External sliding doors are a brilliant way to increase the amount of natural light in a room while creating a stylish, space-saving entryway. There are many bespoke options to choose from when selecting sliding doors, including system, door panel configuration, sightline, glazing and handle options.
With a strong but lightweight aluminium frame, an Origin Sliding Door is durable, secure and available in a wide choice of colour options. Besides safety and technical considerations, colour is one of the most important decisions to make when choosing the right sliding patio door system for your home. The colour you pick can impact the overall style of your property, so should ultimately suit the décor inside your home as well as the outdoor space on the other side of the glass.
In this guide:
- Choosing the right colour for your aluminium sliding doors
- The OS-44 and OS-77 Patio Sliding Door
- The OS-20 Artisan Slider
- Frequently asked questions
Choosing the right colour for your aluminium sliding doors
With over 150 RAL colour options to choose from, it can be tricky to decide on the right colour for your aluminium sliding doors. The RAL colour chart is a standardised matching system used throughout Europe to define colours for paint, coatings and plastics. Each RAL colour has a unique four-digit number. Shades beginning with 7*** and 9*** are generally shades of black, white and grey, and these tend to be the most popular when it comes to doors and windows.
As with any investment purchase, there is a range of important things to consider when choosing a colour for your sliding doors—your personal taste being just one of them. Bear in mind that your preferences may change and that trends come and go, so it's wise to opt for a colour scheme that is versatile enough to last a long time without looking dated.
Consider both your internal and external design schemes as you will want to choose a door colour that will enhance both. You might want the colour to match or coordinate with other doors or windows in your property, and it should also suit the building’s foundational materials such as brick, stone or slate.
The surroundings of your property are also important. If you have a home in the countryside close to a lot of greenery, you might opt for more muted colours to blend in with the local environment. A property in an urban area might suit a brighter, more eye-catching shade.
The colour of door frames impacts the overall architecture of a property. Lighter colours can result in the frames being less visible beside the glazed panels, creating the illusion of a flat, smooth expanse of glass. Darker shades tend to create contrast between the frame and glass, highlighting the doors and making them an eye-catching feature. The finish is important too; high gloss frames are distinctive and stand out while matte frames are more subtle.
The OS-44 and OS-77 Patio Sliders
Origin OS-44 and OS-77 Patio Sliders are available in over 150 RAL colours, but we find that Anthracite Grey, Slate Grey, Jet Black and Hipca White tend to be the most sought-after colours for this type of door, and as a result, we can manufacture door sets in these colours in as little as 1-week. For any of the other 150 RAL colours, we have a four-week lead time. Lead times will be dependent on your chosen partner’s availability for installation and glazing. Our lead times may change without prior notice.
Darker colours work well with the OS-44 and OS-77 aluminium patio doors because they already have relatively slim frames and shades of grey will offer a sleek contrast to the surroundings to provide a striking finish. If you'd prefer to make a feature of the sliding door, a lighter or more vibrant colour could work well. Since the OS-44/OS-77 is a relatively traditional style of sliding door, the classic Hipca White is a timeless choice that is unlikely to go out of style.
The OS-20 Artisan Slider
The Origin OS-20 Artisan Slider has extra slim sightlines of 20mm and offers very large expanses of glass for an ultra-minimal, modern look. Many people opt for Anthracite Grey or Jet Black with these doors to minimise focus on the frames and emphasise the dramatic impact of the large glass panels. The finished look is a smooth, seamless wall of glass that results in a stunning view of the surroundings and a sense of bringing the outdoors in.
Since the OS-20 is a very contemporary style of sliding door, bold colours could also work well, particularly in less traditional properties. A bright blue such as RAL 6027 or a vibrant yellow like RAL 1003 would draw attention to the frame and allow the entry to become a fun, vibrant focal point of a room. With this door model available in any of the 150 RAL colours, the sky is the limit when it comes to colour.
Frequently asked questions
How many sliding door panels can you have?
There are lots of sliding door configurations available, with the most common comprising of two, three or four panels. However, it is possible to install sliding doors with up to six panels.
How energy efficient are sliding glass doors?
Although glass doors are often associated with higher heating bills, this doesn't have to be the case if you choose high quality sliding glass doors that are thermally broken to minimise heat loss. Triple glazing can even further reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of sliding glass doors.
Why choose aluminium sliding doors?
Aluminium is a very durable and stable material that is resistant to expanding or contracting with changes in humidity or temperature, unlike wood or uPVC which tend to twist and warp over time. This makes it a great choice for sliding doors, as even a slimline frame made from aluminium can hold a large glass panel without compromising on quality or security.
Get in touch today
To start your journey in getting an Origin Sliding Door custom-made into your home today, find your local installer.