What Are Crittall Style Doors? Your Guide to a Modern Design Classic

Crittall style doors are one of the most popular glazing choices among homeowners across the UK thanks to their looks combining traditional character and modern design. But what are Crittall style doors exactly and are they a good choice for your home? We’ve put together this handy guide to explain everything you need to know before deciding whether they’re right for your property.

Crittall style doors are glazed doors defined by slim frames and a characteristic grid-like arrangement of the glass panels inspired by the steel-framed doors and windows originally manufactured by Crittall, a company with a history dating back to the 19th century. They’re also known as steel look, heritage and industrial look doors and were originally associated with Art Deco architecture and industrial buildings before finding their way into modern homes where they’re typically used to connect adjoining rooms or provide access to an outside area.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably however Crittall and Crittall style doors are not exactly the same. Crittall is a manufacturer that has been producing steel-framed windows and doors since the 19th century which is what the term ‘Crittall doors’ is referring to whereas ‘Crittall style doors’ is referring to products that are manufactured by other companies but have a similar look.

The latter are often made from materials like aluminium which allows for the slim frames characteristic for that distinctive heritage / industrial appearance while offering various options for glazing, finishes, hardware, etc. to suit various properties.

This style offers a wide range of benefits which is why it’s grown so quickly as a trend and is seen more and more frequently across UK homes. Some of those include:

• Allowing plenty of natural light to pass through which can make rooms appear visually bigger
• Creating a modern, industrial-style aesthetic that suits almost any interior space or outdoor area entrance
• Durable and easy to maintain with excellent aging properties
• Achieving very low U-values (a measure of heat loss) and lower energy bills
• Offering a great option for dividing an interior space without blocking a view of light from passing through
• Adding property value thanks to the appeal of their aesthetics 

They are most commonly made from aluminium used to replicate the original Crittall products’ slim frames and grid-like look. Aluminium is a popular choice because it’s durable but at the same time quite lightweight which allows for the narrow frames to support large glass panels, plus it’s resistant to corrosion, easy to maintain and can be finished in a range of colours.

Actual steel frames in comparison can be quite heavy and expensive and may require more maintenance depending on where they’re placed within the home.

Most modern Crittall style doors are very energy efficient especially when fitted with quality seals and professionally installed. Our steel look doors at RB Windows are also thermally broken which means they have an insulating layer between the internal and external layer of aluminium that helps stop heat from escaping. 

Yes, although black remains the most popular choice as it’s the most characteristic one for the aesthetic associated with this type of glazing, aluminium allows for the frames to be finished in various shades if you’re looking for a specific colour to complement your interior, windows, etc. At RB Windows for example we offer an almost unlimited range of colour options so your design can be as unique as your home is.

Crittall style doors suit both traditional and modern homes and are especially good fits for Art Deco, Edwardian and loft-style interiors however due to their versatility they look good in almost any type of property. 

Within the home they’re frequently used as separators between kitchens and dining areas or living rooms as they create a lovely visual distinction between the spaces without making either of them feel enclosed. They’re also great for creating bright office spaces or bringing more light into darker areas of the home. 

When installed externally, they work great as patio entrances and can create a stunning connection between the indoor living space and the garden area.

They look great on the majority of listed buildings as the traditional steel-like appearance complements the original architectural style of this type of property quite well. However, you’ll need planning permission and approval from your local authority’s conservation officer before installation and it’s advisable to get this before ordering the product. Permission is typically granted based on whether the materials and design affect the building’s special historic or architectural character.

Since installations of crittall style doors are bespoke to their location within the home and any customisations that may be required by the client, it’s quite difficult to pinpoint an average cost. As a rough estimate, the average cost of crittall style doors in the UK varies between £1,500 – £5,000+ for aluminium options and between £800 – £2,500+ for internal partitions however this is highly dependent on the particular size, hardware style and number of doors and/or screens you’re looking to have installed.

Steel-look doors (as this style is also frequently called) are exceptionally easy to maintain as typically the only maintenance routine they need is a simple wipedown with a wet cloth. They don’t usually need any special products. Steel-look doors from RB Windows also feature a powder coating that comes with a 25-year guarantee and is chemically bonded to the metal making it very hard to scratch or peel. This means the frame will very rarely (if ever) need any painting or sanding. 

Aluminium is also highly resistant to rust and corrosion which means your frame will keep its immaculate appearance even in the challenging UK weather conditions. It’s worth checking the seals, hinges and handles from time to time to make sure they’re clean and working as expected and if you live in an area with higher levels of pollution, it might be a good idea to clean the frame and glazing a bit more frequently to prevent dust/grime from building up (every 1-3 months as opposed to every 3-6 for areas with average levels of pollution). 

Before choosing your industrial-look door it’s important you consider where you’d like it installed and exactly what you’d like it to achieve. Make sure to particularly consider the following:

• Positioning: Are you looking for it to be internally or externally installed?
• Frame layout: How many glazing bars would best compliment the proportions of the frame and the surrounding space?
• Colour: Black is the classic option, but would another colour suit your property better?
• Opening style and available space: Hinged doors need enough space to open while a sliding option might be better if space is limited. If you’re only looking to define a space, a fixed screen might be best.
• Hardware: What style hinges and handles would you like? 

If it fits within your budget, a Crittall style door is an excellent option for almost any home. Here’s why:

• Modern aesthetics and timeless design that complements most properties and won’t go out of fashion
• Excellent way to improve the connection between different spaces within your home
• Perfect as a long-term investment due to their high durability and minimal maintenance required
• Improves property value and appeal

If you’re looking to have a Crittall style door installed in the Staffordshire or wider West Midlands areas, RB Windows is here to help. We’ve been providing expert door installations for over 40 years and can help you choose the right product for your property.

Our Legacy Crittall Style Door range comes with a 25 year powder coating guarantee alongside a wide range of door types, colours and finishes and an array of hardware options available to choose from. You can download the Legacy door brochure here. If you have any questions or you’d like to start the process of finding the best door for your space, feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.