscenes.com/product/stainedglass

Designing Fractured Glass Stage Elements

This fractured glass approach to stained glass stage design offers churches a modern, geometric interpretation of the traditional cathedral aesthetic. The angular patterns and bold color blocks create visual interest that works particularly well in contemporary worship spaces while still honoring the historical significance of stained glass in church architecture.

The modular construction system using coroplast and modular connectors represents a significant advancement in church stage design flexibility. Unlike traditional stained glass installations that are permanently fixed, these panels can be reconfigured seasonally, allowing the same investment to serve Easter, Christmas, and regular worship services with different arrangements. The lightweight coroplast material makes installation manageable for volunteer teams while remaining durable enough for multi-campus use.

The octagonal chandeliers demonstrate how stained glass concepts can extend beyond flat backdrops into three-dimensional stage elements. Hanging these fixtures at various heights creates depth and visual rhythm across your stage. When lit from within, they cast colorful patterns on surrounding surfaces, transforming the entire worship space into an immersive environment.

The intentional spacing between color sections serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The 2-inch gaps create the “fractured” look that gives this design its name—reminiscent of light filtering through broken glass or the way sunlight hits cathedral windows at different times of day.

Related Designs

• Stained Glass Everywhere! – Massive 14-foot vinyl and cellophane panels creating immersive Easter stained glass environments
• Stained Savior – Bold Easter stained glass design featuring foam board letters spelling JESUS with vibrant backlighting
• Stained Glass – Classic foam board and fabric technique for traditional liturgical stained glass windows
• Geometric Panels – Angular modern designs using similar modular construction techniques
• Modular Stage Designs – Flexible, reconfigurable stage elements that adapt to different worship spaces and seasons

Pro Tips for Fractured Glass Installations

Invest in Quality Lighting: The VL 2600 Wash fixtures used in the original design provide the power needed to push light through colored film. LED wash lights with at least 200W output work best. Position lights both above and behind panels for dimensional illumination.

Plan Your Power Distribution: Chandeliers and window panels require significant power for internal lighting. Map your power needs before installation day. Use true power distribution boxes rather than consumer-grade power strips.

Test Colors Under Your Lights: Colored film looks different under various LED color temperatures. Build a small test panel and view it under your actual lighting setup before committing to full-scale production.

Consider Sight Lines from All Angles: Unlike flat backdrops that only face the audience, chandeliers are viewed from below and all sides. Ensure your attachment points, wiring, and structural elements look intentional from every angle.

Looking for more stained glass stage design inspiration? Check out our complete collection of Stained Glass Stage Design Ideas, featuring detailed tutorials and budget breakdowns.