Walk through any new-build estate or recently extended home in England, and there is a good chance you will spot it - a sleek, dark-framed roof lantern sitting flush above a kitchen extension or open-plan living space. Anthracite grey has become the defining colour of modern home design in the UK, and it shows no sign of stepping aside in 2026.
But what is it about this particular shade that has captured the imagination of so many homeowners? And is an anthracite grey roof lantern actually the right choice for your home, or is it simply following the crowd? This guide gives you the full picture - from the design logic behind the colour to the practical things worth knowing before you buy.
What Is Anthracite Grey, and What Is RAL 7016?
Anthracite grey is a deep, dark shade of grey with subtle blue or green undertones depending on the light. It sits between charcoal and black on the colour spectrum - dark enough to read as bold and contemporary, but not so stark as to feel industrial or heavy.
In the construction and glazing industry, colours are standardised using the RAL colour system. RAL 7016 is the specific code for anthracite grey, and it has become the benchmark shade across windows, doors, roof lanterns, and flat rooflights throughout the UK. When a homeowner or architect specifies anthracite grey for a glazing product, RAL 7016 is almost always what they mean.
Anthracite Grey vs Other Popular Frame Colours
Anthracite grey is the clear market leader, but it is not the only option. The table below sets out how it compares to the other colours homeowners most commonly consider:
|
Frame Colour |
Best Suited To |
Design Feel |
Resale Appeal |
|
Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) |
Modern, contemporary, open-plan homes |
Bold, architectural, timeless |
Very high |
|
White |
Traditional, period, or cottage-style homes |
Classic, clean, understated |
High |
|
Black (RAL 9005) |
Industrial, barn conversion, or maximalist design |
Dramatic, strong, high-contrast |
High in right context |
|
Cream / Ivory |
Period extensions, rural or heritage settings |
Warm, traditional, soft |
Moderate |
|
Bespoke RAL Colour |
Custom projects, commercial, unique schemes |
Entirely personal |
Varies |
Does the Frame Colour Affect Performance?
This is a question worth addressing directly because it sometimes gets overlooked in the excitement of choosing a colour. The short answer is: not significantly for most homeowners, but there is one consideration worth knowing about.
Darker frames absorb more solar heat than lighter ones. In very warm climates, this can contribute to heat build-up in the room below. In the UK's temperate climate, this is rarely a meaningful issue and the thermal performance of your roof lantern is far more influenced by the glazing specification (double versus triple glazing, low-E coatings, argon fill) than by the frame colour.
What the frame colour does affect is how the product looks at different times of day and in different light conditions. Anthracite grey can appear almost black on an overcast winter morning and shift towards a warmer charcoal in bright summer sun. Most homeowners consider this part of its appeal.
Anthracite Grey Roof Lanterns: What to Look for When Buying
If you have settled on anthracite grey, the next question is what to look for in the product itself. Frame colour is only one part of the decision.
Aluminium vs Timber Frames
Powder-coated aluminium is the standard material for modern roof lanterns. It is slim, strong, and holds its colour without the maintenance that timber requires. Our roof lanterns collection features aluminium-framed units in anthracite grey that combine a slim sightline with robust construction.
Glazing Specification
The glazing does the heavy lifting when it comes to thermal performance and comfort. Double glazing is suitable for most homes, but if the room below is a main living area or bedroom, triple glazing is worth the additional investment. Look for low-E coatings and argon gas fill as standard - these are not premium extras, they are what a quality roof lantern should include as a matter of course.
Size and Proportion
A roof lantern that is too small for the space below it will look like an afterthought. As a general rule, the lantern should cover around a third to a half of the ceiling area it sits above for the proportions to feel intentional. Custom sizing is available across our range, so there is no need to compromise on dimensions.
Self-Cleaning Glass
For roof lanterns — which are by definition overhead and not easy to clean — self-cleaning glass is a genuinely useful option. The coating keeps the glass clearer for longer without any effort on your part.
Is Anthracite Grey Still Worth Choosing in 2026?
The honest answer is yes - for most homeowners, most of the time. Trends in home design do shift, and there are signs that very dark colours (including true black) are gaining ground among homeowners who want to push further.
It is also worth remembering that a roof lantern is a long-term investment. You are not choosing a paint colour that can be changed in a weekend - you are choosing a frame finish that will be part of your home for twenty-five years or more. In that context, anthracite grey's proven track record and broad appeal make it a very sensible choice.
You can also read our guide on the retrofit flat glass skylight if you are considering upgrading existing rooflights at the same time as adding a roof lantern, to keep your glazing scheme consistent throughout.
