5 Things to Check Before Buying Coloured uPVC Windows

Coloured frames have come a long way, and anthracite grey, black and cream now look right at home on plenty of York streets. But not all finishes are equal, and a bit of homework saves regret later. Before you order, here are five things to check so you end up with the best coloured uPVC windows for your home rather than a cheap-looking near miss.

We fit coloured uPVC windows across York and North Yorkshire, so this is based on what actually holds up on local homes.

1. How the colour is applied

This is the big one. Coloured uPVC is usually either foiled, where a coloured film is bonded to the frame, or, less commonly, coloured through the material or sprayed. Quality foiled finishes are tough, fade-resistant and look great for years. Cheaper finishes can peel, mark or fade, especially on sunny elevations.

Ask exactly how the colour is applied and how it stands up to sunlight. A good uPVC window with a quality foil should hold its colour reliably.

2. Whether it is coloured inside and out

You have three broad options:

• Colour outside, white inside: cheaper, and fine if you only care about the street view.
• White outside, colour inside: less common, for a particular interior look.
• Dual colour, coloured both sides: the smartest and most flexible, but it costs a little more.

Decide early, because it affects both the look and the price. Anthracite outside with white inside is a popular, budget-friendly middle ground.

3. Fade and weather resistance

Yorkshire weather swings from strong summer sun to wet, cold winters, and dark colours in particular take the brunt of it. Cheaper coloured frames can fade or warp on south-facing elevations over time.

Check for:

• A clear colour guarantee, and how long it runs.
• Confirmation the finish suits sunny, exposed positions.
• Evidence of the finish holding up, not just a nice sample in the showroom.

4. The style and the frame itself

Colour is only half the story. The frame style has to suit your home too.

• Flush casement styles echo old timber windows and suit period terraces.
• Standard casement styles are clean, practical and cost-effective.
• Slim sightlines make a big difference to how considered the finished window looks.

If you are weighing up styles, our guide to casement windows covers what suits different local homes. Getting the style right matters as much as the colour.

5. The full cost, including fitting

Coloured frames cost a little more than plain white, and dual colour more again. Make sure your quote is clear on the finish, whether it is one side or both, the glass and the fitting.

Rough 2026 guide ranges, supplied and fitted, not fixed quotes:

• White uPVC window: roughly £400 to £750 each
• Single-side coloured window: roughly £450 to £850 each
• Dual colour window: roughly £500 to £950 each

Prices drop per unit on a full-house order and rise with size and special glass, so request a free quote for an accurate figure.

FAQs

Do coloured uPVC windows fade over time?

Quality foiled finishes are fade-resistant and hold their colour for many years, even on sunny elevations. Cheaper finishes can fade or mark, so ask how the colour is applied and check the colour guarantee before buying.

Are coloured uPVC windows more expensive than white?

Yes, a little. Single-side colour adds a modest amount over white, and dual colour, coloured inside and out, adds a bit more again. The uplift is usually worth it for the improvement in looks.

What is the most popular colour for uPVC windows?

Anthracite grey is the clear favourite in 2026, followed by black and cream. Anthracite suits a huge range of homes and pairs well with both modern and traditional frontages.

Can I have a different colour inside and out?

Yes. Dual colour frames let you have, say, anthracite outside and white inside. It costs a little more than a single-side finish but gives you the street look you want without dictating your interior.

Want to see coloured frames on real window styles? Download our latest brochure, or request a free quote and we will pop out for a look.