Crittall Black steel frames: the secret to industrial chic interiors
Step into any beautifully restored warehouse flat in London or an open-plan home in Manchester and you’ll likely find one defining feature: black steel windows. Industrial style may have its roots in late 19th and early 20th-century factory design, but it continues to shape modern interiors in ways that are anything but outdated. And at the heart of this enduring aesthetic lies the unmistakable silhouette of Crittall Windows’s black steel frames.
So what is it that makes black steel windows the ideal choice for creating striking, design-led interiors? It starts with the material itself.
The strength behind the style
Steel is more than just a structural element. Its extraordinary strength allows for exceptionally slim window frames, which in turn make room for expansive panes of glass and uninterrupted sight lines. The result is a cleaner, more refined finish that floods rooms with natural light while maintaining that crisp, architectural edge that industrial interiors demand.
This is where Crittall’s heritage comes into its own. Founded in 1849, Crittall pioneered the original steel window, moving away from timber to create lighter, more efficient glazing. Today, our black steel windows are not just practical; they are design icons in their own right. Their unmistakable aesthetic is equally at home in a converted factory as it is in a contemporary new build.
Pairing steel with raw textures
Black steel windows in the industrial style are not working in isolation. They interact with other raw materials to complete the look. Think exposed brickwork, polished concrete floors, reclaimed timber and visible ductwork. The contrast of hard edges and warm textures creates a balanced and inviting space.
Steel commercial windows
The versatility of steel frames, particularly when custom-made, means they can be tailored to any interior vision. Whether you’re designing partitions, installing internal doors or choosing feature glazing for a rear extension, the crisp geometry of vertical glazing bars adds a strong architectural rhythm to the space.
A bridge between tradition and modernity
While Crittall windows are synonymous with the Art Deco and early Modernist movements, their timeless elegance makes them just as relevant today. They offer homeowners a perfect fit for both period renovations and bold, minimalist new builds. The same window that might once have graced a textile mill now elevates a modern townhouse.
What makes this continuity possible is innovation. Modern steel windows, including our Corporate W20 TE® range, combine heritage detailing with thermal efficiency, triple glazing options and excellent weather resistance. This ensures they not only look stunning but meet the demands of energy-conscious design.
Beyond aesthetics
There’s more to these windows than meets the eye. Their robust construction, long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements mean that Crittall frames are as sensible as they are stylish. Made from recycled steel and finished with advanced powder coating for long-term durability, they represent an environmentally sound choice too.
Steel windows
Black steel windows in the industrial style are not a passing trend. They are an enduring design language, refined and reimagined over generations. At Crittall, we don’t imitate. We create the original: built in Britain, designed for life and trusted by architects and homeowners alike.
Discover the original black steel windows behind the industrial style.
Get in touch with us to explore how our iconic frames can transform your space with lasting elegance and architectural strength.