Anthracite Patio Doors: Grey Sliding Doors Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

Anthracite patio doors have become increasingly popular in modern British homes over the past few years. Their deep, charcoal-like hue adds a touch of sophistication to any property, whether it’s a new build or a renovation project. These doors aren’t just about looks, though. They offer practical benefits that make them a smart choice for homeowners looking to update their living spaces.

What Are Patio Doors?

Patio doors (also known as sliding doors or sliding patio doors) serve as a gateway between indoor and outdoor areas. They’re designed to let in plenty of natural light and provide easy access to gardens or terraces. Anthracite sliding doors take this concept further by adding a contemporary twist to the classic patio door design.

Unlike traditional white or wood-toned options, anthracite grey patio doors create a striking visual impact. They frame views of the outdoors beautifully, and the dark colour contrasts well with both interior and exterior elements, drawing the eye and creating a focal point in any room.

What is Anthracite Grey?

Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is a deep, rich colour that sits between dark grey and black on the colour spectrum. This unique hue gets its name from a type of hard coal called anthracite, which has a similar colour when polished. On patio doors, anthracite grey creates a sleek, modern look that’s hard to achieve with other colours.

The depth of anthracite grey means it works well in various lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, it appears crisp and defined. As the light fades, it takes on a softer, more muted appearance. This makes anthracite grey patio doors a practical choice for British homes, where the weather can be unpredictable.

Types of Patio Doors

Anthracite Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are a popular choice for those who want to save space without compromising on style. Sliding doors glide smoothly along a track, taking up minimal room when open. They’re ideal for smaller spaces or areas where you want to maintain a clear pathway.

The slim profile of sliding door frames results in a large glass area, letting in more light and providing unobstructed views. When closed, the large glass panels create a sense of openness, even in smaller rooms. The anthracite grey frames add a modern touch, complementing both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Anthracite Slide and Turn Doors

For those who want flexibility, slide and turn doors offer an innovative solution. These doors combine the best features of sliding and bifold doors. When fully open, they stack neatly to one side, creating a wide, unobstructed opening. This makes them perfect for summertime entertaining or simply enjoying a breeze on a warm day.

An anthracite grey finish on slide and turn doors adds a sophisticated touch to this design. Whether open or closed, these doors make a statement. They’re particularly effective in homes with open-plan living areas, where they can be used to create flexible spaces that adapt to your needs.

Anthracite Patio Doors for Home Exteriors

Anthracite patio doors offer a bold, modern look that works well with various architectural styles. Their dark grey hue creates a striking contrast against lighter building materials, drawing attention to the doors as a key feature of the home’s facade.

Anthracite Doors with Brick Homes

Brick homes can benefit greatly from the addition of anthracite sliding doors. The deep grey colour pairs exceptionally well with red, orange, and even yellow bricks, creating a pleasing visual balance. For homes with lighter bricks, anthracite grey patio doors provide a sharp contrast that defines the entrance to the garden or patio area.

In period properties, anthracite external patio doors can add a contemporary touch without clashing with the building’s character. Anthracite’s neutral tone complements the warmth of aged bricks, bridging the gap between old and new. This combination allows homeowners to update their property while respecting its heritage.

Anthracite Doors with Stone and Wood Homes

Stone and wood exteriors gain a fresh, updated look with the addition of anthracite patio doors too. Against light-coloured stone, such as limestone or sandstone, the dark frames stand out boldly. This contrast highlights the doors’ clean lines and modern design, creating a focal point that draws the eye.

Wooden cladding, whether natural or painted, also pairs well with anthracite grey patio doors. The doors’ sleek appearance offers a nice counterpoint to the texture of wood, resulting in a balanced, harmonious exterior. For homes with dark wood cladding, anthracite grey sliding doors create a subtle, sophisticated look that emphasises the building’s form and structure.

Outdoor Elements and Anthracite Doors

Garden sliding doors in anthracite grey provide an excellent backdrop for outdoor furniture and plants. The neutral colour allows colourful garden elements to stand out, whether it’s vibrant flowers, lush green foliage, or brightly coloured outdoor seating.

Lighting can help shape how anthracite grey patio doors look at different times of day. During daylight hours, the dark frames contrast beautifully with the bright outdoors. As evening falls, well-placed outdoor lighting can highlight the doors’ sleek lines, creating an inviting entrance to the home.

When selecting outdoor furniture to complement anthracite grey patio doors, think about going for materials like teak, rattan, or powder-coated metal in light colours. These materials provide a pleasing contrast to the dark door frames while withstanding the British weather. Textiles in neutral tones or bold patterns can add interest without overwhelming the overall design.

Plants in large, simple pots can help to soften the lines of grey patio doors too. Evergreen shrubs provide year-round structure, while flowering plants add seasonal colour. Climbing plants trained around the door frame can create a beautiful, organic frame that changes with the seasons.

Anthracite Sliding Doors in Interior Design

Anthracite patio doors don’t just improve the exterior of a home; they also have a very noticeable impact on interior spaces. Their dark, sophisticated hue creates a striking contrast with lighter walls and furnishings, adding depth and character to any room. When open, these doors invite the outdoors in, expanding the perceived space of the interior.

Flooring and Anthracite Doors

Selecting the right flooring to complement anthracite grey patio doors can tie the whole room together. Light-coloured floors, such as pale wood or cream tiles, offer a beautiful contrast to the dark door frames. This pairing creates a bright, airy feel in the room while drawing attention to the elegant lines of the doors.

For a more cohesive look, think about trying darker flooring that echoes the anthracite tone. Deep wood tones or charcoal tiles can create a sense of continuity, making the space feel larger. Low threshold sliding doors work particularly well with continuous flooring, as they create an almost imperceptible step between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Furniture for Anthracite Door Spaces

Furniture choices can make or break the overall aesthetic of a room with anthracite patio doors. Opt for pieces that complement rather than compete with the doors’ strong presence. Light-coloured sofas and armchairs can provide a pleasing contrast, while dark wood furniture can echo the anthracite tones for a more coordinated look.

Think about the scale of your furniture in relation to the doors. Large, low-profile pieces can help maintain a sense of openness, allowing the eye to travel smoothly from the interior to the exterior. Avoid cluttering the area near the doors with too many small items, as this can disrupt the clean lines and open feel that anthracite grey sliding doors create.

Lighting Anthracite Patio Doors

Proper lighting can highlight the beauty of anthracite patio doors while creating ambiance in the room. During the day, these doors often provide ample natural light. However, thoughtful artificial lighting can improve their appearance after dark.

Uplighters placed near the base of the doors can create a dramatic effect, emphasising their height and sleek design. For a softer look, try wall sconces or table lamps that cast a warm glow, softening the contrast between the dark doors and lighter walls.

Internal sliding glass doors in anthracite can also benefit from well-placed lighting. LED strips installed along the top of the frame can create a halo effect, adding a modern touch to the room’s design.

Colour Schemes with Anthracite Doors

When choosing a colour scheme for a room with anthracite patio doors, the doors can be seen as a neutral element. They pair well with a wide range of colours, from cool blues and greens to warm yellows and oranges. For a contemporary look, stick to a monochromatic palette of greys and whites, using the anthracite doors as the darkest point in the scheme.

Don’t be afraid to introduce bold colours through accessories like cushions, artwork, or rugs. These pops of colour can add vibrancy to the space without overwhelming the sleek look of the anthracite grey sliding doors.

Anthracite Patio Doors in Modern Design

Anthracite patio doors have become a staple in contemporary British architecture. Their sleek, dark profiles fit perfectly with modern design trends, adding a touch of sophistication to both new builds and renovated properties. These doors not only look stylish but also provide practical benefits, making them a popular choice among homeowners and designers alike.

Anthracite Doors in Minimalist Homes

Minimalist design values simplicity and functionality, making anthracite patio doors an ideal fit. Their clean lines and neutral colour palette complement the uncluttered aesthetic of minimalist interiors. Large glass panels framed by slim anthracite profiles create an illusion of more space, a key principle in minimalist design.

In minimalist homes, anthracite grey sliding patio doors serve as a subtle backdrop, allowing other design elements to shine. The dark frames can act as a visual anchor in an otherwise light and airy space. This contrast adds depth to the room without overwhelming the senses, maintaining the calm and serene atmosphere typical of minimalist interiors.

Minimalist sliding glass doors in anthracite grey offer a streamlined look that’s hard to achieve with other materials. The absence of ornate details or busy patterns aligns perfectly with the ‘less is more’ philosophy. These doors can span entire walls, blurring the boundary between inside and outside spaces while maintaining the simplicity that defines minimalist design.

Anthracite Doors for Industrial Style

Industrial-style interiors, with their raw materials and utilitarian aesthetic, pair exceptionally well with anthracite patio doors as well. The dark grey colour of these doors echoes the tones of steel and concrete often found in industrial spaces. This creates a cohesive look that ties the whole design together.

In converted warehouses or loft apartments, large anthracite sliding patio doors can serve as a modern counterpoint to exposed brick walls or wooden beams. Their sleek design adds a contemporary touch to these often rustic spaces, creating an interesting juxtaposition of old and new.

The robustness of anthracite grey sliding doors also aligns with the durability valued in industrial design. Their sturdy appearance complements other industrial elements like metal light fixtures or concrete floors, contributing to the overall tough yet stylish aesthetic.

Open Plan Living with Anthracite Doors

Anthracite patio doors can define different areas within a large open plan space without breaking the flow or blocking light. When closed, they act as a subtle divider; when open, they allow for free movement between zones.

In open plan designs, anthracite sliding doors can be used to separate a living area from a patio or garden. This setup allows for easy integration of outdoor spaces into the home’s overall layout. The dark frames of the doors create a natural border for the room, helping to delineate the space without the need for walls.

The flexibility offered by anthracite grey sliding patio doors is particularly useful in open plan homes. They allow homeowners to adjust their living space according to their needs, opening up the area for large gatherings or closing it off for more intimate settings.

Customising Anthracite Sliding Doors

Anthracite patio doors can often be customised to suit specific needs and preferences, improving both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. From hardware options to glass types, there are numerous ways to tailor these doors to your exact requirements.

Hardware for Anthracite Doors

Handles come in various styles, from sleek, minimalist designs to more traditional options. Stainless steel or brushed nickel finishes often work well with the cool tones of anthracite grey, creating a cohesive look.

Security is a top priority for many homeowners. Modern patio doors often feature multi point locking systems, which secure the door at several points along the frame when closed. This not only improves security but also helps to create a tighter seal, boosting the door’s thermal performance.

For those prioritising ease of use, some doors can have soft-close mechanisms fitted. These systems gently guide the door into its closed position, preventing slams and making the doors easier to operate for people of all ages and abilities.

Glass Options for Anthracite Grey Sliding Patio Doors

The glass you choose for your anthracite patio doors can impact both the appearance and performance of your home. Double or triple glazing is standard for most modern installations, providing improved insulation and noise reduction. Some systems use argon gas between the panes, further increasing thermal efficiency.

For privacy without sacrificing light, frosted or patterned glass options are available. These work particularly well in bathrooms or areas overlooking neighbouring properties. Tinted glass can help reduce glare and heat gain in south-facing rooms, while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter.

Energy efficient glass coatings, such as low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, can help to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. These invisible layers reflect heat back into the room during colder months and help to block solar heat gain when it’s warm outside, working in tandem with the insulating properties of anthracite grey aluminium sliding doors.

Dual Colour Anthracite Doors

While anthracite grey is a popular choice for exterior door frames, some homeowners prefer a different colour for the interior side of their patio doors. Dual colour patio doors in white and anthracite grey offer the best of both worlds. The dark exterior provides a modern, striking look from outside, while the white interior helps to keep indoor spaces feeling light and airy.

This option allows for greater flexibility in interior design, as the white frames can more easily match a variety of decor styles. It’s particularly useful if you’re worried about dark frames making a room feel smaller or darker. The anthracite exterior still provides all the benefits of this stylish colour choice when viewed from the garden or street.

Slimline Anthracite Door Frames

For those who want to make the most of their view and natural light, slimline frames are an excellent option. These narrow profiles increase the glass area of anthracite patio doors, creating an almost uninterrupted vista when closed. They’re particularly effective in modern homes where large expanses of glass are desirable.

Sliding aluminium patio doors are often available with slimline options. The strength of aluminium allows for thinner frames without compromising on structural integrity or security. This results in sleek, contemporary doors that let in more light and provide better views than their bulkier counterparts.

Despite their slim profile, these frames don’t sacrifice on insulation. Many slimline anthracite grey aluminium sliding doors are designed with thermal breaks – sections of less conductive material that reduce heat transfer through the frame. This helps to maintain the thermal efficiency of your home, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer.