A loft door from Manufaktur X is a made-to-measure steel-and-glass interior door in the Crittall style - configured precisely to your opening dimensions, your choice of glass, and your preferred frame colour. Whether you are converting a Victorian terrace, opening up an Edwardian semi, or fitting out a period warehouse conversion, this guide walks you through every decision you need to make before placing your order - with no surprises on the final price.
Loft door or room divider - what is the difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe two distinct products. A loft door is a functioning door: it has a frame, hinges, a handle, a magnetic catch, and an opening side (left or right-hand). It can be configured as a single door, a double door, or a pivot door. A room divider, on the other hand, is a fixed steel-and-glass partition with no moving leaf - though a walk-through opening can be incorporated if needed.
If you want to visually separate two areas while keeping them connected and bright, a room divider may suit you better. If you need a door that actually closes - to contain kitchen smells, create a quiet home office, or section off a bedroom in an open-plan conversion - the loft door is the right product.
Why made-to-measure beats off-the-shelf
Standard door sizes rarely fit British properties cleanly. Victorian and Edwardian houses frequently have door openings that are neither square nor uniform - tolerances of 15-20 mm between the top and bottom of the same opening are entirely normal in pre-1920 stock. New-build flats present the opposite problem: non-standard proportions driven by modern space efficiency rather than traditional sizing.
In our production process, we see this regularly: the most common reason a custom door does not fit is mis-measurement, not a fault in manufacturing. Every loft door from Manufaktur X is built to the exact dimensions you enter in the configurator - no site trimming, no shimming, no compromise on the finished look.
What that means in practice:
- A precise fit for any opening, including unusual heights common in period loft conversions or basement flats
- Free choice of glass type, frame colour, bar grid pattern, and handle style
- Real-time pricing in the 3D configurator - no waiting for a quote, no revised invoice later
- Long-term durability through powder-coated steel and safety glass
Prices start from £945. Delivery costs and lead times are shown in the basket before checkout.
Step 1: Measuring your opening correctly
Take three measurements - always use the smallest
Structural openings are rarely perfectly square, particularly in pre-war British properties. Measure both the width and the height at three points each: top, middle, and bottom. In a Victorian terrace or 1930s semi-detached, a 15 mm difference between the widest and narrowest point of the same opening is not unusual - and in older period conversions it can be more. Always use the smallest measured value.
From that figure, subtract your installation clearance: approximately 5 mm per side (left, right, and top). A concrete example: if your smallest measured opening is 900 mm wide by 2,100 mm tall, configure the door to 890 mm by 2,095 mm. This clearance is what allows the door to hang true and swing freely regardless of minor irregularities in the masonry or stud wall.
Measurement checklist:
- Measure width and height three times each (top, middle, bottom) - use the smallest value
- Deduct approximately 5 mm per side (left, right, and top) for installation clearance
- Identify the wall construction: solid masonry, timber stud, or a mixed build
- Note the wall thickness - this is relevant for frame depth
- Check the floor for any unevenness, particularly relevant in older properties with worn floorboards or uneven screed
Decide your opening direction before you configure - it cannot be changed afterwards
The hinge side (left-hand or right-hand opening) and the opening angle are set during configuration and fixed in production. Changing them after the order is placed requires a complete remake. Before you finalise your configuration, think through: which direction gives you the most usable swing space? Does it conflict with any adjacent furniture, radiators, or skirting boards? Does the door flow with how the room is actually used day to day? If you are unsure, our loft door product page covers hinge side selection in detail.
Step 2: Choose your door type and opening mechanism
Hinged door
The standard hinged door opens in one direction and requires clear swing space on the opening side. At a 90-degree angle, a door 900 mm wide sweeps roughly 0.7 m² of floor area - worth factoring in if space is tight, as it often is in a converted Victorian hallway or a compact new-build flat.
Pivot door
A pivot door is top-and-bottom mounted on a central pivot point and swings in both directions. For leaf widths above 1,000 mm or door weights above 60 kg, the pivot mechanism is technically superior to traditional hinges: at those dimensions the lever arm on a standard hinge becomes too great and the door leaf begins to sag over time. A pivot door does require a solid floor anchor at the base, so it is worth confirming your subfloor construction before specifying this option.
The right choice depends on your room size, how frequently the door will be used, and the practicalities of your specific opening - not just aesthetics.
Step 3: Selecting the right glass type
The configurator offers exactly five glass types:
| Glass type | Transparency | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Clear glass | Maximum transparency | Open-plan layouts where light flow is the priority |
| Frosted glass | Diffused light, privacy screen | Bathrooms, bedrooms, home offices |
| Smoked glass | Lightly tinted, contemporary | Living rooms, industrial-style interiors |
| Dark smoked glass | Stronger tint | Maximum privacy with a modern finish |
| Textured glass | Refracts light, partial privacy | Decorative effect, adds visual interest |
ESG or VSG safety glass - understanding the difference
In our workshop, both ESG (toughened safety glass) and VSG (laminated safety glass) are specified to the same visual standard - once installed, you cannot tell them apart by eye. The difference matters only if the glass is ever broken. ESG shatters into small, blunt fragments. VSG holds together thanks to an interlayer film, even after the glass itself has cracked.
For full-height doors, rooms with children, or high-traffic openings - such as the main pass-through in a busy family kitchen-diner - VSG is the more prudent specification. At larger dimensions (both tall and wide), Manufaktur X recommends VSG as standard. VSG also offers a marginal acoustic benefit over ESG, which can be relevant in open-plan homes where sound travel between zones is a concern.
Step 4: Choosing your frame colour
Any RAL colour - applied by powder coating
The steel frame is finished by powder coating - not painting. Powder coating produces a uniform, scratch-resistant surface with consistent colour depth across the entire frame. It is also a cleaner, more environmentally considerate process than wet paint. Simply enter your preferred RAL code in the configurator.
The most popular frame colours chosen by UK customers:
- RAL 9005 Jet Black: The industrial classic - striking against white or off-white plaster walls, particularly effective in Victorian and Edwardian conversions
- RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey: A quieter alternative to black; sits well in contemporary new-build interiors and scandi-influenced spaces
- RAL 9010 Pure White: Ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian schemes; makes smaller rooms feel more open
- RAL 9016 Traffic White: Slightly warmer than pure white; works well in south-facing rooms with strong natural light
- RAL 7022 Umbra Grey: Warm, earthy, and grounding - suits period properties with natural materials
- RAL 6005 Moss Green: A nature-influenced trend colour that has become increasingly popular in British interiors over the past few years
A practical note on dark colours
Dark tones such as RAL 9005 absorb more heat in direct sunlight than lighter shades. In a south-facing room with significant glazing, RAL 9010 or RAL 9016 may be a more practical long-term choice. There is also a common screen-calibration issue worth knowing: RAL 9005 Jet Black and RAL 9011 Graphite Black often appear identical on monitor displays, but are clearly distinguishable in daylight once installed. Always check your colour choice against a physical RAL fan deck under the actual lighting conditions of the room before finalising your configuration. Re-coating after installation is a significant undertaking.
Coordinating the frame with your interior
When selecting your colour, consider:
- Your existing wall colour and floor finish
- Window frames and other internal doors in the same space
- Metal accents elsewhere in the room - light fittings, tap finishes, cabinet handles
- The room's natural light levels and proportions (dark frames can visually reduce a smaller room)
- The function of the room - a statement colour works well in a kitchen or living area; a quieter anthracite suits a home office or study
Step 5: Designing the bar grid pattern
The arrangement of horizontal and vertical bars - the characteristic grid of a Crittall-style door - is what defines the visual personality of the finished piece. In the configurator, you set the number and position of bars freely:
- Classic even grid: Balanced rectangular panes, timeless and confident - works in almost any setting from warehouse conversion to period cottage
- Minimal bar layout: Fewer bars, more glass - a lighter, more contemporary feel that suits modern open-plan homes
- Asymmetric or geometric arrangement: For a more considered, design-led statement
A practical tip: too many bars can make a narrow opening feel cluttered and reduce the sense of light. Less is usually more, particularly in compact British interiors where the door opening itself may not be especially wide.
Step 6: Selecting the door handle
Manufaktur X offers three handle styles for the loft door:
- Bar handle: A long, linear pull handle with clean lines - the archetypal industrial look
- Slim handle: A pared-back option for a more understated finish
- Crescent handle: A curved form that adds an elegant, slightly softer accent
Handle choice affects both the appearance and the feel of the door in daily use - it is worth considering alongside your frame colour rather than as an afterthought.
How the Manufaktur X 3D configurator works
The loft door configurator runs directly in your browser - on desktop, tablet, or mobile, with no software to install. Every change you make is reflected instantly in the visual preview, and the price updates in real time. There is no quoting process, no waiting for a sales team to come back to you, and no revised invoice after the fact.
The full configuration sequence:
- Select door type (single, double, or pivot)
- Enter your dimensions (height and width - structural opening minus installation clearance)
- Add optional extensions (side panels left or right, transom top light)
- Choose your frame colour (enter RAL code)
- Select glass type (clear, frosted, smoked, dark smoked, or textured)
- Choose safety glass specification (ESG or VSG)
- Set your bar grid pattern (number of horizontal and vertical bars)
- Select handle style (bar, slim, or crescent)
- Set opening direction and hinge side
- Read your live price and proceed to order
Delivery costs and lead times are shown in the basket. For requirements that fall outside the configurator's parameters - unusual shapes, bespoke dimensions, or special requests - you can submit a sketch via the enquiry form on the loft door page. Manufaktur X will review the feasibility and come back with a tailored quote.
Where loft doors work best in British homes
Kitchen-diner to living room - the most common application
In the open-plan Victorian and Edwardian conversions that dominate the UK's urban housing stock, the loft door has become a go-to solution for creating a visual separation between the kitchen and living zone without sacrificing the sense of space. Clear glass maximises light flow; frosted or smoked glass gives a degree of privacy without closing the space off entirely.
Home office
Remote working has made the dedicated home office a priority in British homes, but not everyone has a spare room. A loft door defines a working area within a larger room - keeping light and spatial connection while allowing you to close the door for calls, focus, or a professional background on video meetings. Frosted glass is popular here: it softens the visual connection without isolating the space.
En-suite, bathroom, or dressing room
With frosted or dark smoked glass, a loft door works well for bathroom and dressing room entrances - light passes through, sight lines do not. This approach is particularly effective in period conversions where a bathroom has been created within a larger original room and a partition wall alone can feel heavy.
Commercial interiors
Studio offices, creative agencies, showrooms, and architects' practices across the UK use loft doors to divide working areas with character. Anthracite or black frames in a commercial setting signal considered design rather than a budget fit-out - a meaningful difference when clients visit.
Three design directions for your loft door
1. Industrial classic
Jet black frame (RAL 9005), even rectangular bar grid, clear glass. This combination is as at home in a converted Bermondsey warehouse as it is in a newly renovated Leeds Victorian terrace. It contrasts best against exposed brick, bare plaster, or dark engineered oak flooring.
2. Contemporary minimal
White or light grey frame, large glass panels, minimal bars - two or three at most. This direction suits the clean-lined new-build flat or the scandi-influenced home where the door should read as part of the architecture rather than a statement piece. Clear glass or frosted glass both work well here.
3. Warm period
A warm grey or bronzed tone (RAL 8025 or a custom finish), modest bar grid, frosted or textured glass. This palette sits naturally in older British properties - 1930s semis, Edwardian semis, or period cottage conversions - where the goal is character rather than contrast.
Installation: DIY or trade?
For a standard single hinged door in a straightforward masonry opening, a competent DIYer with the right tools can achieve a good result. That said, loft doors are heavy - and glass is unforgiving if a panel is dropped during handling. For pivot doors, larger double doors, or any installation into a stud partition or mixed-wall construction, we would recommend engaging a joiner or specialist installer.
Installation checklist:
- Accurate spirit level - essential for a door that hangs true
- Appropriate drill and fixings for your wall type (masonry anchors for brick; frame fixings for stud)
- At least two people for any door over 800 mm wide or 2,000 mm tall
- Photograph the opening before you start
- Budget time generously - a careful installation cannot be rushed
On timescales: production takes 5-6 weeks from order confirmation. Delivery to UK addresses follows production, with all customs duties and import costs handled - there are no unexpected charges on arrival. Installation itself typically takes half a day to a full day depending on complexity. Allow a week or two of buffer around your target install date for scheduling tradespeople and any minor making-good to the surrounding wall.
Caring for your loft door
With straightforward maintenance, a steel-and-glass loft door will remain in excellent condition for decades:
- Glass panels: Clean regularly with a standard glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth - avoid anything abrasive or solvent-based
- Steel frame: Wipe with a soft, lightly damp cloth; mild soapy water for any marks
- Hinges and fittings: Apply a light oil once or twice a year to keep the action smooth
- Seals: Check periodically for wear; treat with an appropriate rubber conditioner to maintain elasticity
- Powder-coated surface: Avoid sharp or abrasive contact; matte finishes are more forgiving of fingerprints than gloss
Pricing and transparency
Loft doors from Manufaktur X start from £945. Your final price depends on the overall size, glass type, ESG or VSG specification, handle choice, and any additional options such as side panels or a transom light. Every variable is reflected in the live price displayed in the configurator as you build your specification - what you see is what you pay.
| Product | From | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lofttür | £995 | Lowest possible option |
| Raumteiler | £1.900 | Steel + laminated glass, custom width |
| Großes Regal | £2.750 | Solid wood, steel frame, floor-to-ceiling |
| Esstisch | £1.360 | Solid wood, steel frame |
| Couchtisch | £995 | Solid wood, steel frame |
| Sitzbank | £945 | Solid wood, steel frame |
| TV-Board | £1.325 | Solid wood, steel frame |
| Rohrregal | £915 | Modular pipe shelf |
If you are also looking at other made-to-measure pieces - a large steel-and-solid-wood shelf, a custom dining table, or a fixed glass room divider - the full Manufaktur X range is available to configure at manufakturx.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions about loft doors
What glass types are available for the Manufaktur X loft door?
There are five glass types in the configurator: clear, frosted, smoked, dark smoked, and textured. Each is available as either ESG (toughened safety glass) or VSG (laminated safety glass). For full-height doors, high-traffic openings, or rooms where children are present, VSG is the recommended specification.
What handle styles are available?
Three handle styles are offered: bar handle, slim handle, and crescent handle. The choice influences both the visual finish and the day-to-day feel of the door.
How do I measure my opening for a loft door?
Measure the width and height of the structural opening at three points each - top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest value in each direction. Deduct approximately 5 mm per side (left, right, and top) as installation clearance. Enter the resulting dimensions into the configurator: those are the exact dimensions to which the door will be made.
Can I install a loft door myself?
A standard single hinged door in a solid masonry opening is a realistic DIY project for a competent home improver with the right tools. For pivot doors, double doors, stud-wall installations, or any door over roughly 60 kg, we recommend engaging a qualified joiner or specialist installer. At minimum, two people are needed to handle a glazed door panel safely.
When should I specify VSG rather than ESG?
VSG is recommended for full-height doors, rooms used by children, and high-traffic domestic or commercial openings. At larger dimensions - both tall and wide - VSG is the technically sounder choice because the interlayer film keeps the broken panel together rather than allowing fragments to fall. VSG also provides a marginal acoustic improvement over ESG.
What if my opening size or shape is outside the configurator's range?
Use the enquiry form on the loft door product page to submit a sketch or description of your requirements. Manufaktur X will assess the feasibility and provide a bespoke quotation.
Can I change the hinge side after ordering?
No. The opening direction and hinge side are fixed during production and cannot be altered after the order is confirmed - a change requires the door to be remade from scratch. Take time to think through your opening direction before you finalise the configuration. Consider furniture positions, radiator locations, and the natural flow of movement through the space.
Is there any wood in a loft door?
No - the loft door consists entirely of a powder-coated steel frame and safety glass. If you are also looking for made-to-measure pieces in solid wood - oak, beech, or ash - the Manufaktur X range includes a large shelf, dining tables, and benches in those species.
How long does delivery to the UK take, and are there import costs?
Production takes 5-6 weeks from order confirmation. All customs duties and import costs for UK delivery are handled by Manufaktur X - there are no additional charges on arrival. Exact delivery timescales are shown in the basket at checkout.
