Why Everyone Loves the Crittall Look

There's something undeniably striking about Crittall style windows. Those slim black frames, the bold grid patterns, the way they flood a room with natural light whilst making a real design statement. It's a look that has graced everything from 1920s factories to modern day extensions, and it shows no sign of going out of fashion.

The industrial aesthetic works beautifully in so many settings. Period properties with character. Contemporary new builds with clean lines. Kitchen extensions that need that wow factor. There's a reason interior designers and architects keep coming back to this style year after year.

But here's the thing. Authentic steel Crittall windows, whilst beautiful, come with some practical considerations that can make homeowners hesitate. The good news? There's now a way to get that exact look without the compromises.

The Challenge with Authentic Steel Windows

Traditional steel framed windows have a charm that's hard to deny. However, they were designed in an era when thermal efficiency wasn't really a consideration. If you've ever lived with original steel windows, you'll know they can be draughty, prone to condensation, and require regular maintenance to keep rust at bay.

For homeowners across Surrey and Hampshire, particularly those in older properties or conservation areas, this creates a bit of a dilemma. You want to preserve or introduce that heritage character, but you also want a warm, comfortable home that doesn't cost a fortune to heat.

This is exactly where modern Crittall style alternatives come into their own.

Introducing the Origin Soho Collection

The Origin Soho Collection has been specifically designed to capture everything people love about the Crittall aesthetic whilst delivering the performance you'd expect from modern aluminium windows and doors.

Origin is a British manufacturer known for precision engineering and attention to detail. With the Soho Collection, they've created something that genuinely looks like traditional steel glazing but performs like a contemporary window system.

The result? Slim sightlines that maximise your view and let light pour in. That distinctive industrial character. And a home that stays warm, quiet, and comfortable all year round.

What Makes Origin Soho Special

Let's look at the features that make the Origin Soho Collection such a popular choice for homeowners wanting that Crittall style.

Steel Look Glazing Bars

The defining feature of any Crittall style window is those bold grid divisions. Origin Soho uses specially designed glazing bars that replicate the look of traditional steel frames with remarkable accuracy. They sit flush against the glass, creating clean lines and authentic proportions that catch the light beautifully.

Slim Sightlines

One of the reasons original Crittall windows look so elegant is their minimal frame depth. Origin has engineered the Soho Collection to achieve similarly slim profiles, which means more glass, more light, and less frame. The visual impact is significant, especially in rooms where you want to maximise natural daylight.

Knurled Handles

It's the small details that often make the biggest difference. The Origin Soho Collection features knurled handles that echo the industrial hardware of the original era. These tactile, textured handles add an authentic finishing touch that you'll appreciate every time you open a window or door.

Modern Thermal Performance

This is where the Origin Soho Collection really shines compared to authentic steel. The aluminium frames incorporate thermal break technology, which essentially creates a barrier that prevents heat from escaping. Combined with high performance double glazing and proper weather seals, you get a window that helps keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

For many families, this translates to a more comfortable living environment and potentially lower energy bills.

Minimal Maintenance

Unlike traditional steel, which needs regular painting and rust prevention, aluminium is inherently durable and weather-resistant. A simple wipe down now and then is all that's needed to keep Origin Soho windows looking their best for years to come.

Perfect for Replacement Crittall Windows

If your home currently has original Crittall windows that have seen better days, the Origin Soho Collection offers a sympathetic replacement option. You can maintain the character and appearance that suits your property whilst gaining all the benefits of modern glazing.

This is particularly relevant for period homes across Surrey and Hampshire, where preserving architectural integrity matters. The Soho Collection can be tailored to match existing proportions and grid patterns, making the transition seamless.

For properties in conservation areas, having an alternative that respects heritage aesthetics whilst meeting current building standards can make planning discussions much smoother.

You can explore more about heritage Crittall replacement options here.

Where Does the Crittall Style Work Best?

One of the lovely things about the Origin Soho Collection is its versatility. Here are some of the most popular applications we see across Surrey and Hampshire homes:

Kitchen Extensions : The industrial look pairs beautifully with modern kitchen designs. Those slim frames and bold grids create a stunning backdrop for open plan living spaces.

Rear Doors and Windows : Bi fold or sliding doors in the Soho style can transform how your home connects with the garden, flooding living areas with light.

Internal Doors : The Crittall aesthetic isn't just for external use. Origin Soho internal doors can create visual separation between rooms whilst maintaining an open, light filled feel. Take a look at Origin internal doors for inspiration.

Front Elevations : For homes where street presence matters, Crittall style windows make a confident statement that sets your property apart.

Colour Options and Customisation

While classic black remains the most popular choice for that authentic industrial feel, the Origin Soho Collection offers flexibility. You can choose from a range of colours including anthracite grey, graphite, and lighter heritage shades.

There's also the option for dual colour finishes, meaning you could have a darker external frame that suits your property's exterior with a lighter internal finish that complements your interior décor.

Is Origin Soho Right for Your Home?

The Origin Soho Collection tends to be a wonderful fit for homeowners who:

• Love the Crittall aesthetic but want modern comfort
• Are replacing tired steel windows and want to maintain character
• Are planning an extension or renovation with an industrial design theme
• Want to maximise natural light without compromising on thermal performance
• Appreciate quality British manufacturing and attention to detail

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth having a conversation about whether the Soho Collection could work for your project.

See the Origin Soho Collection in Person

Photos can only show you so much. If you're considering Crittall style windows for your home, visiting our showroom gives you the chance to see the Origin Soho Collection up close.
You can feel the quality of the frames, operate the handles, and get a real sense of how the finished product would look in your space.

We're always happy to talk through your ideas, whether you're at the early planning stage or ready to move forward. Get in touch whenever suits you.