What RAL 7016 looks like on different houses, how the colour is applied and what to consider before choosing.
Short answer: anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is the most requested window colour in the UK after white. It suits brick, render and stone and looks just as at home on a terrace as on a new build. The main choices are whether you want grey inside as well as out, and whether the frames are uPVC with a foil finish or aluminium with a powder coat.
Before committing, think about how the colour will sit with your doors, fascias and neighbouring houses, because it is a strong change from white.
A dual-colour frame is grey outside and white inside, giving the modern look from the street while keeping rooms bright. A full grey finish inside and out creates a bold, cohesive look, often chosen for contemporary interiors.
On uPVC, grey is usually a laminated foil bonded to the frame; ours is UV resistant and made not to fade, peel or discolour. On aluminium, the colour is typically a powder coat baked onto the metal. Aluminium also allows slimmer frames, which some people prefer with a dark colour because it frames the view more tightly.
Most homeowners who choose it are after a cleaner, more modern face for the house:
There are a few practical points to consider:
Casement windows are the most common choice in grey, but flush casements, tilt and turn windows and bay windows all work well. On period homes, grey sash windows with slim sightlines can look striking without losing the character of the house.
A grey window scheme looks most deliberate when the other elements follow. Matching anthracite doors are available, and fascias, soffits and gutters can be chosen in grey too, or left white for contrast. Many people take the colour to the front door and garage door as well, while others prefer a contrasting door colour to act as a feature. Checking samples against your brick or render in daylight, rather than on a screen, is the best way to be sure of the shade.
We will survey your openings and quote in grey, grey on white or any other finish. We beat any like-for-like quote.
Anthracite grey is RAL 7016, a dark grey that has become the most requested window colour in the UK after white.
Our grey finish uses a UV-resistant foil made not to fade, peel or discolour over time.
Yes. Grey on white is a popular option that keeps rooms bright while giving the modern look outside.
It can. On period homes grey works best with slim frames and traditional styles such as sash or flush casement windows, and it is worth checking conservation area rules before ordering if they apply to your street.
Coloured frames typically cost more than white because of the foil or powder coat. We show the difference clearly in our quote.