Anthracite grey Windows or not?

8 years ago

Me and my partner have recently purchased a property and are currently in the throes of renovation. As an architectural technologist I'm leading the idea of anthracite grey windows and my partner is happy to follow but I'm not sure if I'm getting to attached to the idea which is all to common. My concern is that it may look odd as the houses in the street scene are all relatively untouched as in white upvc, replacing what was there nothing out of the ordinary. I should also say that the garage door would be the same grey with a coloured front door, the render coloured white again and the bottom left hand window would become a bow window to become more in keeping. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Featured Answer

PRO

Designer Range

6 years ago

RAL7016 is a very popular construction industry colour now and thus easier to access. This generally means that ancillary items are quicker to procure and are generally cheaper than going for a bespoke colour choice like the lighter grey. I think a modern lift on this dwelling will encourage others to make improvements in the surrounding area.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (29)

alant1000
8 years ago
It would look ok, but if you are doing it to modernise the house, to make the look work properly you are going to have to modernise the lot: pull up the concrete drive, refresh the roof, the wall, the cladding, it will be an expensive project! 60s style houses look very smart when done up in keeping with their era, for a lot less money you could redo the front garden and generally freshen up the look of the house for less than windows! If you need to replace the windows in any case, I'd probably stick to a slim line UPVC.
Think of all the additional things you could do to the front for the cost of aluminum windows....
bradbury58
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hi, thank you for commenting. I should say that as you have pointed out the curb appeal does need updating and that is also on the list such as a new driveway, landscaping, guttering, soffits and fascias etc. Therefore it is whether grey windows would look right with all of the other work carried out as well. I've looked into upvc anthracite grey windows rather than aluminimun and the current windows are single glazed timber and are in a very sorry state and do need replacing.
Related Discussions
White or Anthracite Grey Window/Bifold Door on Extension???
Q
Comments (17)
Sliding doors are proving very popular at the moment as they can stack to one side and not protrude into the garden space and be easier to move than full set of bi-folds so that would an approximate opening of about 4m with 3 x 1.250m (plus frame ) panel of glass that would all stack in parallel inline. Or you could try panoramic doors they are more versatile as they are detachable from each other and give you more options for you layout at the finish. There a tutorial on you tube ? Do you have building control on these works as I am finding that architects are making us use a lot more steel as in a goal post design for stability, depending on how wide you want to go with the opening?
...See More
bay window colour. white windows right decision?
Q
Comments (11)
Thank you guys for your advice took it on bored. Gonna paint the bay eventually called rock salt creamy with slight bit of grey. The windows look so much better. Then think the drive needs to be on the list after someone had an accident with the wall.
...See More
Will anthracite grey windows work well on my house?
Q
Comments (11)
There is a method to ensure you are working within classical colour harmonies, between the different finishes/materials on a house. With a small hand-held device it’s possible to measure the colour of your brick & roof tiles. EVERY colour, including, blacks, whites & greys, belong to an identifiable hue family based upon measuring the dominant wavelength reflected from the surface. it’s almost as fast as taking a photo & it sends the results to an app on your phone. The key thing it tells, is to which Hue Family the colour belongs. It’s even possible to plot exactly where on a Color Wheel. That info can then be used to find harmonising paint colours, from the same Hue Family or complementary families. It’s the same science paint companies use, to match your paint chip to sample, sample to 5 litre tin. It just adds confidence to colour choices.
...See More
Conservatory colour
Q
Comments (47)
Grey! This will make your home look more contemporary. I agree with David you could look at a more robust roof such as an orangery so you still get the light but a more sturdy structure. You can get some very trendy design which don't need to cost the earth, It will be easier to keep clean too. Our glass conservatory was a little tricky to clean. You may wish to think of snow guards to the guttering too. We had a house years back with a lovely conservatory but no snow guard. Not sure of your geographical placement but could be worth considering. The other thing to consider is if you will have the same colour on the inside - SORRY if you haven't thought that far ahead yet. Most window companies off RAL colours and the charts are easy to get hold of or borrow. Good luck. you must let us know what you decide.
...See More
Jonathan
8 years ago
I would match the UPVC of the street as personally I think that you devalue your house if you make it different from the other side of the semi you also give your neighbours the green light to non confirm and put their own stamp on the house which might not be to your taste.
For the same reason you should consider whether the bow window will sit well on this house.
alant1000
8 years ago
My apologies I misread and thought you were looking at aluminum.

If you are also updating the rest of the exterior, then I think it could (would) work. Some colored windows can look at bit 'trendy', meaning in 10 years will they still look ok? An example is those rosewood colored PVC from the late 90s which look dated and the lighter colored oak one from 5 years ago, which already look a bit dated on on those modern developments.

I'd focus on having slim profile frames over color, but it could look ok if done well.
Steph
8 years ago
Yes, go for it! It is definitely a trend at the moment but I don't think this should necessarily put you off. I think it would work particularly well on the dormer -to tie in with the colour of the roof tiles. I'd paint the fascia and framing on the dormer black and maybe consider rendering the brickwork to the ground floor room.
Juliet Docherty
8 years ago
How about a really modern (Urban Front) oak front door and oak garage door, it would look sophisticated and warm. You could still replace the windows with thin framed aluminium ones, with modern square panels, and these could be white if you don't want them to look too out of place.
PRO
Wood Window Alliance
8 years ago
The best investment you could make to bring your house back to its pristine sixties glory is to replace the PVC-u windows with authentic wood windows. The house will look absolutely right. You can choose any colour you like ( I would keep to the original white, though) - and factory-finished double-glazed units will last far longer than PVC-u windows (around 60 years). In 10 years, when they're looking a bit tired, a coat of paint will make them look as good as new.
PRO
Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd.
Original Author
8 years ago
I'm choosing between Anthracite grey (Ral 7016) and window grey (Ral 7040) any advice welcome?
kmizzlee
8 years ago
Hello - looks like an exciting new project!

I would definitely keep the windows white - on the front elevation at least. I don't think you should ever follow a 'trend' when it is such an expensive and fundamental element of the building envelope - and especially when the street scene has set a precedent of white windows. The white will retain its value, and not go out of fashion - even if it isn't strictly 'trendy' right now. I'm starting to think that grey uPVC might be the new equivalent of the the vinyl wood effect uPVC windows of the 70's/80's. However, perhaps you could put grey on the rear, which would also work well if you are planning any kind of rear extension?
Also, I'm not sure whether you can dual colour uPVC windows, so how do you feel about having dark frames internally?
Aluminium frames can be dual colour (one internal and a different one external). Their frames are a lot crisper than uPVC and they have a good quality feel to them. Another option to think about might be composite windows, which have a very good thermal value (powder coated aluminium externally for low maintenance, and timber frame internally) - and can also allow dual colour. Perhaps have a look at velfac?

Good luck with it all, and I'm sure everyone would be delighted to see some photos as you progress :)
donut99
6 years ago
Hello, have similar dilemma with my 90s semi. I would love thin profile aluminum but too expensive! Have opted for pvc but which colour, white or anthracite, cannot decide. Worried the dark ones may date, but one positive which is swaying me towards them is that the dark frames apparently look as though they recede into the glass, making the windows look bigger and less frame visible if that makes sense. Also rendering house white, and I do like the look of the dark windows against the white walls. Going for something so different would certainly transform your house. With regards to the neighbours, I do believe there is a certain charm and beauty about individuality in a sea of conformity!
PRO
V.I.P Walls Interior Specialist
6 years ago
100% on the grey windows, especially against the white render. I don't care about others around you need to think of number 1. If you want a modern looking house but everyone around is pretty untouched who cares. Go for it . It's my personal favourite grey on the white render .
PRO
Mister Gates Direct
6 years ago
Anthracite Grey looks fantastic for window frames and no doubt your neighbours will be inspired by your project, you won't be the odd one out for long i'm guessing! If you're considering a matching entrance door to complete the look check out our range of designs from traditional to modern. Best of luck with your project!

- Emma @ Mister Gates Direct

Check out our full range of aluminium entrance doors at www.mistergatesdirect.com
Adam182
6 years ago
Signed up to ask what you went for in the end :)
PRO
Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd.
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi, we did go for anthracite grey in the end both inside and out. We havent finished renovating yet but I will get some photos for an update.
Claire Parker
6 years ago
I am having a very similar dilemma. Having decided on the anthracite outside I am still left with the internal colour decision. I am keen on the anthracite inside also so I am eager to find out whether you are pleased with the same decision on the inside. I have had 3 quotes from double glazing companies who have all tried to dissuade me from anthracite on the inside and go for white instead.
PRO
Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd.
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Claire,

I know exactly how you feel but I am very happy with the end result and am glad I chose to have them coloured internally as well. For me it balanced on the fact that i knew I wanted to make a statement with the windows tied in with a neutral backdrop accentuated with pockets of colour. The photos I have attached are through out the project and I will take some currently with furniture once I get my better camera from the office.
Claire Parker
6 years ago
Hi, thank you so much for your reply and the upload of photographs. I think it looks great and this has helped me a lot. Good work and good decision.
fionaoneill
6 years ago
Hi, have you a picture of the windows at the front? Am thinking of changing my semi d windows too and worried how it will look against my neighbour's which are all white uPC !
PRO
Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd.
Original Author
6 years ago
This is the only front photo I have currently as the scaffolding had been up a while! I was concerned initially but I think it helps seperate each side in a sense and im now considering rendering the house or half timber/half clad.
fionaoneill
6 years ago
Looks good even tho not finished..good job!
PRO
Medina Joinery Ltd
6 years ago
Hi,

We manufactured timber windows which we painted in Anthracite grey for a house in Bognor:
Or possibly a lighter grey, which is called Hardwick white, may look good:

Both of these house were rendered white which compliments the window colour.

Have a look at our website gallery for more ideas www.medinajoinery.co.uk

Regards

Medina Joinery
rosiegil
5 years ago
Just wondering how the finished project looks? We're currently looking at the Anthracite grey for our windows and doors and would love to see how yours worked out.
Charlotte Byng
5 years ago
Hi, i’ve Just posted with the same dilemma! You can look at my post and photos for thoughts if you like :)
HU-242528764
5 years ago
Hi was wondering if anyone knows if the grey UPVC windows are smooth or wood grain?
PRO
Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd.
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi, i had my Windows sprayed anthracite so they would be smooth over wood grain.
PRO
Future Shapes London
5 years ago
Im huge fan of grey windows and would go for it ! Good luck with your project.
ilona_saradina
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
2 years on from the last post and anthracite glazing is still in vogue! I would love to see the finished item from the 1st post by Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd
Maria Pampaka
2 years ago
Hello Sherwin & Bradbury Ltd, i was looking at your photos and they really seem nice windows. May i ask what is the fabricator of the windows?