01494 778787
01494 778787
The word Crittall conjures up images of gorgeous classic yet contemporary metal framed doors and windows. Dating back more than 160 years, Crittall continues to fly high in the style stakes thanks to their timeless and versatile design. Popular in the 1920s – think Art Deco and Modernist style – they have had a renaissance in recent years and remain firmly at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists. Our clients often use the style in their hallways to separate spaces while highlighting the beauty of their front door from inside their home.
Crittall is a registered trademark so while branded Crittall doors are created using steel, today there are many budget-friendly aluminium options available. Here are 10 reasons why the style remains in vogue and how it works with other materials including Urban Front doors in hardwood and bronze.
1) Create zones and let light in
Featuring slim frames with glass panels and minimalist hinges, Crittall-style doors can be used to create zones without compromising on light - perfect for a home study, dining area or meeting space in an office. This is sometimes referred to as ‘broken plan,’ because you can divide the space or open it. Glazed doors can also be used to partition a hallway, corridor or pantry area.
2) Blend architectural styles
Crittall's classic style is also a fantastic way to mix and blend architectural styles. Think older property with a modern extension for example. Crittall-style glazing adds character to any design scheme. Urban Front doors are also effective at bridging the gap between older and newer properties and can help tie different external elements together.
3) Versatile
Crittall-style can be chosen for a variety of uses including doors (internal and external), windows, contemporary extensions, room dividers and shower screens.
4) Seamless
Create a seamless transition by choosing the same flooring across several spaces. You could also match this with your hardwood front door or create a point of contrast.
5) Style chameleon
Steel or aluminium frames work with a wealth of differing styles including minimalism, scandi, contemporary, industrial, and traditional design approaches. There isn't much the Crittal look doesn't complement and it won't date so if you're tempted by the style, go for it.
6) Works with wood
Crittall-style internal doors work beautifully with hardwood – whether that is your front door, flooring, staircase or a mixture of these. Crittall-glazing makes a style statement when featured as a sidelight alongside a hardwood Urban Front door.
7) Viewing gallery
Crittall-style doors and windows can also be used to create a viewing gallery for a collection, whether that’s wine, art, or books. These homeowners choose a Crittall-style wall to reveal their car collection including bespoke garage doors by Urban Front (see above).
8 Privacy option
If you want to use Crittall-style doors in a bathroom or ensuite, ribbed or fluted glass offer both light and privacy. You could opt for a shower screen in this style too. Glazing by a front door can be created in the same way if owners don’t want people looking into their home. For more on this click here.
9) Bespoke shapes and sizes
Crittall and others can create doors, windows, and room dividers to fit your home or office requirements so don’t be constrained by a traditional shape if you have curves or another size/shape in your design plans. Similarly, Urban Front doors can be created to your specifications (up to 1.5m by 3m) so you can create a truly bespoke home.
10) Durable and airtight
Steel and aluminium are environmentally sound choices because they are infinitely recyclable. Both materials are durable and modern Crittall-style doors and windows are airtight to keep homes draught-free. The same sentiment applies to hardwood and Urban Front doors can be created to meet Passive House standards.
