5 Trending Window Frame Colours That Aren’t Anthracite Grey
For the last decade, anthracite grey windows have dominated the UK home improvement market. It is easy to see why; the sleek, industrial hue offers a modern contrast to traditional red brick and pairs perfectly with contemporary white renders. However, as homeowners look to inject more personality and “curb appeal” into their properties, we are seeing a shift away from the standard grey palette.
Modern window designs have evolved, and today’s customisable uPVC windows offer a spectrum of shades that go far beyond the basics. At Leekes, we provide over 25 colour options and woodgrain foils to ensure your home stands out for all the right reasons. Here are five trending window frame colours for 2026 that offer a fresh, stylish alternative to anthracite.
1. Agate Grey: The Softer Alternative
If you love the modern look of grey but find anthracite a little too dark, Agate Grey is the perfect middle ground. Often referred to as Painswick, this shade has distinct green and cream undertones that make it feel softer and more organic.
It is particularly effective on Cotswold stone or cream-rendered homes. Unlike the stark contrast provided by darker coloured uPVC windows, Agate Grey blends into the surroundings, providing a sophisticated, high-end finish that feels timeless rather than trendy.
2. Shadow Black: The Architectural Statement
While grey was the new white for years, black uPVC windows (and their aluminium counterparts) are currently seeing a massive surge in popularity. Black frames provide a sharp, high-contrast look that frames your view like a piece of art.
At Leekes, our aluminium windows are often finished in a sleek, powder-coated black to provide ultra-slim sightlines. For those choosing uPVC, our Shadow Black foil provides that same contemporary edge with all the thermal benefits of a multi-chambered frame.
Window Colour & Material Comparison
Choosing the right combination of colour and material is key to your home’s performance. Use the table below to see how our trending colours pair with different window types.
| Colour Option | Best Material | Property Type | Key Benefit |
| Agate Grey | uPVC Casement | Stone / Period Homes | Softer, natural aesthetic |
| Shadow Black | Aluminium | Modern / Industrial | Slim sightlines & bold contrast |
| Chartwell Green | uPVC Flush Sash | Country Cottages | Authentic timber-like appearance |
| Sage Green | uPVC Casement | Red Brick Terrace | Nature-inspired, calming hue |
| Cream | uPVC Tilt & Turn | Traditional Detached | Warmer alternative to standard white |
3. Chartwell Green: The Heritage Favourite
For country cottages, farmhouses, or any home looking to embrace a vintage aesthetic, Chartwell Green remains the gold standard. This muted, pastel green is synonymous with the British countryside and is a staple for heritage renovations.
This colour works exceptionally well with our customisable uPVC windows when finished with a woodgrain foil. This texture mimics the look of painted timber without the maintenance issues, meaning your windows won’t warp, rot, or require repainting, even in the changeable South Wales weather.
4. Sage & Olive: Nature-Inspired Neutrals
Moving away from the bright tones of the past, we are seeing an increase in deeper, earthier greens like Sage and Olive. These colours reflect the growing trend of biophilic design, bringing the outdoors in.
Earthy greens act as a neutral; they sit comfortably alongside garden foliage and look particularly striking on red-brick Victorian properties. These coloured uPVC windows offer an understated elegance that feels both traditional and uniquely contemporary.
5. Vintage Cream: A Warm Welcome
Standard bright white uPVC can sometimes look a little clinical against older masonry. Cream provides a softer, more inviting look that coordinates perfectly with timber-effect doors and traditional conservatory styles. It offers a classic clean look while adding a layer of warmth that white simply cannot achieve.
Why Choose Coloured Frames from Leekes?
The beauty of modern window designs is that you no longer have to sacrifice performance for style. Whether you choose black uPVC windows or a woodgrain oak finish, our frames are built to last.
- Bespoke Customisation: Every window at Leekes is made bespoke to order. You can even choose “dual colour” frames—a bold statement colour on the outside to boost curb appeal, and a classic white on the inside to match your interior décor.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike timber, our coloured uPVC windows are imbued with colour or high-quality foils that won’t flake, peel, or fade. An occasional wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed.
- Energy Efficiency: Our uPVC casement windows can achieve U-values as low as $1.2W/m^2K$ with double glazing, or an enhanced $0.8W/m^2K$ with a triple glazing upgrade.
Visit a Leekes Showroom Today
Ready to move beyond anthracite? The best way to choose a window colour is to see it in person. Lighting can change how a colour looks, which is why we invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Llantrisant, Cross Hands, or Melksham to view our full range of colour options and woodgrain finishes.
Our experts can help you match the right hue to your home’s architecture and provide a free, no-obligation double glazing quote. Get in touch with our friendly team today.
Categories: Double Glazing, Windows
Tags: coloured windows, trending window colours, upvc windows, window colour choices, window designs, window frame colours
