Which is more popular, Anthracite Grey or Jet Black?

Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) is generally the more requested colour across the UK, particularly against stone and traditional render, though Jet Black is common on contemporary new builds with lighter cladding.

Does black absorb more heat than anthracite?

Marginally, yes. Jet Black absorbs slightly more solar heat than Anthracite Grey, which is a minor factor on large south-facing glazing but not usually significant enough to override an appearance preference on standard windows.

Can I have Anthracite Grey outside and a different colour inside?

Yes, dual-colour frames are standard on most systems, commonly Anthracite Grey or Jet Black externally with white internally to keep interiors bright. This is a popular option on both aluminium and Residence Collection frames.

Do both colours fade at the same rate?

With quality powder coating or foil, both hold their colour well for decades. Darker colours in general show fading more visibly than lighter ones over very long periods, so consistent product quality matters more than the specific dark shade chosen.

Product Comparisons

Anthracite Grey vs Black Window Frames

Anthracite Grey and Jet Black are the two most requested dark frame colours, and homeowners often assume they are interchangeable. Side by side, they are not.

3 min read

RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey and RAL 9005 Jet Black are both extremely popular, both look genuinely smart against stone, brick and render, and both are stocked as standard across our aluminium and Residence Collection ranges. The difference is subtler than most colour choices, which is exactly why it is worth spelling out before you commit.

How they actually differ

Anthracite Grey has a faint blue-grey undertone that softens slightly in different light, appearing almost graphite in shade and slightly warmer in direct sun. Jet Black is a true, flat black with no undertone, giving a sharper, more graphic contrast against light render or stone.

	Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016)	Jet Black (RAL 9005)
Undertone	Subtle blue-grey	True neutral black
Best against	Stone, natural render, brick, slate	White or pale render, contemporary cladding
Heat absorption	Slightly less than black in strong sun	Marginally higher, relevant on south-facing frames
Popularity in Cumbria	Very high, softer fit with stone context	High on contemporary new builds
Fingerprint/scuff visibility	Less visible, forgiving finish	More visible on matt/satin finishes

Practical factors

Darker colours absorb more solar heat than light colours, which matters for two reasons: frame expansion over the seasons, which is engineered for in both products, and internal surface temperature in direct summer sun. Jet Black absorbs marginally more heat than Anthracite Grey, which is a minor consideration on large south-facing aluminium sliding doors but not something that should drive the decision on its own for typical window openings.

Anthracite is the more forgiving choice against traditional stone and slate, which is one reason it remains the most requested colour across our Lake District and Cumbrian projects. Jet Black tends to suit crisper, more contemporary settings, particularly against white or pale render.

Which should you choose

If your house has natural stone, traditional render or a period character, Anthracite Grey will generally sit more comfortably and is the safer default if you are choosing without seeing samples against your actual walls.

If your house is a contemporary new build or has crisp white or pale cladding, Jet Black gives a sharper, more graphic result and is worth the marginally higher heat absorption on most elevations.

Neither is wrong on the other type of house, but always view a physical sample against your actual wall in daylight before ordering; both colours shift noticeably between a screen, a swatch under artificial light, and the finished frame in Cumbrian daylight.

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