The Latest Developments In Steel Door Design

• August 21, 2025
• General

In the last few years, steel doors have seen a huge increase in popularity, chosen for everything ranging from heritage restoration projects to modern commercial newbuilds.

Once relegated to industrial and commercial applications, steel doors are being recognised as the striking focal points they are, combining strength with style.

Today’s latest steel door designs represent a perfect fusion of contemporary style and cutting-edge technology, making them increasingly popular among architects, designers, and homeowners.

We’ll explore:

• Why steel has grown in popularity
• Why modern steel doors are more thermally efficient & durable
• Design trends in steel doors
• How our range of Crittall steel doors can transform any space

The growing popularity of steel entry doors

The surge in steel door popularity is a reflection of broader design trends towards industrial and minimalist aesthetics.

Modern homeowners are moving away from traditional timber doors, seeking alternatives that offer superior durability and contemporary appeal. Steel doors now feature prominently in luxury residential projects, heritage restorations, and new-build developments across the UK.

This growing demand has been driven by several factors: increased awareness of the sustainability benefits of steel, improved manufacturing techniques, and the desire for distinctive architectural features that make a statement.

Why choose steel for doors?

Steel offers unmatched advantages over other materials. Its inherent strength provides exceptional security whilst maintaining slim profiles that maximise natural light. Steel’s versatility allows for extensive customisation. From powder-coated finishes in any RAL colour to bespoke sizing and glazing configurations, steel doors can be tailored to meet specific architectural requirements.

The material’s structural integrity also enables larger glazed panels and wider openings than traditional door materials.

Developments in external steel door design: thermal efficiency and longevity

While historic steel doors lacked thermal efficiency, modern steel door manufacturing has significantly improved thermal performance.

Today’s latest steel door designs incorporate advanced thermal technology and high-performance glazing systems that rival or exceed the energy efficiency of other door materials. These innovations ensure that modern steel doors meet stringent building regulations whilst maintaining the sleek aesthetics that make them so desirable.

Manufacturing processes have also evolved significantly to improve the longevity of steel doors. Hot-dip galvanising provides superior resistance, to corrosion, whilst advanced powder coating systems offer virtually maintenance-free finishes that retain their appearance for decades.

These developments mean that today’s steel doors far outperform their predecessors in terms of both performance and longevity.

Trends in door design: minimalist steel doors

Trends in minimalist interior and exterior design have contributed to the growth in popularity of steel entrance doors. Homeowners, designers and architects are favouring clean lines, slim frames, and uncluttered profiles, and steel lends itself particularly well to this aesthetic.

These minimalist approaches emphasise the material’s beauty whilst creating strikingly simple visual statements.

Minimalist steel door designs often feature:

• Ultra-slim steel profiles that maximise glazed areas
• Concealed hardware for clean, uninterrupted lines
• Monochromatic colour schemes, particularly matte black finishes

This pared-back aesthetic suits both contemporary new builds and period properties.

Trends in door design: internal steel doors

Internal steel doors have become increasingly popular as homeowners seek to create cohesive design themes throughout their properties. These doors serve multiple functions: they define spaces whilst maintaining visual connections, provide fire safety barriers, and add industrial character to residential interiors.

Popular internal applications include:

• Room dividers in open-plan living spaces
• Study and home office entrances
• Kitchen-dining area separations

Internal steel doors often incorporate larger glazed panels than exterior doors, maximising light flow between spaces whilst maintaining acoustic separation. The trend towards flexible living spaces has made these adaptable solutions increasingly valuable.

Trends in door design: art deco inspired design

The timeless appeal of Art Deco aesthetics is experiencing a significant revival in contemporary steel door design. This iconic movement, which originally shaped the golden age of steel fenestration in the 1920s and 1930s, continues to influence modern manufacturing with an emphasis on geometric patterns, bold lines, and sophisticated proportions.

Today’s Art Deco inspired steel doors feature:

• Classic grid patterns and transoms with symmetrical glazing bars
• Obscured or decorative glazing (including reeded glass)
• Stepped and geometric frame details
• Heritage colour schemes, particularly the iconic black steel finish

These designs prove particularly popular in conservation areas and period property renovations, where maintaining historical character whilst achieving contemporary performance standards is essential.

The enduring popularity of Art Deco styling demonstrates how classic design principles can be successfully adapted for modern applications, creating doors that honour architectural heritage whilst meeting today’s exacting performance requirements.

Why choose Lightfoot Windows?

Lightfoot Windows is one of the UK’s premier Crittall specialist, bringing over 85 years of expertise to every project. As the largest and most experienced partner within the Crittall network, we offer unparalleled knowledge of both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovations.

We specialise in the complete range of steel door solutions, from heritage-style front door installations to contemporary interior systems. Our London showroom displays the latest steel door designs, allowing clients to experience the quality and craftsmanship firsthand.

Our team works closely with architects, designers, and homeowners to specify the perfect steel door solutions for each project.

Transform your space with the latest steel door designs

Ready to explore how the latest steel door designs can transform your project? Our experienced team is ready to discuss your requirements and provide expert guidance on the perfect steel door solutions for your space.

Get in touch today. Complete our online contact form, call 020 8662 9090 to speak with our team or email general@lightfootwindows.co.uk .

Want a quick estimate on new Crittall doors? Simply visit our ‘Get An Estimate’ page and fill out the required information. One of our friendly experts will get back to you within 48 hours with tailored recommendations for your project.