The most popular RAL colours for windows
Choosing colours for windows is a bigger decision than it looks. Read our guide to the RAL system and the shades worth considering for your home.
Nowadays, window frames can be just about any colour under the sun. Want some jet black windows to complement your sleek, modern home? Easily done. Need some pastel blue frames for your beachside property? Not a problem.
What could be a problem, however, is describing your perfect colour to your window supplier.
Saying 'A kind of duck egg blue, but a bit darker and with a touch of green to match the skirting board' isn't exactly clear. If vague descriptions were all you had, chances are that you'd always end up with something vaguely off.
That's where the RAL colour standard comes in. Put simply, this system assigns each shade a unique value. No more 'A bit green but a bit blue'. With RAL, you can simply quote the colour value and be sure you'll get a perfect match.
Another useful benefit of the RAL standard is that it's easy to see exactly which shades are popular among other homeowners. Stuck for inspiration? Just browse the most popular RAL colours and take your pick. After all, they're popular for a reason.
That's what we're here to do today. In this article, we take a closer look at the RAL standard and explore some of the most popular RAL colours for windows.
What is the RAL colour standard?
The RAL colour standard was created in Germany in the 1920s. It gives each colour a unique reference number, so manufacturers, suppliers and customers can be sure they are talking about the same shade.
The RAL Classic collection, which is most often used for windows and doors, includes 213 solid colours. Each has a unique four-digit code.
RAL 7016, for example, is always Anthracite Grey, while RAL 9010 is always Pure White. These codes help keep colours consistent between manufacturers.
For homeowners, this system makes things simple. When you choose a RAL colour for your windows, you can be sure that your order will look as expected. And if you need more frames in future, you can simply quote the reference code to get a perfect match.
Five of the most popular RAL window colours
1. RAL 9010 Pure white: the enduring classic
Pure white is by far the most popular RAL colour for windows. It looks clean and neutral, and it suits almost any style of home. It never goes out of fashion, it never clashes and it lets other parts of your home's exterior stand out.
RAL 9010 is a clean white with a subtly milky undertone. If you want something warmer, RAL 9001 Cream white is a good choice. This is especially true for older homes where pure white might not suit aged brick or stone.
2. RAL 7016 Anthracite grey: the modern standard
Anthracite grey is a popular and solid choice for modern homes. RAL 7016 is a deep, almost black grey that is very popular for windows and doors. After white, it is the most requested colour from UK suppliers.
This colour looks great on new homes, rendered exteriors and modern extensions. It stands out against light walls and gives buildings a sharp, clean look. It also works well on older homes with stone or dark brick.
3. RAL 9005 Jet black: bold and contemporary
Jet black is the boldest choice for dark window frames. While Anthracite grey has a soft, cool undertone, RAL 9005 is a true, flat black that really stands out.
Jet black works well with modern designs, large windows and homes with strong lines. Black frames are now popular for extensions, orangeries, and main windows. If you want the boldest dark frame, RAL 9005 is the one to pick.
4. RAL 7038 Agate grey: the softer alternative
Agate grey is a good middle option. It's a mid-tone grey that feels warm and welcoming, but is less plain than white. RAL 7038 looks particularly good against red brick.
If you want something different from white frames but don't want to go as dark as grey or black, Agate grey is a great choice. Similar shades, such as RAL 7032 Pebble grey and RAL 7015 Slate grey, offer slight variations on the look.
5. RAL 6005 Moss green: the heritage choice
Green has become more popular lately, especially for front doors and, now, for window frames.
RAL 6005 Moss green is a deep, rich colour that complements stone, old brick and slate roofs. It is a good choice for older homes and is often used instead of white in conservation areas.
While not an official RAL colour, Chartwell Green offers a similar heritage look. It's a lighter, yellowish green that, like RAL 6005, is becoming more popular. It works well on both traditional and modern homes and looks good with cream or off-white walls.
Dual colour options: different inside and out
An increasingly popular option is dual colour frames. This means the outside of the frame is one colour, and the inside is another. It lets you match your home's exterior and interior styles, giving you modern curb appeal outside and your favourite look inside.
The most popular combination is Anthracite grey or black on the outside and Pure white or cream on the inside. This combination gives your home a modern look outside and keeps rooms bright inside.
Dual colour frames are available for uPVC and aluminium, and they are especially helpful in open-plan homes where frames are easy to see.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose any RAL colour?
Most suppliers have a range of standard RAL colours, and you can usually order any colour from the full palette for a small extra cost. If you want a specific colour, use the RAL code to make sure you get the right one.
Are coloured frames more expensive than white?
Standard colours usually cost the same as white or just a little more. Custom or special order RAL colours are often a bit pricier. Dual-colour frames may also cost a little extra, depending on the supplier and product.
How do I choose the right colour for my property?
Start with the existing materials on your property: brick colour, render tone and roof material, as well as any existing joinery. Contemporary properties with clean lines suit darker frames well. Traditional properties with natural stone or red brick tend to suit neutrals, greens or cream tones. Ask to see physical colour swatches in natural light before committing.
RAL colours at Calder Windows
At Calder Windows, we offer a wide range of RAL window colours, including bespoke options for uPVC and aluminium.
- Any RAL or British Standard colour is available for a small premium.
- Bespoke painted colours have a five-year guarantee.
- Powder-coated aluminium has a 10-year guarantee.
For more than 30 years, we've helped homeowners in Wakefield, Normanton, Leeds and across West Yorkshire choose the right windows and doors.
If you need help choosing the right RAL colours for your new windows, get in touch with our team for friendly support. We'll be happy to help you find the right shade for your home and budget, with no pressure and no obligation.
Recent Posts
