Mashrabiya Screens: Materials, Patterns and Finishes Explained
The mashrabiya has moved from carved wood to laser-cut metal, and the questions we hear most are about which metal, which pattern density and which finish will work on a specific façade or interior.
Materials
| Material | Best use | Finish options |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel SS304 | Interior partitions, hotel and F&B screens | Mirror, satin, hairline, PVD colours |
| Stainless steel SS316 | Exterior, coastal, pools and spas | PVD, satin, powder coat |
| Aluminium | Large façades and pergolas, lightweight | Powder coating in any RAL, anodised |
| Brass | Heritage interiors, boutique detailing | Polished, satin, antique patina, lacquer |
Patterns and open-area ratio
Every pattern has an open-area ratio, the share of the panel that is cut away. A high ratio lets in light and air and reads lighter from a distance; a low ratio gives privacy and solar shading. Islamic geometric star patterns, hexagonal lattices and organic leaf motifs are all cut from a DXF file, and we adjust the density per panel so a bedroom façade differs from a lobby partition without changing the design language.
Structural rules that keep panels flat
- Minimum bridge width between cut-outs, related to sheet thickness, so the panel stays rigid.
- Frame and stiffeners on large panels, concealed behind the pattern.
- Thermal movement allowed for at the fixings on exterior screens.
- Edge preparation: deburred and polished so coatings sit evenly.
Finishes
For exteriors in champagne gold, bronze or black we PVD-coat SS316 in a single batch. For interiors the palette widens to mirror, hairline and brass. Powder coating suits aluminium screens and pergolas in any RAL colour. All panels pass our post-cutting and post-finish hold points before delivery.
Where mashrabiya works best
Façades and balconies, hotel lobbies and restaurant partitions, prayer rooms, villa entrances, gates and pergolas, and ceiling features with backlighting. See examples on our decorative screens page.
Frequently asked questions
Which metal is best for an exterior mashrabiya?
Stainless steel SS316 for coastal or humid exposure, with a PVD or powder-coated finish. Aluminium is lighter and economical for large façade areas and takes powder coating well. Brass is used for interior heritage-style screens.
How much privacy does a screen give?
It depends on the open-area ratio of the pattern. Denser patterns with smaller openings give more privacy and shade but less daylight and airflow; we adjust the ratio panel by panel according to the room behind it.
Can the pattern be custom?
Yes. We laser-cut from a DXF file, so any geometric, Islamic or organic pattern can be produced. We check the minimum bridge width so the panel stays rigid and the finish stays even.
Do laser-cut edges need finishing before coating?
Yes. Edges are deburred and, for PVD, polished so the coating colour reads evenly across the face and the cut edges.
Specifying a finish for your project?
Send us your drawings or a photo of the space. We reply with a tailored quotation within one business day.
Request a quote