Picking from the uPVC window colours on offer can feel harder than it should, especially when the choice is there for decades. The good news is that modern foils are tough, fade-resistant and come in far more shades than the old white-only days. This guide walks you through the range and helps you land on a colour you will still love in ten years.
How uPVC gets its colour
Coloured uPVC is not painted. The shade comes from a foil that is bonded to the frame during manufacture, which is why it holds up so well against sun and rain. That matters in North Yorkshire, where frames face everything from summer glare to horizontal winter drizzle.
Because the colour runs through the foil rather than sitting on top, it will not flake like paint. A good quality foil resists fading for many years, though very dark colours on a south-facing wall will always take the most punishment. If you want to see finishes up close, our uPVC windows page shows the shades we fit most around York.
The most popular uPVC window colours
Here are the shades York homeowners ask for most, and where each tends to look best.
- White: clean, bright and the cheapest option. Suits almost any home and keeps rooms feeling light.
- Anthracite grey: by far the most popular modern colour. Smart against red brick, render and grey roofs alike.
- Cream: a soft, warm alternative to white that flatters older and cottage-style homes.
- Black: bold and architectural, often paired with a Crittall-style look.
- Chartwell green and duck egg: gentle heritage shades that suit period terraces and villages.
Grey is the safe modern favourite and rarely dates. White and cream are the timeless classics. The heritage greens and blues are lovely but more of a personal statement, so make sure you genuinely love the shade.
Woodgrain and dual colour options
Two extra choices are worth knowing about:
- Woodgrain foils such as Golden Oak, Rosewood and Irish Oak mimic timber and suit period homes or conservation areas where a wood look fits better.
- Dual colour frames let you have one shade outside and another (usually white) inside, so the windows suit both the street and your decor.
Dual colour is handy if you want a grey or black frontage but a bright white finish in the rooms. It costs a little more than a single colour, but many people find it worth it.
Matching the colour to your home
A few simple pointers help you choose with confidence.
- Look at the roof and brick first. Grey frames sit well with grey roofs and most brick. Cream warms up mellow stone and older brick.
- Check what neighbours have, especially on a terrace, so your frontage stays in keeping.
- Match or complement the front door. Your windows and door do not need to be identical, but they should not clash.
- Think about conservation rules. In York's conservation areas and on listed homes, colour and material can be restricted, so check with the local authority before you order, as rules change.
If you are updating windows and doors together, it is worth planning the whole look at once so the finishes work as a set rather than a patchwork.
Does colour affect price and performance?
Colour has no real effect on how warm or secure a window is, but it does nudge the price. As a rough guide for 2026:
- White is the baseline and cheapest.
- Standard colours like grey typically add a modest percentage.
- Woodgrain and dual colour usually cost a little more again.
These are guide ranges, not fixed figures, and the frame size and glass matter far more to the total. For a price on your own windows, request a free quote and we will talk options through.
Will the colour fade?
A quality foil is built to resist fading for many years, and reputable ones carry a guarantee. Darker colours absorb more heat and sun, so they are the ones to watch on the sunniest walls, though modern foils cope well. Keeping frames clean with warm soapy water, and avoiding harsh solvents, helps them stay looking fresh.
FAQs
What is the most popular uPVC window colour in 2026?
Anthracite grey remains the clear favourite. It suits modern and traditional homes, pairs with grey roofs and doors, and tends not to date the way bolder colours can.
Can you get coloured uPVC windows in a wood effect?
Yes. Woodgrain foils such as Golden Oak, Rosewood and Irish Oak give the look of timber with the low upkeep of uPVC, which suits period homes and conservation areas.
Do coloured uPVC windows cost more than white?
Usually a little. White is the baseline, standard colours add a modest amount, and woodgrain or dual colour finishes cost a touch more again. Frame size and glazing affect the total far more.
Can I have a different colour inside and out?
Yes, that is a dual colour frame. Many people choose grey or black outside for kerb appeal and white inside to keep rooms bright. It costs slightly more than a single colour.
Will a dark uPVC colour fade in the sun?
Modern foils are made to resist fading for many years and come with a guarantee. Dark shades take the most sun, so they are worth watching on south-facing walls, but quality foils hold up well.
Want to see the full range of colours and finishes? Download our latest brochure, or request a free quote and we will pop out for a look.