Heritage doors are modern doors crafted to replicate the iconic steel-framed look of early 20th-century architecture—characterised by thin sightlines, industrial grids, and minimalist detailing—but with the comfort, thermal efficiency, and reliability of modern materials.

At Decorio, we specialise exclusively in aluminium heritage doors and windows, designed to deliver the steel look without the cost, weight or long-term maintenance issues of actual steel. Whether you're creating internal doors to divide open-plan spaces or installing external doors to enhance your home's character, heritage-style aluminium offers an ideal solution.

The Origins of Steel-Framed Windows and Doors

The heritage door aesthetic has its roots in the steel-framed windows that rose to popularity in the early 1900s. Found in factories, train stations, and civic buildings across Europe and North America, these slimline frames defined the industrial-style era.

They became especially popular in the UK, where manufacturers like Crittall pioneered the use of narrow-profile steel windows in a range of applications, from social housing to the Bauhaus-inspired homes of the 1930s. Cities like London, Manchester, New York, Berlin and Melbourne remain hotspots for these iconic styles, especially in warehouse conversions and contemporary extensions.

Today, the industrial look remains in high demand. However, while steel served its original purpose, modern homeowners and architects increasingly prefer heritage aluminium. This material offers the same aesthetic with far greater benefits in terms of performance, sustainability, affordability and ease of use.

Why Choose Aluminium for Heritage-Style Doors?

At Decorio, we use only aluminium profiles to create high-performance doors that replicate the steel effect with precision. Our advanced powder-coating systems and authentic glazing bars deliver that highly sought-after industrial appearance, without the drawbacks of actual steel.

Signature Features of Heritage Aluminium Doors

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Ultra-slim sightlines – Our aluminium frames offer the same sleek grid pattern and thin lines that define classic steel doors.

Customisable layouts – Choose from double doors, side panels, top lights or full-height partitions to suit any interior or exterior space.

Industrial-style detailing – Authentic steel look handles, glazing bars, and matte finishes complete the effect.

Thermal and acoustic performance – All external doors feature thermally broken frames and double glazing for year-round comfort.

Internal vs External Applications

Where Heritage-Style Aluminium Doors Are Popular

The heritage aluminium aesthetic is especially popular in cities and regions known for their industrial legacy and design-conscious residents:

London – Side-return extensions, mews house refurbishments

Manchester – Mill conversions and warehouse flats

New York (SoHo, Brooklyn) – Loft apartments and boutique stores

Berlin – Creative workspaces in converted factories

Paris – Stylish apartment partitions and courtyard doors

These urban hubs embrace the industrial style not only for its raw aesthetic but also for the way it balances openness with division, particularly in open-plan living.

The Benefits of Choosing Decorio Heritage Aluminium Doors

At Decorio, our range of aluminium heritage doors has been engineered to deliver:

True steel effect finish with ultra-slim, square-edge frames

Over 200 custom colours in matt, gloss, or textured powder-coating

Highly durable finishes that won't corrode, flake or peel—even in coastal environments

Lightweight, easy-to-install profiles ideal for renovations and new-builds alike

High thermal efficiency with double-glazing and warm-edge spacers

Our external range is PAS24 compliant which means it has been designed and tested to meet and exceed modern UK building regulations, without compromising on design impact.

Common Questions

Q: Are aluminium heritage doors suitable for listed buildings?

A: Many conservation officers accept steel-look aluminium as a sympathetic alternative to steel, especially in non-visible areas like rear extensions or internal partitions. Always consult your local planning office for the most accurate information.

Q: Can I use heritage doors internally and externally?

A: Yes. Our profiles are engineered for both internal doors (with minimal threshold and acoustic glazing options) and external doors (with complete weather seals and multi-point locking).

Q: Will aluminium match the same look as traditional steel?

A: Absolutely. Our systems have been carefully designed to replicate the sightlines, glazing patterns and finishes of vintage steel windows, while offering all the advantages of aluminium.

Conclusion

Heritage-style doors capture the essence of early modern architecture with sharp lines and minimal framing, but you don't need steel to achieve the effect. At Decorio, we deliver expertly crafted aluminium doors that replicate the iconic steel look, with all the modern benefits of low maintenance, thermal efficiency and long-term durability.

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Whether you're planning a period renovation or a contemporary build, heritage aluminium doors offer a striking way to introduce light, space and industrial character to your home.

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To discuss your door selection or learn more about our range of internal and external doors, get in touch with our team. We can connect you with a trusted local installer. You can also complete our online contact form or call 01253 888 250.

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