How to Configure a Loft Door: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Made-to-Measure in the 3D Configurator

A loft door from Manufaktur X is a made-to-measure steel-and-glass door in the Crittall style - configured precisely to your opening dimensions, your choice of glass, and your preferred frame colour. This guide covers every decision you need to make, so you can complete your configuration without surprises and without needing a separate quote.

Loft Door or Room Divider - Which One Do You Actually Need?

The term "loft door" describes a hinged or pivot steel-and-glass door with a proper door leaf, handle, hinges, and a defined opening direction. At Manufaktur X you can configure it as a single door, a double door, or a pivot door - with optional side panels and a transom light above.

A room divider is a different product entirely: a fixed steel-and-glass partition wall with no leaf, no handle, and no hinges. It can include a walk-through opening, but it does not close. If you want to visually separate two areas while keeping them permanently open to each other, the room divider is the right choice. If you need a door that actually closes, you need the loft door.

Why Made-to-Measure Makes Sense Across Europe

Whether you live in a 1920s Haussmann-style apartment in Paris, a postwar panel-build flat in Warsaw, or a new-build home in Amsterdam, one thing is almost universal: standard door sizes rarely match your actual opening. Period buildings across Europe routinely have openings that are slightly out of square, with tolerances that make off-the-shelf doors a poor fit. Even new-builds can differ from nominal dimensions once finishes are applied.

With Manufaktur X, you enter the exact dimensions you want - and the door is manufactured to those numbers. No site trimming, no filler strips, no visual compromise. In our experience, the most common reason a custom door does not fit perfectly is mis-measurement by the customer, not a production fault. That is why the measurement step in this guide deserves your full attention.

What made-to-measure gives you in practice:

• A precise fit for any opening, including unusual heights or widths
• Full freedom to choose glass type, frame colour, bar pattern, and handle style
• Real-time pricing in the configurator - no waiting for a callback
• Long-term durability through powder-coated steel and safety glass

The starting price is from €945. Shipping costs and lead times are shown in the basket before you confirm your order.

Step 1: Measuring Your Opening Correctly

Measure in Three Places - Always Use the Smallest Figure

Structural openings are rarely perfectly rectangular - this is true whether your building dates from 1890 or 2005. Measure both width and height at three points: top, middle, and bottom. In older apartment buildings it is not unusual to find a difference of 10 to 20 mm between the top and bottom of the same opening. Always work with the smallest value you measure.

From that smallest figure, subtract your installation gap: approximately 5 mm clearance on each side - left, right, and top. As a concrete example: if your smallest measured opening is 1,200 mm wide by 2,100 mm tall, you configure the door at 1,190 mm by 2,095 mm. Enter these adjusted figures - not the raw structural dimensions - in the configurator.

Measurement checklist:

• Measure width and height three times each (top, centre, bottom) - use the smallest reading
• Subtract approximately 5 mm per side (left, right, and top) as installation clearance
• Identify your wall construction: solid masonry, timber frame, or composite
• Note the wall thickness - this affects frame depth
• Check the floor for unevenness beneath the opening

Hinge Side and Opening Direction - Fixed at Production

The opening direction (hinge on the left or hinge on the right) and the opening angle are set during configuration and cannot be changed after production has begun. A correction means a full remake. Before you finalise your order, stand in the doorway and think through the swing arc: which direction makes daily use natural, and does the door have enough clearance to open fully without hitting furniture or a wall? If you are unsure how hinge-side conventions work, our loft door product page explains the logic in detail.

Step 2: Choosing Your Door Type

Standard Hinged Door

The classic hinged door opens in a single direction and requires clear floor space for the swing. At 90 degrees of opening angle, a standard-width door sweeps roughly 0.5 m² of floor area - worth factoring into your room layout before you configure.

Pivot Door

A pivot door is mounted on a central axis at floor and ceiling rather than on side hinges, and it swings in both directions. For door leaves wider than 1,000 mm or heavier than around 60 kg, the pivot mechanism is technically superior: conventional side hinges create a lever arm that causes heavy leaves to sag over time. Note that a pivot door requires a solid floor anchor point, so check your floor construction before choosing this option.

The right choice depends on room size, how often the door will be used, and the structural situation - not just on aesthetics.

Step 3: Selecting the Right Glass

The configurator offers exactly five glass types:

ESG or VSG: Understanding the Difference

Both safety glass types look identical once installed. The difference only becomes relevant in a breakage scenario. ESG (toughened safety glass) shatters into small, blunt fragments that are far less dangerous than ordinary broken glass. VSG (laminated safety glass) holds together after impact thanks to an interlayer film - the pane cracks but does not fall apart.

For floor-to-ceiling doors, in households with children, or in high-traffic areas, VSG is the more considered technical choice. In our production, we recommend VSG as standard for any door above approximately 2,200 mm in height or with an unusually wide leaf - the interlayer keeps the breakage pattern contained if the glass is ever struck. VSG also offers a marginal acoustic benefit over ESG.

What the Glass Door Does - and Does Not - Do for Acoustics

A steel-and-glass loft door provides a meaningful reduction in ambient noise compared to an open doorway, but it will not match the acoustic performance of a solid timber door. If a space needs to be strongly sound-isolated - a recording room or a noisy home workshop, for example - consider this honestly before choosing a glass-filled door. For everyday home office use or separating a living area from a kitchen, the loft door works well.

Step 4: Choosing Your Frame Colour

Any RAL Colour - Powder Coated for Durability

The steel frame is finished by powder coating (Pulverbeschichtung) in any RAL colour you specify. Powder coating differs from liquid paint: the colour is applied as a dry powder and cured under heat, producing a finish that is scratch-resistant, environmentally cleaner than solvent-based paints, and consistent in colour across the entire surface with no brush marks or runs. Enter your chosen RAL code directly in the configurator.

The most frequently chosen frame colours:

• RAL 9005 Jet Black: The timeless classic - maximum contrast against white or light walls, the defining look of the industrial aesthetic
• RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey: A quieter alternative to black - modern and understated, works well in both residential and professional spaces
• RAL 9010 Pure White: Ideal for Scandinavian-influenced or minimalist interiors; visually expands smaller rooms
• RAL 9016 Traffic White: Slightly warmer than pure white; harmonises well in south-facing rooms with strong natural light
• RAL 7022 Umbra Grey: Warm, earthy, and grounded - suits natural material interiors
• RAL 6005 Moss Green: A considered nature-influenced tone with a calm, settled presence

A Practical Note on Colour Selection

Darker tones such as RAL 9005 absorb more heat under direct sunlight than lighter shades. For south-facing rooms with significant sun exposure, RAL 9010 or RAL 9016 is usually the more practical choice. Also worth knowing: on most monitors RAL 9005 and RAL 9011 Graphite Black appear nearly identical - in daylight and at the installation site, they are noticeably different. Always verify your final colour choice against a physical RAL fan deck under the actual lighting conditions of the room before submitting your configuration. Re-coating after installation is a significant undertaking and best avoided.

Coordinating the Frame with Your Interior

Consider these factors when finalising your colour:

• Wall colour and floor finish
• Existing window frames and interior doors in the same space
• Other metal elements - light fittings, tap finishes, cabinet handles
• Lighting conditions and room size (dark frames can make a small room feel more enclosed)
• Room function: statement colours work well in living areas; quieter tones like anthracite suit home offices

Step 5: Designing the Bar Pattern

The grid of horizontal and vertical bars - the muntins - is what gives a loft door its characteristic look. In the configurator you set the number and arrangement of bars freely:

• Classic even grid: Uniform rectangles, timeless and bold - suits almost any interior style
• Minimal bar layout: One or two bars only, maximising visible glass for a lighter, more contemporary feel
• Custom geometric arrangement: For a more distinctive or artistic result

A practical note from experience: a very dense bar pattern can make an interior feel visually busy. In most residential settings, fewer bars read better - the glass surface and the room behind it deserve space.

Step 6: Selecting a Handle

The Manufaktur X loft door is available with three handle styles:

• Long bar handle: The classic pull-bar form - clean lines and a confident industrial character
• Discreet handle: A minimal grip that recedes visually for a quieter overall look
• Half-moon handle: A curved form that adds an elegant accent to the door leaf

The handle affects both the visual weight of the finished door and how it feels in everyday use - worth considering alongside the bar pattern and frame colour rather than as an afterthought.

How the 3D Configurator Works

The Manufaktur X loft door configurator runs entirely in your browser - on desktop, tablet, or smartphone, with no software to install. Every change you make is reflected immediately in the visual preview, and the price updates in real time. There is no waiting for a quote and no subsequent price adjustment.

The full configuration sequence:

1. Select door type (single door, double door, or pivot door)
2. Enter your dimensions (height and width - structural opening minus installation clearance)
3. Choose any extensions (side panels left or right, transom light above)
4. Select frame colour (enter your RAL code)
5. Choose glass type (clear, frosted, smoked, dark smoked, or textured)
6. Choose safety glass specification (ESG or VSG)
7. Set the bar pattern (number and arrangement of horizontal and vertical bars)
8. Select handle style (long bar, discreet, or half-moon)
9. Set opening direction and hinge side
10. Read the live price and place your order

Shipping costs and lead times are displayed in the basket. If your requirement falls outside what the configurator covers, you can submit a sketch with your idea for review - Manufaktur X will assess feasibility and provide an individual quotation.

Where Loft Doors Work Best

Between Living Room and Kitchen

The most common application across Europe: separating a kitchen from a living or dining area in an open-plan flat. The loft door maintains the visual connection while providing a real barrier when you want one. Clear glass keeps the light flowing; frosted or smoked glass gives privacy without closing the space off entirely.

Home Office Separation

In an era when many people work from home several days a week, a dedicated workspace matters. A loft door defines the office area clearly - it keeps the room open and light when you want it, and closed when you need to concentrate or present professionally on a video call. Unlike a solid wall, it does not block natural light from reaching adjacent areas.

Bathroom and Dressing Room

With frosted or dark smoked glass, a loft door works well for en-suite bathrooms or walk-in wardrobes. Light passes through; sight lines do not.

Commercial and Studio Spaces

Offices, design studios, showrooms, and co-working spaces across Europe have adopted the loft door aesthetic for good reason: it creates clear spatial boundaries while keeping an open, professional atmosphere. Anthracite or black frames reinforce a polished, contemporary brand image.

Three Design Directions for Your Loft Door

1. Classic Industrial

Jet black frame (RAL 9005), an even rectangular bar grid, clear glass. Timeless and uncompromising - pairs particularly well with exposed concrete, brick-effect finishes, and dark timber floors, which are common in converted warehouses and loft apartments across European cities.

2. Scandinavian Minimalism

White or light grey frame, large uninterrupted glass panels, minimal bars - a configuration that suits bright Scandinavian-influenced interiors. Clear glass or frosted glass reinforces the sense of space and light. This approach works well in modern new-builds with high ceilings and light oak floors.

3. Warm Period Character

A frame in bronze or earthy brown tones (such as RAL 8025 Pale Brown), combined with frosted or textured glass, gives a door warmth and depth that resonates in period apartments. If your building has cornicing, parquet floors, or tall double doors in traditional rooms, this direction feels appropriate rather than incongruous.

Installation: DIY or Professional Fitter?

A standard-size single hinged door is a realistic DIY project for someone with solid practical skills and the right tools. For larger or heavier configurations, for pivot doors - which require precise floor anchoring - or for complex wall constructions, a professional installer is the sensible choice. This is especially true in older buildings where walls may not be plumb, and where achieving a clean result requires experience.

DIY installation checklist:

• Accurate spirit level available
• Drill with appropriate masonry or timber bits for your wall type
• At least one additional person for handling large door panels safely
• Photographs of the opening taken before you begin
• Patience - rushing the alignment step is the most common source of problems

On timing: production at Manufaktur X takes 5-6 weeks from order confirmation, all doors are made in the EU. Delivery typically follows within a few working days. Allow one to two days for installation. Add a contingency of around 10-15% for installation costs, any wall preparation work, and minor floor adjustments.

Keeping Your Loft Door in Good Condition

With routine care, a steel-and-glass loft door will remain functional and good-looking for decades:

• Glass panels: Clean regularly with a standard glass cleaner - avoid abrasive or strongly alkaline products - and a lint-free cloth
• Steel frame: Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth; mild soap is sufficient for any stubborn marks
• Hinges and fittings: Oil once or twice a year to keep movement smooth and prevent stiffness
• Seals: Check periodically for wear; treat with an appropriate conditioner to maintain flexibility
• Powder-coated surface: Avoid contact with sharp-edged objects; matt finishes are more forgiving of fingerprints than gloss

Pricing and Transparency

The starting price for a Manufaktur X loft door is from €945. Your final price depends on the door's dimensions, glass type, safety glass specification, handle choice, and any additional options such as side panels or a transom. Every variable is reflected immediately in the configurator - you see exactly what you are paying for at each step, with no adjustments after the fact.

Manufaktur X also produces a full range of made-to-measure furniture in powder-coated steel and solid wood: large shelves, dining tables, coffee tables, and benches - all configurable to your dimensions and finish preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Loft Door

What glass types are available for the loft door?

The configurator offers five glass types: clear glass, frosted glass, smoked glass, dark smoked glass, and textured glass. Each is available as ESG (toughened safety glass) or VSG (laminated safety glass). For taller or wider doors, and in spaces used by children or with frequent foot traffic, VSG is recommended.

What handle styles are available?

Three handle styles are available: long bar handle, discreet handle, and half-moon handle. The choice affects both the visual character and the everyday feel of the finished door.

How do I measure correctly for my loft door?

Measure the width and height of the structural opening at three points each - top, centre, and bottom. Use the smallest figure at each dimension. Subtract approximately 5 mm per side (left, right, and top) as installation clearance. Enter these adjusted dimensions in the configurator - not the raw structural measurements.

Can I install the loft door myself?

A standard-size single hinged door is achievable for someone with solid DIY skills and appropriate tools. For larger panels, pivot doors, or complex wall types, a professional fitter is advisable. Always have at least two people on site when handling glass panels.

When should I choose VSG over ESG?

VSG is recommended for floor-to-ceiling height doors, high-traffic openings, and rooms used by children. For very large dimensions, VSG is technically preferable because the interlayer film keeps the broken pane together rather than allowing fragments to fall. VSG also offers a marginal advantage in acoustic performance.

What if my required size is outside the configurator range?

Submit your idea with a sketch for individual review. Manufaktur X will assess feasibility and provide a tailored quotation. For all other questions, the loft door product page contains detailed information and contact options.

Can I change the opening direction after ordering?

No. The hinge side and opening direction are fixed during production and cannot be altered afterwards - a change requires a full remake. Confirm these parameters carefully before finalising your configuration.

Is there any wood in the loft door?

No. The loft door consists entirely of a powder-coated steel frame and safety glass. If you are looking for made-to-measure furniture in solid wood - oak, beech, or ash - Manufaktur X offers these materials across its other product lines, including shelves, dining tables, and benches.