Anthracite, Grey and Coloured uPVC Windows
White is no longer the only option: choosing a colour that suits the house and the room.
Why people move away from white
Grey and anthracite frames have become a popular choice on new builds and renovations because they sharpen the outline of the window and sit well against brick, render and stone. Darker frames can make a modern extension look deliberate, while softer creams and woodgrain effects suit cottages and older houses where bright white can look stark.
How colour is applied to uPVC
The colour on our uPVC windows comes from a foil laminated to the profile. Foils can be smooth or carry a woodgrain texture, and they are designed to stand up to the weather without needing to be painted. Because the foil is applied to each face, the outside and inside can be different: anthracite to the street and white in the room is a common combination.
Choosing a shade
Look at the house as a whole. Match or contrast the front door, think about the colour of the brick or render, and consider guttering and fascias that will sit beside the frames. Inside, a white face keeps rooms light and works with existing decoration; a coloured inside face suits a bold scheme.
At the free survey we bring colour samples so you can see them against your own walls in daylight, which is far more reliable than a screen.
Everything else stays the same
A coloured window is still made to measure in uPVC, available in the same styles, and fitted by our FENSA and CERTASS registered installers with the usual certificate. It can take the same glass options, including Planibel A. Our guide on woodgrain foils and dual-colour finishes goes further into the finish itself.
Colour and planning rules
If you live in a conservation area, a listed building or a property with restrictions in the deeds, a change of window colour may need checking with the local planning authority before work starts. It is worth raising early, and we can supply details of the colour and finish to help. For most homes no permission is needed, but a quick check avoids surprises once the frames are ordered and made to measure.
Common questions
- Can the inside be white and the outside grey?
- Yes. Foils are applied to each face, so inside and outside colours can differ.
- Do coloured frames need painting?
- No. The foil finish is designed to be low maintenance and does not need painting.
