Crittall vs Crittall-Style Windows: The Quick Answer
When people search for “Crittall windows,” they may be referring to two very different things:
- Authentic Crittall windows — manufactured in Essex since 1884 by the original Crittall company, made from steel and known for their heritage pedigree.
- Crittall-style windows — modern aluminium or steel-look systems that replicate the same slim sightlines and grid-like design, but with improved thermal performance, security, and lower maintenance.
For most projects today, homeowners and architects are choosing high-performance alternatives such as Aluco aluminium systems, Origin steel-look doors, and Jansen premium steel frames. These offer the character of the original design while meeting modern building regulations and lifestyle needs.
In short:
- Authentic Crittall = heritage authenticity, prestige, and tradition.
- Crittall-style = contemporary performance, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
What Defines an Authentic Crittall Window?
Crittall windows are the originals: steel-framed glazing systems manufactured in Essex since 1884. They became synonymous with early 20th-century architecture, featuring prominently in Art Deco landmarks, modernist homes, and industrial buildings across the UK and beyond.
What sets authentic Crittall apart:
- Heritage pedigree — a direct link to the design that shaped British modernism.
- Steel construction — offering strength and durability, with a distinctly industrial aesthetic.
- Cultural significance — their use in iconic projects makes them instantly recognisable.
However, there are important considerations:
- Thermal performance — traditional steel frames are less efficient than modern aluminium systems.
- Maintenance — steel requires ongoing care to protect against corrosion.
- Cost — as a premium, specialist product, authentic Crittall carries a higher price point.
- Planning approvals — in listed or conservation settings, original Crittall can be a requirement, but in many cases, high-quality replicas are accepted.
Authentic Crittall windows remain highly desirable for projects where heritage authenticity and design purity outweigh practical constraints.
What Are Crittall-Style Windows?
While authentic Crittall windows remain in production, most projects today turn to Crittall-style systems. These are modern aluminium or steel-look alternatives designed to replicate the same grid-like pattern and slim sightlines while offering far superior performance.
Three of the leading systems available through Cherwell include:
- Aluco
Ultra-slim aluminium frames with authentic detailing, ideal for heritage refurbishments or extensions where planning demands a traditional look. - Origin
A versatile aluminium range that includes steel-look doors and windows. Known for outstanding thermal efficiency, PAS 24 security certification, and low maintenance — a strong fit for family homes and eco-conscious builds. - Jansen
A premium steel system specified by architects for large-scale projects and bespoke designs. Jansen combines structural strength with refined finishes, making it a choice for contemporary luxury homes or high-impact commercial work.
Crittall-style systems deliver the visual character of traditional steel glazing while aligning with modern standards of insulation, compliance, and durability — a balance many homeowners and architects find essential today.
Side-by-Side Aesthetic Comparison
At first glance, authentic Crittall windows and modern Crittall-style systems appear almost identical. Both feature:
- Slim sightlines that maximise glass and light.
- Grid-like divisions that create a distinctive industrial rhythm.
- Dark, powder-coated finishes that echo the steel aesthetic.
Where subtle differences emerge:
- Frame depth — authentic steel tends to be slightly finer, while aluminium alternatives like Aluco replicate this look with minimal variance.
- Surface texture — steel has a unique finish, whereas aluminium frames (such as Origin) are smoother and can be customised in different colours.
- Details and joints — premium systems like Jansen achieve very close alignment to steel, but on close inspection, the engineering reveals their modern composition.
For most projects, these differences are imperceptible without close examination. From a design perspective, Crittall-style systems successfully capture the same timeless, industrial character that has made Crittall windows iconic.
Performance and Practical Benefits
Where authentic Crittall and modern Crittall-style systems truly diverge is in their day-to-day performance.
- Thermal efficiency
Traditional steel frames are poor insulators. By contrast, aluminium systems such as Origin and Aluco feature thermally broken profiles and advanced glazing options, delivering excellent U-values suitable for modern regulations and eco-builds. - Security
Authentic Crittall offers strength through steel, but contemporary standards like PAS 24 are more consistently achieved with systems such as Origin, designed specifically to meet rigorous modern security testing. - Maintenance
Steel requires ongoing care to protect against corrosion. Aluminium and composite systems need far less maintenance, with powder-coated finishes offering decades of durability with minimal upkeep. - Design flexibility
Systems like Jansen allow for very large spans and bespoke architectural glazing, making them ideal for contemporary projects that push beyond traditional window dimensions.
For many homeowners, architects, and developers, these practical advantages tip the balance in favour of Crittall-style systems, which deliver the look of classic steel with the performance required today.
Cost and Value Considerations
Price is often the deciding factor when weighing up authentic Crittall against modern Crittall-style systems.
- Authentic Crittall
A premium specialist product, reflecting the heritage brand and handcrafted steel fabrication. Best suited for projects where authenticity outweighs budget constraints — such as listed building restorations or conservation-led refurbishments. - Aluco
Aluminium heritage systems that replicate the steel look at a more accessible price point. Ideal for homeowners wanting authenticity in appearance without the expense of steel. - Origin
Competitive on cost while delivering market-leading thermal and security performance. Origin’s steel-look doors and windows are a strong value choice for family homes, extensions, and eco builds. - Jansen
A premium steel alternative, typically specified by architects for high-end residential or commercial projects. Pricing reflects its engineering strength and architectural flexibility.
In summary:
- Authentic steel = highest investment, heritage authenticity.
- Aluminium alternatives (Aluco, Origin) = balanced cost vs performance.
- Jansen = premium steel for bespoke, architect-led designs.
Which Is Best for Your Project?
The decision between authentic Crittall and modern Crittall-style systems depends on your priorities, property type, and long-term goals.
- Heritage homeowners
If you live in a listed property or conservation area, planners may prefer authentic steel. However, high-quality aluminium alternatives such as Aluco often meet approval when designed with heritage details. - Eco self-builders
For energy-efficient new homes, Origin offers the strongest balance of thermal performance, airtightness, and security certification, while still providing the classic steel-look design. - Architects and specifiers
For large-scale or bespoke projects, Jansen steel systems provide structural strength, wide spans, and architectural flexibility that can’t easily be achieved with lighter materials. - Modern renovators
For extensions, loft conversions, or kitchen-dining refurbishments, both Aluco and Origin deliver the industrial aesthetic with the practicality and cost-efficiency needed for contemporary living.
By matching the system to your project type, you can balance aesthetic authenticity, performance, and budget — ensuring you achieve the right solution for your needs.
From Heritage Authenticity to Modern Performance
Crittall windows remain an icon of British design — authentic, steel-framed, and steeped in architectural history. Yet for many modern projects, Crittall-style systems offer the smarter choice: combining the same industrial aesthetic with improved energy performance, security, and design flexibility.
At Cherwell, we supply and install leading alternatives such as Aluco aluminium heritage systems, Origin steel-look doors and windows, and Jansen premium steel frames. These ranges allow homeowners, renovators, and architects to achieve the Crittall look while meeting today’s building standards.
📍 Visit our showroom in Banbury, Oxfordshire
📞 Call: 01295 270938
✉️ Email: [email protected]
Explore the options in person and speak with our team about the best solution for your project — whether you’re restoring a period property, extending a family home, or creating a contemporary design statement.
