Reeded vs Fluted Glass: Which Is Best for Steel Doors in UK Homes?

Choosing a steel door isn’t just about the frame. One of the biggest design decisions you’ll make is the type of glass.

While clear glazing remains popular, more homeowners across London, Kent and the Home Counties are choosing textured glass to strike the perfect balance between privacy, natural light and contemporary design.

Two of the most searched options are reeded glass and fluted glass.

But are they actually different? And which is the better choice for your home?

The short answer is that, in most cases, reeded and fluted glass refer to the same style of decorative textured glass. The terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers, designers and homeowners. However, there can be subtle differences in profile, spacing and appearance depending on the supplier.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the right glass for your bespoke steel doors or partitions.

Is There a Difference Between Reeded and Fluted Glass?

In most UK glazing applications, reeded glass and fluted glass describe the same type of textured glass featuring vertical grooves that diffuse light while providing privacy.

Some manufacturers distinguish between the two by referring to:

  • Reeded glass as having finer, closely spaced ribs.
  • Fluted glass as having deeper or wider vertical channels.

However, there is no universal industry standard, and many suppliers use the names interchangeably.

For homeowners, the important consideration isn’t necessarily the name—it’s the final appearance, level of privacy and how the glass complements the steel door design.

What Is Reeded Glass?

Reeded glass is textured glass with narrow vertical ridges that distort visibility while allowing high levels of natural light to pass through.

It has become one of the most popular options for modern interior steel glazing because it offers:

  • Excellent privacy
  • Soft light diffusion
  • Contemporary appearance
  • Timeless character

Unlike frosted glass, reeded glass still provides depth and movement, making interiors feel brighter and more interesting.

What Is Fluted Glass?

Fluted glass is also a vertically textured decorative glass that provides privacy while maintaining excellent light transmission.

Depending on the manufacturer, fluted glass may feature:

  • Slightly wider grooves
  • More pronounced texture
  • Greater visual distortion

The effect is elegant and architectural, making it particularly popular in:

  • Luxury residential interiors
  • Boutique hotels
  • Contemporary offices
  • High-end kitchen renovations

At Totally Steel Doors, we’ll help you select the exact textured glass that suits your project, regardless of whether it’s described as reeded or fluted.

Why Is Textured Glass So Popular for Steel Doors?

It Offers Privacy Without Blocking Light

Textured glass allows daylight to travel through your home while obscuring direct views between rooms.

This makes it ideal for homeowners who want:

  • More privacy
  • Brighter interiors
  • Defined spaces
  • An open feel

Unlike solid panels or opaque doors, textured glazing keeps homes feeling spacious.

It Softens Views Without Feeling Closed Off

One of the biggest advantages of reeded and fluted glass is how they blur shapes rather than completely hiding them.

This creates:

  • A softer visual transition
  • Greater warmth
  • Increased depth
  • A more relaxed atmosphere

It’s a subtle design feature that has a surprisingly big impact.

Where Does Reeded or Fluted Glass Work Best?

1. Home Offices

Summary: Maintain privacy during video calls while allowing natural light to flow through your workspace.

Ideal for:

  • Hybrid working
  • Garden offices
  • Internal studies

2. Kitchen Partitions

Steel doors with textured glazing can:

  • Reduce visual clutter
  • Conceal everyday kitchen activity
  • Keep spaces feeling open

A perfect option for broken-plan layouts.

3. Hallways

Dark hallways benefit enormously from textured glazing.

Light passes freely while maintaining privacy between entrance spaces and living areas.

This is particularly effective in Victorian and Edwardian homes.

4. Bathrooms and Dressing Rooms

Textured glass is often preferred over clear glazing where greater discretion is required.

It provides:

  • Privacy
  • Architectural style
  • Excellent light transmission

5. Bedrooms

Steel partitions with reeded or fluted glass can define bedroom spaces in loft apartments or studio flats without creating heavy walls.

Reeded vs Clear Glass: Which Should You Choose?

Clear Glass

Best for homeowners wanting:

  • Maximum openness
  • Completely uninterrupted views
  • Strong visual connection between rooms

Ideal for:

  • Large open-plan homes
  • Garden-facing extensions
  • Contemporary family spaces

Reeded or Fluted Glass

Best for homeowners wanting:

  • Greater privacy
  • Softened sightlines
  • A more decorative finish

Ideal for:

  • Home offices
  • Hallways
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Internal partitions

Neither option is objectively better. The right choice depends entirely on how the space will be used.

Does Textured Glass Reduce Natural Light?

No. Reeded and fluted glass allow a significant amount of natural light to pass through while diffusing it gently throughout the room.

Although slightly less transparent than clear glass, the reduction in brightness is minimal.

Instead, the glass scatters light, often making spaces feel softer and more comfortable.

This is one reason textured glazing has become so popular in modern interior design.

How Much Does Reeded Glass Cost for Steel Doors?

Textured glazing typically adds a modest premium to the overall cost of bespoke steel doors, depending on the specification and supplier.

Typical guide pricing includes:

  • Single steel internal door: £1,500–£3,000+
  • Double steel doors: £3,000–£6,000+
  • Steel partition: £3,000–£15,000+

Factors affecting price include:

  • Door size
  • Glass specification
  • Bespoke manufacturing
  • Hardware
  • Installation complexity


Choosing reeded or fluted glass generally has less impact on price than the size and complexity of the steel framework itself.

Can Reeded Glass Be Fire-Rated?

Yes.

Where required, textured glazing can often be incorporated into fire-rated steel door systems, subject to the appropriate specification and certified products.

This may be relevant for:

  • Loft conversions
  • Flat refurbishments
  • Certain renovation projects
  • Building regulation compliance

At Totally Steel Doors, we’ll advise you on the most suitable solution for your project.

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Design Tips for Choosing the Right Glass

Match the Character of Your Home

For period homes:

  • Reeded glass often complements traditional detailing beautifully.

For contemporary homes:

  • Wider fluted profiles can create a bold architectural statement.

Consider the Room’s Function

Ask yourself:

  • Do I need privacy?
  • How much light do I want?
  • Will people frequently look through this space?

The answers usually make the choice much easier.

Think About Maintenance

Both clear and textured glass are relatively easy to maintain.

However, textured surfaces may require slightly more attention when cleaning due to the grooves.

Fortunately, regular glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth are usually all that’s needed.

Why Choose Totally Steel Doors?

At Totally Steel Doors, we believe every steel glazing project should be tailored to the property—not taken from a catalogue.

From our base in Kent, we work with homeowners, architects and designers across:

  • London
  • Surrey
  • Essex
  • The Home Counties
  • Nationwide projects

Our bespoke steel doors and partitions are designed around:

  • Your home’s architecture
  • Your preferred glass specification
  • Your lifestyle
  • Your practical requirements

Whether you choose clear, reeded or fluted glass, we’ll help you achieve a solution that’s both beautiful and functional.

Ready to Design Your Perfect Steel Door?

Whether you’re renovating a period home, creating a stylish home office or transforming an open-plan living space, choosing the right glazing can make all the difference.

Our experienced team is here to help you select the ideal combination of steel framing and glass to suit your home and lifestyle.

We’ll help you design a bespoke solution that complements your home, lifestyle and vision.

Speak to Totally Steel Doors today to discuss your project or request a bespoke quotation.

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More Information

In most cases, yes. The terms are commonly used interchangeably in the UK, although some manufacturers use them to describe slightly different groove profiles.

Yes. It obscures direct views while still allowing plenty of natural light to pass through.

Absolutely. It’s an excellent choice where privacy is important without sacrificing brightness.

Only slightly. Reeded and fluted glass diffuse light rather than blocking it, making rooms feel bright and inviting.

There is usually a modest additional cost, but the overall price of a steel door is more heavily influenced by its size, configuration and bespoke specification.

Yes, subject to the correct certified glazing specification and the requirements of your project.

Whether you call it reeded glass or fluted glass, textured glazing is one of the most effective ways to add privacy, elegance and architectural character to a steel door.

Combined with bespoke steel framing from Totally Steel Doors, it creates interiors that are not only beautifully designed but also perfectly suited to modern living.

Open-Plan vs Zoned Living: Are Steel Partitions the Best of Both Worlds?

Open-plan living has dominated home design for more than two decades.

Large kitchen-diners, open family rooms and flowing layouts became the hallmark of modern renovations, offering brighter spaces and better social interaction. But as our lifestyles have changed, so too have our expectations of our homes.

Today, many homeowners are discovering that completely open spaces aren’t always practical.

Working from home, rising energy costs, increased demand for privacy and the need for quieter living areas have all contributed to a growing shift towards zoned living.

So, does that mean open-plan living is outdated?

Not necessarily.

Steel partitions offer a modern solution that combines the openness of open-plan layouts with the practicality of defined spaces. For many homeowners across London, Kent and the Home Counties, they truly represent the best of both worlds.

What Is the Difference Between Open-Plan and Zoned Living?

Open-plan living removes internal walls to create one large shared space, while zoned living creates separate functional areas within the home. Steel partitions allow you to achieve zoned living without sacrificing natural light or openness.

Rather than choosing one extreme or the other, many homeowners are now embracing a middle ground known as broken-plan living.

Using steel-framed glass partitions and internal doors, you can enjoy:

    • Open sightlines
    • Improved privacy
    • Better acoustic separation
    • Greater flexibility
    • Continued natural light throughout the home

Why Is Open-Plan Living Becoming Less Popular?

Modern Homes Need to Work Harder

Open-plan spaces are ideal for entertaining, but everyday life often tells a different story.

Common frustrations include:

  • Noise travelling throughout the house
  • Cooking smells spreading into living areas
  • Limited privacy
  • Difficulty working from home
  • Higher heating costs due to larger open spaces

As families spend more time at home, flexible layouts have become increasingly important.

That’s why more homeowners are searching for ways to divide space without returning to dark, enclosed rooms.

What Is Zoned Living?

Creating Purpose Without Isolation

Zoned living divides a home into distinct functional areas while maintaining visual connection between them.

Instead of one large multi-purpose room, you create dedicated spaces for:

  • Cooking
  • Dining
  • Relaxing
  • Working
  • Reading
  • Entertaining

The goal isn’t to make rooms smaller.

It’s to make them work better.

Why Steel Partitions Offer the Best of Both Worlds

They Create Separation Without Blocking Light

Steel-framed glazing allows daylight to move freely throughout the home while still creating clearly defined spaces.

Unlike solid walls, glass partitions maintain:

  • Long sightlines
  • Visual openness
  • Natural light flow
  • Architectural interest

The result is a home that feels bright, spacious and organised.

They Improve Privacy Without Feeling Closed Off

One of the biggest advantages of steel glazing is that it provides separation without creating isolation.

You can:

  • Close the home office during meetings
  • Reduce noise from the kitchen
  • Create a quieter lounge
  • Separate children’s play areas

All while maintaining an open feel throughout the property.

They Enhance the Architectural Design

Steel glazing has become synonymous with contemporary British architecture.

Its slim frames and large glazed panels suit:

  • Victorian renovations
  • Edwardian homes
  • Warehouse conversions
  • New-build properties
  • Contemporary extensions

Rather than simply dividing rooms, steel partitions become a feature in their own right.

Bright living room with a stone fireplace and a mounted flat-screen TV above a wooden mantel, surrounded by large windows and glass doors.

Five Ways Steel Partitions Improve Everyday Living

1. Separate the Kitchen Without Losing Connection

Summary: Steel partitions reduce cooking noise and smells while maintaining an open, sociable layout.

This is one of the most common applications.

You can still:

  • See through to the living area
  • Allow light to travel freely
  • Open doors when entertaining

But gain the option to separate spaces when needed.

2. Create a Dedicated Home Office

Summary: Steel glazing allows you to create a productive workspace without making the room feel enclosed. Working from home is now part of everyday life.

A glazed office provides:

  • Better concentration
  • Reduced distractions
  • Improved acoustics
  • Continued natural light

It’s a practical solution that doesn’t compromise the overall feel of the home.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

Summary: Zoning spaces can help reduce heating costs by allowing homeowners to heat individual areas more efficiently.

With energy prices remaining a concern, many homeowners are reconsidering large open spaces.

Steel doors allow rooms to be separated while preserving the bright, open aesthetic people love.

4. Brighten Internal Hallways

Steel partitions don’t just divide rooms.

They also allow daylight to reach areas that would otherwise rely entirely on artificial lighting.

This can dramatically improve:

  • Entrance halls
  • Internal corridors
  • Landings
  • Central living spaces

5. Create Flexible Living Spaces

Today’s homes often need to adapt throughout the day.

Steel glazing allows rooms to change function effortlessly.

For example:

  • A playroom becomes a quiet lounge
  • A dining room doubles as a workspace
  • A kitchen becomes a more private cooking area

Few other design features offer this level of flexibility.

How Much Do Steel Partitions Cost in the UK?

Bespoke steel partitions typically range from £3,000 to £15,000+, depending on size, specification and configuration.

Typical guide pricing includes:

  • Single steel internal door: £1,500–£3,000+
  • Double steel doors: £3,000–£6,000+
  • Fixed glazed partitions: £3,000–£10,000+
  • Large partition systems: £5,000–£15,000+

Factors affecting price include:

  • Bespoke dimensions
  • Glass specification
  • Door configuration
  • Hardware
  • Installation complexity

At Totally Steel Doors, every installation is manufactured specifically for the property, ensuring the best possible result.

Steel vs Traditional Partition Walls

Which Is Better? Steel glazing offers the functionality of a wall while retaining the openness of open-plan living.

Steel Partitions

Allow natural light to pass through

Maintain visual openness

Create premium architectural features

Improve flexibility

Traditional Stud Walls

Complete privacy

Greater sound separation

Block light

Make rooms feel smaller

For many modern homes, steel glazing offers the better balance.

Are Steel Partitions Suitable for Period Homes?

Absolutely.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that steel glazing only suits contemporary architecture.

In reality, steel partitions work beautifully within:

  • Victorian terraces
  • Edwardian houses
  • Georgian properties
  • Converted warehouses

The contrast between traditional architecture and contemporary steel often creates some of the most striking interiors.

Can Steel Partitions Be Fire-Rated?

Yes.

Where required, steel partition systems can be manufactured as fire-rated glazing to help satisfy UK Building Regulations.

This may be relevant for:

  • Loft conversions
  • Building conversions
  • Certain internal layouts
  • Specific renovation projects

Fire-rated systems allow homeowners to prioritise both safety and design.

Installation steel doors by Totally Shutters

Why Choose Totally Steel Doors?

At Totally Steel Doors, we specialise in bespoke steel doors, partitions and glazing systems that combine outstanding craftsmanship with practical everyday living.

From our base in Kent, we work with homeowners, architects and developers across:

  • London
  • Surrey
  • Essex
  • The Home Counties
  • Nationwide projects

Every project is designed around your property and how you want to live.

Our focus is always on:

  • Bespoke manufacturing
  • Precision installation
  • Premium materials
  • Exceptional customer service

 

Whether you’re redesigning a family home or planning a complete renovation, we’ll help you create spaces that look beautiful and function brilliantly.

Ready to Find the Perfect Balance Between Open and Zoned Living?

If you love the openness of open-plan living but want greater flexibility, privacy and practicality, steel partitions could be exactly what your home needs.

We’ll help you design a bespoke solution that complements your home, lifestyle and vision.

Speak to Totally Steel Doors today to discuss your project or request a bespoke quotation.

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More Information

Steel partitions combine many of the benefits of open-plan layouts with improved privacy, flexibility and functionality, making them an excellent solution for many modern homes.

No. Because they use large glazed panels, steel partitions maintain sightlines and natural light, helping rooms feel open and spacious.

Most bespoke systems start from around £3,000, with larger installations depending on size and specification.

Yes. While they don’t offer the same acoustic separation as solid walls, they significantly reduce noise compared with fully open-plan spaces, particularly when specified with acoustic glazing.

Absolutely. Steel glazing works exceptionally well in Victorian, Edwardian and period homes, creating an elegant contrast between traditional architecture and contemporary design.

Yes. Fire-rated steel glazing systems are available where compliance with UK Building Regulations is required.

The future of home design isn’t about choosing between open-plan and traditional layouts. It’s about creating homes that adapt to modern living. With bespoke steel partitions from Totally Steel Doors, you can enjoy light-filled, beautifully defined spaces that deliver the best of both worlds

How Internal Glass Walls Can Brighten Dark Hallways in UK Homes

Hallways are often the most overlooked spaces in a home.
Yet they’re also one of the first things you see when you walk through the front door.

In many UK properties - particularly Victorian terraces, Edwardian homes and converted flats - hallways are often:

  • Narrow and enclosed
  • Short on natural light
  • Reliant on artificial lighting throughout the day
  • Visually disconnected from the rest of the home

The result?

Even beautifully designed homes can feel darker and smaller than they actually are.

Fortunately, there’s a solution that doesn’t involve major structural work. Internal glass walls can dramatically brighten dark hallways by allowing natural light to travel through the home while maintaining practical separation between spaces.
For homeowners across London, Kent and the Home Counties, steel-framed internal glazing has become one of the most effective ways to transform gloomy entrance areas into bright, welcoming spaces.

Can Internal Glass Walls Make a Dark Hallway Brighter?

Yes. Internal glass walls allow natural light from adjacent rooms to pass into hallways, reducing the need for artificial lighting and making the entire home feel brighter and more spacious.

Unlike solid walls, glazed partitions create visual continuity throughout a property.

This means:

  • More daylight reaches internal areas
  • Sightlines extend further
  • Entrance spaces feel more open
  • The overall perception of space improves

It’s a simple concept—but one that can completely change how a home feels.

Glass-panel sliding doors with black metal frames acting as a room divider in a modern home.

Why Are Hallways So Dark in UK Homes?

The Problem with Traditional Layouts

Many UK properties were built long before open-plan living became popular.

As a result, hallways often:

  • Sit in the centre of the property
  • Have limited or no access to external windows
  • Feature multiple solid doors and walls
  • Depend heavily on ceiling lighting

This is particularly common in:

  • Victorian terraces
  • Edwardian properties
  • Period conversions
  • Traditional family homes

Even newer properties can suffer from poorly lit corridors.

The good news is that internal glazing offers a practical way to address this issue without compromising functionality.

How Do Internal Glass Walls Improve Natural Light?

They Borrow Light From Adjacent Rooms

Internal glass walls brighten hallways by sharing daylight from neighbouring spaces.

For example, if your kitchen extension receives abundant sunlight, a glazed partition between the kitchen and hallway allows that light to filter deeper into the property.

The same applies to:

  • Living rooms with bay windows
  • Garden-facing family rooms
  • Open-plan kitchen-diners

Rather than each room existing in isolation, the home works together as one connected environment.

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Why Steel-Framed Glass Walls Are Particularly Effective

Slim Frames Mean More Glass

Steel glazing allows for exceptionally slim sightlines, maximising the amount of glass within the overall design.

This offers several advantages:

  • Greater light transfer
  • Less visual interruption
  • Strong architectural character
  • A premium finish

Compared with bulkier alternatives, steel glazing often creates a lighter, more refined appearance.

At Totally Steel Doors, this is one of the reasons our bespoke steel systems are increasingly specified in both contemporary and period properties.

What Types of Internal Glass Walls Work Best in Hallways?

Fixed Steel Glazed Screens

Best for homeowners who want permanent light transfer without creating additional openings.

Ideal for:

  • Hallways adjoining living rooms
  • Spaces beneath staircases
  • Dividing entrance areas

Benefits include:

  • Maximum light flow
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Strong visual impact
black-industrial-doors

Steel Doors with Fixed Side Panels

Best for retaining privacy while increasing brightness.

This configuration works particularly well between:

  • Hallways and lounges
  • Hallways and kitchen extensions
  • Hallways and home offices

You gain flexibility while maintaining openness.

Full-Height Glazing Systems

Best for creating a dramatic architectural statement.

Floor-to-ceiling steel glazing can:

  • Emphasise ceiling height
  • Increase perceived space
  • Introduce substantial amounts of light

Particularly effective in:

  • Modern renovations
  • Side-return extensions
  • Large entrance halls
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Do Internal Glass Walls Make a Home Feel Bigger?

YES — often significantly so.

Beyond improving brightness, internal glazing influences how we perceive space.

Our brains assess room size based on factors such as:

  • Visual depth
  • Sightlines
  • Light levels
  • Spatial continuity

Because glazed walls extend these elements beyond a single room, hallways often feel:

  • Wider
  • More open
  • Less confined

Even when no additional floor space has been created.

This principle is widely used by architects and interior designers to enhance compact homes.

What About Privacy?

Can You Brighten a Hallway Without Losing Privacy?

Absolutely. Various glazing options allow homeowners to balance light and discretion.

Popular choices include:

  • Reeded Glass, provides obscurity while maintaining excellent light transmission.
  • Fluted Glass, offers texture and privacy with a contemporary aesthetic.
  • Partial Glazing Designs, combine solid elements with glass panels to achieve the right balance.

The best solution depends on the layout of your property and how you use the adjoining spaces.

How Much Do Internal Glass Walls Cost in the UK?

Typical Pricing Guidance

Internal steel glazing is a bespoke product, with pricing depending on the size, specification and complexity of the installation.

Typical guide prices include:

  • Single steel internal door: £1,500–£3,000+
  • Double steel doors: £3,000–£6,000+
  • Steel doors with side panels: £4,000–£8,000+
  • Fixed internal glass walls: £3,000–£10,000+
  • Larger bespoke partition systems: £5,000–£15,000+

Factors affecting cost include:

  • Dimensions
  • Glass specification
  • Hardware selection
  • Finish requirements
  • Installation conditions

At Totally Steel Doors, every project is designed around the individual property to ensure the best aesthetic and practical outcome.

Steel vs Alternative Solutions

Steel Glazing vs Solid Walls

Steel glazing retains light and openness while solid walls block both.

Steel glazing offers:

  • Improved natural light
  • Better visual flow
  • Greater design flexibility

Solid walls offer:

  • Complete separation
  • Reduced light transfer

For many homeowners, steel glazing provides the ideal balance.

Steel vs Timber Glazed Screens

Steel generally delivers:

  • Slimmer profiles
  • Larger glass areas
  • A more contemporary architectural appearance

Timber can work beautifully but often introduces greater visual weight.

Are Fire-Rated Internal Glass Walls Available?

Yes.

Where required by UK Building Regulations, fire-rated steel glazing systems can be specified.

These are often relevant in:

  • Loft conversions
  • Certain renovation projects
  • Building conversions
  • Homes with specific fire separation requirements

Modern fire-rated systems allow homeowners to achieve compliance without compromising design.

Installation steel doors by Totally Shutters

Why Choose Totally Steel Doors?

At Totally Steel Doors, we specialise in bespoke steel doors, partitions and glazing systems designed to enhance how homes look and function.

Based in Kent and serving:

  • London
  • Surrey
  • Essex
  • The Home Counties
  • Nationwide projects

We work with:

  • Homeowners
  • Architects
  • Interior designers
  • Developers

Clients choose us because of our commitment to:

  • Precision craftsmanship
  • Tailored design solutions
  • High-quality materials
  • Expert installation

 

Whether you’re brightening a dark hallway or redesigning your entire layout, our team can help you achieve the right solution.

Ready to Brighten Your Hallway?

If your entrance hall feels dark, enclosed or disconnected from the rest of your home, internal glass walls could transform the space completely.

With the right design, you can:

  • Increase natural light
  • Enhance the feeling of space
  • Improve the flow of your home
  • Add architectural character

Speak to Totally Steel Doors today to discuss your project or request a bespoke quotation.

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More Information

Yes. By allowing natural light to pass through adjoining rooms, internal glass walls can significantly improve brightness in enclosed hallways.

Absolutely. Steel glazing works particularly well in Victorian and Edwardian properties, offering a contemporary contrast that complements original features.

Yes. Reeded, fluted and partially obscured glazing options provide privacy without sacrificing natural light.

Most bespoke systems start from approximately £3,000, depending on size, specification and installation requirements.

In most cases, no. However, building regulations may apply depending on the scope of the project.

Yes. Fire-rated steel glazing systems are available where compliance with UK Building Regulations is required.


Dark hallways are common in UK homes—but they don’t have to stay that way.

With carefully designed internal steel glazing, you can bring light deeper into your home, create a greater sense of space, and make every arrival through your front door feel just that little bit more welcoming.