Quick Takeaways:
Your interior and exterior colours should complement each other
White, black, grey, cream and green are among the most popular window colours
There are pros and cons of dark and light window frames
Having a nosy at the neighbours’ houses can help you choose
Our top 3 tips for choosing the right colour
Starting Inside: How Interior Influences Frame Colour
Whether your style is minimalist or maximalist, the key to pulling off any aesthetic is cohesion.
Wall colours, art pieces, room themes and other interior decoration should influence the interior and exterior window frame colour.
Inside the room, your window frames can either blend in or form an accent to the main tones used. You can choose a shade that complements or contrasts with your main colour palette and incorporate it elsewhere, such as your front door, internal doors and soft furnishings.
Remember that the interior colour is visible from the outside and vice versa, so they need to work both ways.
Popular Window Frame Colours & Their Styles
The most popular window frame colours of 2025 are:
- White – clean and classic
- Black – striking and sophisticated
- Anthracite Grey – dramatic yet versatile
- Agate Grey – a gentle, modern neutral
- Cream – softer, warmer alternative to white
- Green (e.g., Chartwell/Sage) – welcoming and connected to nature
- Oak/Woodgrain – period charm and luxurious
Should You Go Dark or Light?
The most popular window frame colours remain white and black (although grey has been steadily gaining ground over the last few years). There are also bold brights, pretty pastels, and wood effects to consider.
So, how do you decide between dark and light?
Each offers benefits and potential negative considerations that you should factor into your decision.
Lights
White is the standard colour, so it is not going to offend anyone and is typically the most affordable option. However, it can get dirty quickly and fade in the sunlight. It can also look cheap. Cream, dove grey, blush, and sage, are softer and offer a more romantic feel while still being understated.
Darks
Black looks expensive and is also versatile enough for most properties, be they modern or period. However, it stands out, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Some dark colours can also fade in bright sunlight. Dark greens, midnight blues, and dark wood grains also look sophisticated and elegant.
Grey is the middle ground, hence its steady rise in popularity and there are bold shades such as zingy yellow and ruby red which set your home apart from the rest.
Neighbouring Colours
If you still aren’t sure which way to go, try looking at which colours your neighbours have used in their exterior decor.
We aren’t saying you need to copy your neighbours exactly, but choosing a colour that complements the surrounding properties will give your street an attractive, cohesive look that can add value to each property. For example, if all the window frames near you are wood-effect, you might not want to opt for bright white or black. Equally, there could be a pastel theme, with window frames and doors in sage greens and lemons. Something like blush or duck egg blue would work nicely here.
It is all about fitting into a theme without losing your personality.
Matching neighbouring properties may be particularly important if you live in a conservation area. However, you shouldn’t need planning permission to change the colour of your window frames as long as the shade and material are appropriate to the property and area.
Top 3 Tips for Choosing the Right Frame Colour
Tip 1: Consider your home's architectural era - this will give you a complementary colour palette that will enhance your property.
Tip 2: Use colour visualisers or test panels - this is a commitment-free way to play around with different looks that match or contrast with your existing decor.
Tip 3: Think long-term, timeless vs trendy - windows are a long-term investment, so it's usually best to go for a frame colour that won’t go out of style or put off potential future buyers.
Conclusion
The best colour for window frames depends on your plans for the property. If it is your forever home, choose the colours you like most. Provided the neighbours have no objections, you should be fine. If you intend to sell your home in the next 10-15 years, you should go for something timeless, such as white, black, woodgrain or grey.
Depending on the material of your window frames, you can also paint them for a temporary injection of colour. Painting UPVC windows requires specialist paint, but you can also change the colour of aluminium or timber frames with a lick of paint.
Beyond that, it is a question of taste, budget and maintenance.
At Manchester Window Factory, our windows are available in a rainbow of RAL colours, plus metallic and wood-effect finishes, so you can choose your perfect shade.
If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
The best colour windows for a stone house depend on the effect you are trying to achieve. Recreating the original wood grain in either timber or UPVC is always an option. White frames brighten the look, particularly if the stone is painted, while black frames add a modern contrast. Grey greens, soft greys, or green beiges work well against a stone backdrop, as do various shades of blue.
Absolutely, we offer dual colours on all of our UPVC, timber and aluminium frames, so you can create a different mood and aesthetic inside and out. UK homeowners are increasingly opting for bolder colours on exterior window frames, often with matching front doors and using white for flexibility of decor inside. You could also do the reverse.
Research by House Beautiful suggests that grey window frames add the most value to your home – up to a staggering £61,000 in some cases. This figure takes into account savings in cleaning and energy bills, as well as curb appeal and stand out from other similar properties.