Trends: Why Crittall Windows Are in the Frame
Have you noticed how bifolds are making way for metal frames? Edgy and versatile, here are a few ideas on how to use them
Crittall metal-framed windows were first invented in the 1880s, and enjoyed a heyday in the art deco era. Today, they are having a moment all over again, as their graphic steel frames feel contemporary and add a hint of industrial style. As doors onto a garden, a room divider or good old-fashioned windows, metal framed glazing has never looked so good. Browse these schemes and fall for their graphic charm.
Frame a fireplace
In the UK, we are more familiar with the idea of central doors with walls either side. This Stateside rework is a refreshingly original use of Crittall glazing, which could work well in a barn conversion or large extension. You keep a warm hearth, but open up the space to the outside on either side.
In the UK, we are more familiar with the idea of central doors with walls either side. This Stateside rework is a refreshingly original use of Crittall glazing, which could work well in a barn conversion or large extension. You keep a warm hearth, but open up the space to the outside on either side.
Mix your eras
This clever window design borrows from both Crittall and Tudor influences. They come together to create a frosted section that preserves the owners’ modesty, while reiterating the square motif. A great solution and melding of historical styles.
Check out surprising ways to add vibrance with tiles
This clever window design borrows from both Crittall and Tudor influences. They come together to create a frosted section that preserves the owners’ modesty, while reiterating the square motif. A great solution and melding of historical styles.
Check out surprising ways to add vibrance with tiles
Add sharp angles
This Crittall-style glazing extends all the way along this contemporary kitchen space, opening up the garden area and letting ample light flood in. Unlike bifolds, they still retain a strong architectural element that works with streamlined worktops and units.
This Crittall-style glazing extends all the way along this contemporary kitchen space, opening up the garden area and letting ample light flood in. Unlike bifolds, they still retain a strong architectural element that works with streamlined worktops and units.
Bring the outside in
This is how to use Crittall doors to their full effect. Nothing stingy here – there’s glazing either side of the actual doors, which is mirrored in the next room, too. The rectangular theme is echoed in the glazed floor panel, so you can bet the basement below is just as chic.
See 10 ways to create an indoor/outdoor space
This is how to use Crittall doors to their full effect. Nothing stingy here – there’s glazing either side of the actual doors, which is mirrored in the next room, too. The rectangular theme is echoed in the glazed floor panel, so you can bet the basement below is just as chic.
See 10 ways to create an indoor/outdoor space
Add interest to wide windows
This light-filled space has bold, extravagant glazing, but the effect is broken up with Crittall-influenced lines. They keep the design on-trend and considered, whereas plain blank windows could risk looking like a 1970s box.
This light-filled space has bold, extravagant glazing, but the effect is broken up with Crittall-influenced lines. They keep the design on-trend and considered, whereas plain blank windows could risk looking like a 1970s box.
Adorn a doorway
This set of black-framed doors literally forms a bridge between a bedroom with period details and a far more modern space. Glazed doors like these are a great solution where you want rooms or styles to ‘speak’ to each other. It’s also a beautiful way to link a bedroom and en suite.
This set of black-framed doors literally forms a bridge between a bedroom with period details and a far more modern space. Glazed doors like these are a great solution where you want rooms or styles to ‘speak’ to each other. It’s also a beautiful way to link a bedroom and en suite.
Enhance an extension
Extending your kitchen is all very well, but what if you only have a small garden to spread into? This design solves that visual problem by linking the floor surfaces inside and out, then adding Crittall doors and windows for a graphic divider. The end result is a unified space with a striking monochrome theme throughout – plus, or course, lots of light.
Extending your kitchen is all very well, but what if you only have a small garden to spread into? This design solves that visual problem by linking the floor surfaces inside and out, then adding Crittall doors and windows for a graphic divider. The end result is a unified space with a striking monochrome theme throughout – plus, or course, lots of light.
Go for light industrial
The style of this expansive space is strong on the industrial/utilitarian vibe, so the blocky, black metal-framed glazing hits the right note. Once the owner has tired of this look, this classic glazing could easily take on an Arts and Crafts look, or work for a more minimalist style. Very versatile.
The style of this expansive space is strong on the industrial/utilitarian vibe, so the blocky, black metal-framed glazing hits the right note. Once the owner has tired of this look, this classic glazing could easily take on an Arts and Crafts look, or work for a more minimalist style. Very versatile.
Take it up a level
This clever glass-framed staircase has taken Crittall-style glazing as its inspiration, then elevated it into a far more pared-back and unfussy look. The squares feel more refined, but keep the graphic edge, which is taken into the bold outlines of the stair risers, too. Perfect for a monochrome scheme.
Liked this? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This clever glass-framed staircase has taken Crittall-style glazing as its inspiration, then elevated it into a far more pared-back and unfussy look. The squares feel more refined, but keep the graphic edge, which is taken into the bold outlines of the stair risers, too. Perfect for a monochrome scheme.
Liked this? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This family nook, off the kitchen-diner, provides a restful place in which to pause away from the bustle of the cooking. The generous glazing helps keep it feeling a part of the larger space, but also slightly apart. The doors perfectly frame the room, helping to tempt diners in after a meal.