In this article Colin Greenslade, Founder of Colin’s Sash Windows discusses cheaper alternatives to the increasingly popular Crittall® doors in interior refurbishments. Colin disrupted the sash windows market in the UK in 2014 by introducing fixed prices for uPVC sash windows in the UK. Before this they were generally only available at very high prices through window installers. Today the business is one of the market leaders in supply only windows and aluminium doors in the UK.
Crittall® windows and doors are highly sought after these days. But their high cost places them beyond the reach of many people’s budgets. In this article, we will explore more affordable alternatives. We are excited to offer our latest product: the Aluspace Crittall® style internal doors. These doors are made from aluminium and we also have an exclusive steel variant.
History and Evolution of Crittall® Doors
Crittall® doors were created by the Crittall® Windows company in the early 1900s. They are made of steel and have thin frames that create a special grid pattern. At first, these doors were made for factories and warehouses. But now, they’re really popular in homes too, especially open-plan and loft-style ones.
Benefits of Crittall® Internal Doors in Modern Spaces
Crittall® internal doors let natural light into different areas, making the space feel bright and spacious. This feature is particularly beneficial in making smaller spaces appear larger. They also add a sophisticated style to any room, which is why many people choose them for a modern, simple look.
Post pandemic there is a move away from open plan living spaces. As more people are working from home they’re looking for private working spaces. Glazed partitions are a perfect way to achieve this.
An example of where borrowed light is useful is in an ensuite bathroom that maybe doesn’t have a window. You can have an obscured glazed door and borrow light from the bedroom.
Borrowed light is an architectural and interior design strategy, This concept involves the use of transparent or translucent elements, such as glass doors, partitions, and skylights, to allow natural light to flow through a building more effectively. It’s one of the main reasons these aluminium and steel doors are so popular.
More Benefits of Borrowed Light
- Contributing to Energy Efficiency
Reduced Dependence on Artificial Lighting: By maximizing the use of natural light, there is less reliance on artificial lighting, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced electricity bills.
Thermal Comfort: Natural light can also contribute to the thermal comfort of a space. In colder months, it can provide natural warmth, reducing the need for additional heating.
Improving Well-being
- Mental Health Benefits: Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood and reduced feelings of stress, which is particularly beneficial for those spending more time at home, whether for work or leisure.
- Circadian Rhythm Regulation: Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall health.
Styling Your Home with Crittall® Style Doors from Aluspace
You can choose from many different styles of our steel or heritage aluminium Aluspace doors for your living room. Black Crittall® style internal doors are popular for making a bold statement. These doors look great in black and white or neutral-coloured rooms. They add contrast and drama.
Aluminium steel-look internal doors offer a modern twist on the classic steel-framed design. These doors are much cheaper than regular steel Crittall® doors but still have a similar style and feel. Aluminum heritage doors are popular for home renovations because they are light and easy to install.
Our Alternative Steel Doors
Our steel doors are a great cheaper alternative to the original Crittall® doors. They have thin frames that let in a bit more light than our aluminium doors. Additionally, the superior strength of steel allows for taller and wider door dimensions.
Aluminium vs. Steel: Comparing Crittall® Style Door Options
When you add Crittall® style doors to your living room or other areas of your home, you need to think about a few things. When planning the space, consider its size, layout, and desired design aesthetic. Combine Crittall® style doors with other industrial elements to create a cohesive industrial look. These elements include exposed brick walls or concrete flooring.
In both our Aluspace aluminium and our steel door ranges we have different opening options:
- Hinged doors are our most popular style. They’re available with or without locks and latches
- Sliding doors are a popular choice when there isn’t enough space for traditional hinged doors.
- Pivot doors are available in much wider sizes than hinged doors – up to 2m plus they have an added advantage; they open both ways
To sum up, our cheaper alternatives to Crittall® internal doors and screens in aluminium or steel are stylish and practical for any home, with a touch of industrial charm.
