Crittall-Style Doors: Cost, Ideas & Are They Worth It? (2026)

Key Takeaways

Crittall-style doors have slim black steel frames and a distinctive industrial-heritage look.
Popular as internal screens to divide open-plan space while keeping light and sightlines.
Also used externally as garden doors, though performance and cost vary.
Genuine steel costs more than aluminium or steel-effect alternatives.
They suit both period and contemporary London homes.

Slim black steel frames and gridded glass have become one of the most recognisable looks in London renovations. Crittall-style doors add instant character and light. Here is what they cost, where they work, and how to choose.

What are Crittall-style doors?

Crittall doors are steel-framed glazed doors and screens with slim black sightlines and a grid of glazing bars, an industrial and 1920s-30s heritage style. Today, Crittall-style doors are used both internally, to divide open-plan spaces, and externally, as garden doors, in period and contemporary homes.

Internal screens: the big trend

The most popular use is as an internal screen in an open-plan kitchen-diner. A Crittall-style screen separates the kitchen from the living or hallway, for example to contain cooking smells, while keeping light flowing and sightlines open. It is the signature feature of broken-plan living.

Cost and materials

Genuine steel is a premium product, costing significantly more than standard internal doors, with internal screens commonly in the low thousands and larger external sets more. Modern aluminium Crittall-style systems achieve a similar look with better thermal performance and lower cost, which is why many external installations use aluminium. Steel offers the most authentic slim frames.

Where they work

Crittall-style doors bridge old and new: they suit Art Deco and period homes thanks to their heritage, and their clean lines work beautifully in contemporary extensions. Compare external glazing options in our bi-fold vs sliding doors guide. To design Crittall-style doors into your project, contact us or call 07472 424 226.

The GS Renovation Team

GS Renovation & Home Improvements has delivered kitchen, bathroom, structural and extension projects across London for over 30 years. This guide reflects current UK industry pricing and our hands-on site experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crittall doors?

Crittall doors are steel-framed glazed doors and screens with distinctive slim black sightlines and a grid of glazing bars, originally an industrial and 1920s to 1930s style. Today, Crittall-style doors are popular both internally, to divide open-plan spaces, and externally, as characterful garden doors, in period and contemporary homes alike.

How much do Crittall-style doors cost?

Genuine steel Crittall-style doors are a premium product and cost significantly more than standard internal doors or aluminium alternatives, with internal screens commonly running into the low thousands and larger external sets considerably more. Steel-effect aluminium and slim aluminium systems offer the look at a lower cost. Pricing depends on size, glazing and finish.

Are Crittall doors good for internal use?

Yes, internal Crittall-style screens are extremely popular for dividing open-plan kitchen-diners and creating broken-plan living, because they separate spaces, for example keeping cooking smells contained, while keeping light flowing and sightlines open. They add a striking design feature that suits both period and modern interiors.

Are steel or aluminium Crittall-style doors better?

Genuine steel offers the most authentic slim sightlines and heritage feel but costs more and, externally, needs good thermal detailing. Modern aluminium Crittall-style systems achieve a similar look with better thermal performance and lower cost, which is why many external installations use aluminium. The right choice depends on budget and whether the doors are internal or external.

Do Crittall doors suit period homes?

Yes. Crittall-style doors originated in the early twentieth century, so they sit naturally in period and Art Deco homes, while their clean lines also work in contemporary extensions. They are a versatile feature that bridges old and new, which is part of why they have become so popular in London renovations.

Crittall-Style Doors