Crittall Doors: Creating Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living at Home
- November 6, 2025
- General
The way we connect our homes to outdoor spaces has changed. Architects and homeowners alike are prioritising more natural light, better views, and that feeling of bringing the garden into our daily lives.
But creating true indoor-outdoor living isn’t just about fitting large glass doors—it’s about getting the practical details right.
Crittall doors deliver both visual impact and real-world performance. In this article, we’ll explore how steel doors bridge the gap between interior and exterior, and why details like thresholds and drainage matter just as much as aesthetics.
Understanding steel door heritage
Crittall windows and doors have a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century. Francis Henry Crittall, a British company founder, revolutionised the use of steel in construction, creating slim steel frames that could support far great expanses of glass with minimal sightlines.
The clean lines and vertical glazing bars that defined the Art Deco period and early 20th century industrial buildings remain today. But contemporary versions now include double glazing and advanced thermal breaks for energy efficiency.
Whether you’re renovating a period property or building something modern, Crittall steel doors work across various architectural styles. That’s partly why they’ve stood the test of time and remain a popular choice with architects, designers, and homeowners.
Why choose steel over other materials?
Slimmer profiles, more glass
Steel’s strength means frames can be much slimmer than aluminium frames or other alternatives. Less frame means more glass, which translates to better views and more natural light flooding your space. When you’re trying to create that sense of openness, every millimetre of frame matters.
Built to last
Modern Crittall steel doors are hot-dip galvanised and finished with a powder coat. This isn’t just about appearance—it’s about creating low maintenance doors that perform year after year. You won’t be repainting or refinishing like you would with timber.
Thermal efficiency that actually works
There’s an outdated assumption that steel and glass means cold rooms. Modern steel doors incorporate thermal breaks and efficient double glazing that meet building regulations whilst keeping that authentic industrial look. Heat transfer simply isn’t the issue it once was.
The details that create real indoor-outdoor living
Natural light changes everything
Large glass panels transform dark rooms. But it’s not just about brightness—it’s about connection. When you can see your garden from inside, and the view isn’t interrupted by chunky frames, the space feels larger and more alive.
Thresholds matter more than you think
A high or bulky threshold creates a physical barrier that constantly reminds you you’re going “outside.” You think twice about stepping out, especially in bare feet or with drinks in hand.
Quality Crittall external doors can be fitted with minimal thresholds. That small detail changes everything. Suddenly your patio feels like an extension of your kitchen or living room, not a separate space.
Weather protection without bulk
Low thresholds only work if water stays outside. This is where engineering matters.
Modern Crittall doors include drainage channels hidden within the frame. Any water that gets past the first seal is captured and directed back outside before it reaches your floor. Even in exposed locations or heavy rain, properly installed doors stay weatherproof.
Weather seals compress when the door closes, creating multiple barriers against wind and rain without needing chunky profiles. It’s clever design that solves practical problems whilst maintaining clean lines.
Configuration options
Crittall doors aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Each configuration serves different needs whilst delivering that contemporary look with authentic steel frames. French doors offer traditional symmetrical opening while Crittall doors can also be installed as corner installations which wrap around buildings for maximum light.
Security, cleaning, operation—all the practical concerns are addressed in modern designs. Locking systems meet insurance requirements, glass panels are easy to clean, and quality hardware means doors operate smoothly even in large configurations.
Can Crittall doors work as interior partitions?
Absolutely. Crittall steel doors work beautifully as internal doors and room dividers. They’re popular in interior design for creating defined spaces whilst maintaining natural light flow and visual connection. The slim steel frames suit various architectural styles, from industrial interior design to contemporary style homes.
Are Crittall doors suitable for commercial properties?
Yes. Crittall steel doors have a rich heritage in commercial buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Their strength, clean lines, and timeless design make them an excellent solution for both commercial properties and residential steel doors applications, particularly where an industrial look is desired.
Why professional installation is critical
Beautiful doors installed poorly won’t perform properly. Thresholds leak, seals fail, frames distort. You end up disappointed despite spending significant money.
Lightfoot Windows has been a Crittall Specialist Partner since 1935—we’re the largest in the UK. That experience matters because we understand not just the products but how to make them work in real homes.
Site-specific approach
Every home is different. Opening sizes, structural considerations, weather exposure, existing floor levels—these all affect how doors should be specified and installed. Our team evaluates your specific situation to ensure long-term performance.
We offer customisation options from frame colours to glazing specifications, so your doors work for both your aesthetic and practical needs.
Expert installation
Our installers know the critical details:
- Frame alignment that prevents operational issues
- Weather seal installation and adjustment
- Threshold and drainage configuration for your site
- Integration with existing building structure
This comes from installing thousands of Crittall doors across residential and commercial properties. We’ve encountered every scenario and know what works.
See before you commit
Visit our London showroom to see and operate actual Crittall doors. Feel how they open and close, examine the slim profiles up close, and discuss your project with people who’ve been doing this for decades.
Crittall doors for any project: contact Lightfoot today
If you’re considering Crittall doors, you’re looking for a door design that offers seamless indoor-outdoor living, get in touch with our team today.
Contact Lightfoot Windows by calling 020 8662 9090, emailing general@lightfootwindows.co.uk or completing our online contact form.
You can also get a quick estimate by visiting our Get An Estimate page – you’ll receive a response within 48 hours.