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Crittall-style doors: how do they compare to De Rooy Steel Doors?
The aesthetic often referred to as ‘Crittall-style’ has become one of the most recognisable architectural features in contemporary British interiors. From Victorian townhouses in London to modern extensions in Surrey, these slim steel-framed doors combine industrial heritage with refined modern living. They allow light to flow, create structure without heaviness, and define space without closing it off.
But what exactly are Crittall-style doors? What is the difference between steel and aluminium versions? And how do you choose the right manufacturer? We are happy to guide you through it.
What are Crittall-style doors?
Crittall-style doors are steel-framed glazed doors defined by:
- Slim sightlines
- Large glass panels
- Powder-coated finishes
- Defined geometric proportions
The name originates from the British company Crittall Windows Ltd., founded in Essex in the 19th century. Crittall® is a registered trademark of Crittall Windows Limited. While the ‘Crittall-style’ has become a generic term in the architectural world to describe slim, steel-framed glazing, it is important to distinguish between genuine Crittall® products, steel Crittall-style doors by independent manufacturers (such as De Rooy Steel Doors), and aluminium “steel-look” alternatives.
Some of our projects
A brief history of the Crittall-look
Steel-framed glazing revolutionised British architecture in the early 20th century. In the UK, steel was valued not only for its strength and fire resistance, but also for the architectural freedom it offered. Its structural capacity made it possible to create larger areas of glazing with minimal visible framework. This combination of durability, light and clean geometry made steel glazing a defining feature of Art Deco buildings, post-war housing, factories and public institutions.
At De Rooy Steel Doors, we share that same respect for steel as both a material and a design principle. Our history dates back to 1893, when a small blacksmith’s workshop laid the foundation for a family tradition in working with steel. Over generations, this craftsmanship evolved into a specialised focus on architectural steel doors, a direction we have pursued exclusively since 2006.
Where early steel glazing represented technical innovation in its time, we continue to innovate today. Our patented method of manufacturing steel frames without visible weld seams results in a precise and refined finish. It is this attention to detail that defines our steel doors and distinguishes them within the broader category of Crittall-style doors.
Types of steel doors
with glass
Steel Pivot doors
A steel pivot door can be opened in both directions and is essentially self-closing. Experience the luxury.
Steel Sliding doors
Steel sliding doors are a stunning design feature in any home or office and are space-saving.
Steel Hinged doors
With the door hinge as the rotating mechanism for your door, you opt for a simple and well-proven door fitting.
Steel or aluminium Crittall-style doors: what is the difference?
Steel and aluminium Crittall-style doors may appear similar, but the difference lies in proportion, strength and finish. Thanks to its high structural strength, steel allows for exceptionally slim profiles and refined sightlines. Aluminium can approach this aesthetic; however, profiles are generally slightly thicker due to the softer nature of the material. For those who value authentic proportions and a solid architectural presence, steel offers a higher degree of refinement.
Both materials are durable and relatively low maintenance. Aluminium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while steel stands out for its strength, impact resistance and long lifespan when properly coated. Steel doors are typically made to measure and require more craftsmanship. For projects where aesthetics, structural integrity and long-term quality are leading factors, steel remains the ultimate solution. You can read more about this in our article ‘Steel or aluminium interior doors: which is better?’.
Since 1893
a passion for metal
Our passion for working with steel began in 1893 with great-great-grandfather Reijndert Dirk. Now, around 130 years later, the love for the steel craft is in the hands of Marein de Rooy. At the heart of family business De Rooy Metaaldesign lies true dedication.
How do De Rooy Steel Doors compare?
Within the category of steel Crittall-style doors, there are still significant differences in quality and execution. At De Rooy Steel Doors, we do not work with standardised systems. Every door is tailor-made and produced in our own workshop. Our patented manufacturing method ensures steel frames without visible weld seams, resulting in a clean and refined finish.
Where some steel doors focus primarily on replicating the look, we focus on proportion, precision and craftsmanship. The strength of steel allows us to create slim profiles while maintaining structural integrity.
The finishing, coatings and installation are all managed in-house, ensuring quality from start to finish. We apply our exclusive Royor coatings by hand and work with our high-quality Glairon glass, ensuring a refined appearance down to the smallest detail. In that sense, our doors are not simply inspired by the Crittall aesthetic, they represent a carefully engineered and crafted interpretation of it.
Disclaimer: De Rooy Steel Doors is not associated with Crittall Windows Limited. The term ‘Crittall-style’ is used descriptively to refer to the aesthetic of slim-profile steel-framed glazing and does not imply that the products are manufactured by or sourced from Crittall Windows Limited.
Boundless inspiration
in our breathtaking showroom
Interested in seeing our doors up close? Be sure to visit our spacious showroom. During your visit, we will go through all your wishes and review the situation together.
