Beyond Black: Embracing Unconventional Patio Door Colours

Industrial-chic patio doors, often in the traditional Crittall-style with slim metal frames and large glass panes, have become a staple of high-end interior design in recent years, especially in suburban homes. 

Typically, these steel or aluminum-framed doors would come in neutral shades like black, white or grey. But lately, more homeowners and interior designers are stepping outside the norm and choosing unconventional colours for patio doors. 

The result? Eye-catching entrances that boost kerb appeal and enliven interior spaces. 

“People often think black or white are the only safe options for patio door frames, but stepping outside the norm can give a home real personality” says Matt Shaw, Technical Director at Vibrant Doors. “In our experience, a carefully chosen frame colour can beautifully complement your interior design, and give your neighbours a run for their money at the same time.”

The case for colourful patio doors

Choosing a bold frame colour instantly turns your patio doors into a feature rather than just a fixture. 

From the exterior, a non-standard colour can make your home’s facade pop – a thoughtfully chosen shade creates contrast and easily draws the eye, which is great if kerb appeal is high on your priority list. 

On the interior side of things, the frame becomes an accent that can really tie a whole room’s design together. For example, repeating the door-frame colour in your furnishings or decor (think throw pillows, rugs or kitchen accents) will help create a cohesive, considered look. 

If you’re considering installing patio doors (Crittall-style or otherwise), adding a splash of colour to them is essentially an opportunity to express your personality and set your home apart, while still remaining loyal to the style of your home. 

While classic black frames are more true to the heritage look of Crittall-style doors, spraying them a bright pop of colour can “create instant impact” in a modern home.

Of course, the key is balance. 

A vivid hue should complement the surrounding architecture and decor as well. If your home’s exterior is brick or stone, an analogous or complementary colour for the door frames is perfect for creating harmony. 

But what if harmony isn’t what you want?

A contrasting colour (imagine smooth golden-yellow frames against dark grey cladding) will make the doors stand out as a focal point. Inside, consider the existing palette. A bold frame works best if it picks up one of the room’s accent colours, so nothing looks out of place. 

“Using a daring colour on frames can look fantastic if it’s paired with the right surroundings,” says Shaw. “We often see clients choose colours for their frames that echo tones from their interior – it can really pull the whole space together.”

Trending colours vs. timeless shades

If you’re feeling inspired to go beyond standard black, you might be wondering which colours to choose, it’s only natural to be a little concerned that the wrong colour choice could become an expensive mistake later down the line. 

The good news is that many on-trend window and door colours are surprisingly versatile.

Recent design trends have fully embraced both ends of the spectrum. On one hand, bold dark tones like black, deep bronze and anthracite greys remain popular for that dramatic, moody contrast. 

On the other, designers are also using softer colours drawn from nature, such as sage greens, dusty pinks and pale yellows. Even pastel and mid-tone colours are having a moment – think soft green-grey or a gentle blue – bringing a fresh, light twist to the industrial look.

It shows that even high-end contemporary style is moving toward more creative colour choices.

At the same time, it’s wise to ensure your bold choice won’t look dated after the trend passes. 

One approach is to lean toward classic colours that have stood the test of time in architecture. For example, deep greens and navy blues never seem to age and are incredibly versatile, they’ve been used on exterior millwork for centuries and depending on how you dress them, can read as either traditional or modern. 

Earthy tones (terracotta, olive green, warm grey) also age gracefully and tend to complement landscaping and natural surroundings. “For longevity, consider whether you’ll still love the colour in five or ten years, is it a colour you’ve been drawn to for a long time? Can you see your interior decor evolving around that colour?” advises Shaw. “It’s not just about following trends, choose a colour that evokes a positive emotion when you see it and ties in with your home’s look and feel, that way it stays looking great and doesn’t date quickly.” 

Neutral tones and muted shades are safer in this regard, but if you truly love a vibrant colour, that passion will outlast any fad. Just be sure the hue also works with fixed elements like your roof, brick colour or window trims, so everything comes together easily.

Lastly, test out colours before committing. Get physical samples or paint swatches of the frame colour you’re considering, and view them at different times of day against your home’s exterior. Colours can shift in different lighting. 

Many manufacturers also offer visualiser tools to preview custom colours on a photo of your home. Doing this homework will give you confidence in your unconventional choice and make sure it’s something you’ll love for years.

Getting custom colours (without the headache)

One concern might be: “How do I actually get patio doors in a custom colour?” 

The answer is to go bespoke. Most quality patio door manufacturers today offer bespoke colour finishing options. Brands such as Climadoor can provide made-to-measure patio and French doors in any RAL colour of your choice. 

That means your doors can come factory-finished in virtually any shade – whether it’s a trendy deep green to match your kitchen cabinets or a soft pastel that echoes your living room scheme. 

The factory finish (often a durable powder-coating on aluminum, or a special spray finish on uPVC) ensures the colour is applied professionally and will last. “These days, you aren’t limited to just three or four colours,” notes Shaw. “Many suppliers, including ourselves, can do bespoke colours. It’s a fantastic way to make sure your patio doors tie in perfectly with your design vision.”

For example, in one recent project a London-based interior designer, House by Mia, worked with Vibrant Doors to install custom-colour aluminium patio doors as part of a retro post-modern kitchen renovation and extension. The frames were powder-coated in a bold turquoise shade that reflected the interior accents of the new kitchen/living space, resulting in a stunning indoor-outdoor connection (and plenty of wow factor for guests).

This case study shows that with the right supplier, going for an unconventional colour is quite straightforward – it just may require a special order and a bit more lead time for production, so bear this in mind when planning your renovation. The investment pays off in a truly unique look. 

If you’re considering this route, talk to the manufacturer about the finish: powder-coated aluminum tends to have excellent longevity, resisting chips and fading for many years with minimal ongoing upkeep needed.

High-quality uPVC can also be spray-finished in custom colours, though some suppliers may have a slightly reduced warranty on non-standard colours (this is worth asking about). Overall, getting professionals to finish your doors in the exact colour you want is the easiest and most reliable path to a bold new look.

But what if bespoke patio doors aren’t within reach right now?

Repainting existing patio doors in a bold new colour

What if you already have patio doors – say, standard white uPVC sliders or factory grey aluminium bifolds, is it possible to transform those? 

The good news is that, with the right preparation and tools, you can repaint or respray existing doors for a fresh new look. Many homeowners have successfully transformed white frames to trendy black, and there’s no reason you can’t go from black or white to a bold colour, or any combo in between. 

Here are some practical tips for giving your current patio doors a colour makeover:

• Choose the Right Paint: Use a high-quality exterior paint specially formulated for the material of your door. For painting uPVC windows and doors, there are specialist paints that bond more easily to plastic than other materials. For aluminium or steel frames, an outdoor metal paint (often an acrylic latex or epoxy enamel) is ideal. These paints are made to withstand harsh weather and won’t peel if applied correctly. Opt for a satin or matte finish unless you want a glossy look – flatter finishes tend to look more modern and forgiving of imperfections.
  
• Prep Thoroughly: Proper preparation is essential before any paint touches the door. Start by cleaning the frames meticulously, wash off all dirt, grease and chalking. A mild detergent or sugar soap works well. Once dry, lightly sand the entire frame surface with fine sandpaper (around 180–240 grit) to “key” it. If the existing paint is flaking, sand or scrape those areas until smooth. Use a cloth to remove any dust (this is important).
  
  Next, mask off glass, handles, walls and other areas with painter’s tape and sheets – you don’t want stray paint on your glass or surrounds. This prep stage will take some time, but don’t skip it. “If you’re going the DIY route to repaint patio doors, preparation is absolutely key,” Shaw emphasises. “Always clean off any dirt, sand the surface to help new paint adhere and on metal frames use a good primer first. Taking the time to do it right will give you a finish that lasts, so your doors will look fresher for longer.”
  
• Use a Suitable Primer (especially on metal): If you’re painting metal frames, apply a coat of self-etching metal primer after sanding. This type of primer is formulated with chemicals that bond to aluminum/steel and create a paint-ready surface, preventing future flaking or corrosion. Many come in spray can form for easy application – one thin, even coat is usually enough.
  
  For uPVC frames, check your paint’s instructions; some uPVC paints are self-priming and go straight on after cleaning, whereas others might work best with a dedicated plastic primer or adhesion promoter. You MUST allow the primer to fully dry as directed before applying the top coat.
  
• Paint with Care: Now comes the fun part – adding colour! Use a good-quality brush or small foam roller for the best finish (or even a spray gun if you’re feeling particularly confident). Apply the paint in thin, even coats. It’s better to do two or three thin coats than one thick coat to avoid drips and uneven coverage. Start by cutting in around the edges and panes with a brush, then use a roller on flatter areas for smooth results.
  
  If using spray paint, keep the can moving steadily for uniform coverage and wear a mask. Most paints will be touch-dry within an hour or two, but always wait the recommended time before recoating or removing tape. Two coats are typically sufficient for a durable, opaque finish. Once you’re done, carefully peel off the masking tape (pro tip: scoring along the tape edge with a razor can prevent the new paint from lifting as you pull the tape off). Then, let the paint cure for a day or more before using the doors.

Repainting patio doors is a moderate DIY project and certainly doable if you’re patient and handy, though it’s not everyone’s weekend cup of tea. 

If it sounds daunting, hiring professional spray painters who specialise in uPVC and metal resprays might be the best option; they will handle the prep and use pro equipment to get a factory-like finish. But many enthusiasts have achieved great results on their own. 

Just remember that thorough prep and quality materials are the secrets to success. Bright patio door colours (even lime green or orange!) can absolutely work if done right. In other words, be brave but also plan wisely.

Make a statement that lasts

In the world of high-end interior design, it often pays to dare to be different. Crittall-style and industrial patio doors don’t have to be just black rectangles; they can be jewel-toned, pastel, or anything in between – and in doing so, they can bolster the style of your entire home. 

An unconventional colour on your patio doors can brighten your interior, transform your exterior and beautifully reflect your personal taste. 

The key takeaways? Choose a hue that harmonises with your home’s architecture and decor, consider its long-term appeal and either order your doors in that custom colour or take careful steps to repaint them. With those boxes ticked, you’ll end up with a showpiece feature that feels fresh and unique, yet thoughtfully integrated into your design.

Ultimately, whether you opt for a chic sage green, a daring mustard yellow, or a bespoke mix, coloured patio doors can be the perfect marriage of function and artistic flair. 

They frame the views in and out of your home – so why not frame those views with something memorable? Done right, a bold patio door colour will not only keep pace with changing trends but might even set a trend. 

And as Matt Shaw sums up: “It’s amazing how a bit of colour on a patio door can transform the feel of a home. Don’t be afraid to go for it – just make sure you love it. When you do, it’ll never go out of style.”

Image credits: House by Mia with Vibrant Doors