Decorating
Crittall-style Windows: 10 Stylish Ideas for Using Them Inside
See how these classic glass and black-metal designs can be used to reframe interior views throughout the home
In part two of our exploration into all things Crittall-themed, we focus on uses other than doorways. With open-plan living as popular as ever, internal windows and screens are a device worth considering for both aesthetics and efficiency of space. A divide made of metal and glass is super-slim, transmits light and can offer design possibilities that amplify the other elements in the room. These 10 tempting examples demonstrate the versatility of these windows.
See part one in this short series: Crittall-style Doors: 10 Stylish Ideas for Using Them Inside
See part one in this short series: Crittall-style Doors: 10 Stylish Ideas for Using Them Inside
Try transparency
If an entirely absent hallway wall isn’t for you, this oversized internal window could offer a slick alternative. Acting like a giant picture frame for the living room, this statement design also improves light transmittance, but creates a completely different look and feel to the previous example.
If an entirely absent hallway wall isn’t for you, this oversized internal window could offer a slick alternative. Acting like a giant picture frame for the living room, this statement design also improves light transmittance, but creates a completely different look and feel to the previous example.
Divide stylishly
Rework an unconventional or open-plan space into ‘zones’ using glass screens and carefully placed furniture. These sleek kitchen and living areas are nestled neatly under the eaves; a window is used to emphasise the highest point of the roof and to section off each zone, creating a ‘broken-plan’ arrangement. Situating the sofa parallel to the divide reinforces the linear layout.
Is it over for open-plan kitchens? Read the experts’ views
Rework an unconventional or open-plan space into ‘zones’ using glass screens and carefully placed furniture. These sleek kitchen and living areas are nestled neatly under the eaves; a window is used to emphasise the highest point of the roof and to section off each zone, creating a ‘broken-plan’ arrangement. Situating the sofa parallel to the divide reinforces the linear layout.
Is it over for open-plan kitchens? Read the experts’ views
Install a statement shower
Fit the bathroom with factory-themed doors to replicate this chic monochrome model. Powder-coated steel frames – part window, part door – create a contemporary shower cubicle that’s durable as well as desirable. A blue-black vanity unit and the monochrome floor continue the visual theme; mixing squares with solid colour and then, in the tiles, a different geometric pattern on a smaller scale, pulls the design together but keeps the space from feeling boxy.
Ask the experts: how to get your dream bathroom for less
Fit the bathroom with factory-themed doors to replicate this chic monochrome model. Powder-coated steel frames – part window, part door – create a contemporary shower cubicle that’s durable as well as desirable. A blue-black vanity unit and the monochrome floor continue the visual theme; mixing squares with solid colour and then, in the tiles, a different geometric pattern on a smaller scale, pulls the design together but keeps the space from feeling boxy.
Ask the experts: how to get your dream bathroom for less
Wise up to a wet room
Smaller wash spaces work well when designed as wet rooms with flush, floor-mounted drains. This masterful marble-clad design has been modernised with a Crittall-style screen to section off the shower area, preventing wet feet at teeth-cleaning time.
Smaller wash spaces work well when designed as wet rooms with flush, floor-mounted drains. This masterful marble-clad design has been modernised with a Crittall-style screen to section off the shower area, preventing wet feet at teeth-cleaning time.
Maximise your makeover
Use a Crittall-inspired division to carve an en-suite bathroom out of an existing bedroom without losing precious space and light to solid internal walls. If privacy is a priority, you could look at installing a roller blind (as here), or switchable glass, which becomes opaque when an electric current is applied, and is suitable for use in bathrooms.
Use a Crittall-inspired division to carve an en-suite bathroom out of an existing bedroom without losing precious space and light to solid internal walls. If privacy is a priority, you could look at installing a roller blind (as here), or switchable glass, which becomes opaque when an electric current is applied, and is suitable for use in bathrooms.
Start with subtle separation
Preserve the character of adjoining rooms while winning at open-plan living with a demure demarcation. This Crittall-style frame creates a barrier that makes it easier to furnish both spaces. Variations in cupboard colour and style play off each other, allowing the development of dual room personalities that share a common theme.
Preserve the character of adjoining rooms while winning at open-plan living with a demure demarcation. This Crittall-style frame creates a barrier that makes it easier to furnish both spaces. Variations in cupboard colour and style play off each other, allowing the development of dual room personalities that share a common theme.
Cater characterfully
Give your cabinets a Crittall-inspired makeover via multi-paned glass doors with metal detailing. Their use in this traditional kitchen demonstrates that this look isn’t only for contemporary spaces; it also works beautifully combined with classic cabinetry and country-casual copper accessories.
Give your cabinets a Crittall-inspired makeover via multi-paned glass doors with metal detailing. Their use in this traditional kitchen demonstrates that this look isn’t only for contemporary spaces; it also works beautifully combined with classic cabinetry and country-casual copper accessories.
Enhance open-plan living
Make more of adjoining reception rooms with an added architectural detail. These Crittall-style inserts punctuate the décor and create recesses behind which to site larger pieces of furniture. Follow through with metal-framed tables and mirrors, and black-painted dining chairs for effortless style.
Make more of adjoining reception rooms with an added architectural detail. These Crittall-style inserts punctuate the décor and create recesses behind which to site larger pieces of furniture. Follow through with metal-framed tables and mirrors, and black-painted dining chairs for effortless style.
Better your basement
Adding a basement extension requires a perfectly planned layout to maximise light infiltration and usability. When combined with Crittall-style windows, this sculptural open staircase acts like a lightwell, brightening up this subterranean space. Replacing banisters with this sort of glass balustrade is a feasible and architecturally exciting option for stairs in other parts of the home, too.
Which is your favourite way to use this stylish black-panelled glass here? Share your opinions in the Comments below.
Adding a basement extension requires a perfectly planned layout to maximise light infiltration and usability. When combined with Crittall-style windows, this sculptural open staircase acts like a lightwell, brightening up this subterranean space. Replacing banisters with this sort of glass balustrade is a feasible and architecturally exciting option for stairs in other parts of the home, too.
Which is your favourite way to use this stylish black-panelled glass here? Share your opinions in the Comments below.
Period properties in need of an entryway overhaul can benefit from this decorative device. Removing the hallway wall allows light to pass from the living room windows, amplifying the new sense of space. Adding a door in this spot is something covered in part one of this series, but here, installing a Crittall-style glass divider instead provides a soft partition that prevents cold drafts from travelling to the seating area, while maintaining sight lines.