Anthracite grey ( 8 %) and White Grain ( 6 %) continued to prove popular colour choices in 2021 , but on the whole the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners .

“ Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold ,” says Tommy Trinder ’ s CEO Chris Brunsdon . “ The activity from Framepoint ® users in 2021 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration ; over 1000 different colour combinations were quoted on PVCu Casements during the year .”

Traditional woodgrains were largely in decline also . Only Rosewood ( 4 %) and Golden Oak ( 1 %) made it into the top 10 most popular foils . Mahogany , an old favourite , was notable by its absence . And oaks such as Irish Oak , English Oak and Natural Oak whilst trending upwards , also failed to make the top tier .

“ Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner , but it does mean great complexity for the installers ,” says Chris . “ Framepoint ® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process . Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic

quality , then backing that up with full colour , photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only

wows customers , it also removes any room for error .”

The Tommy Trinder survey also highlights the growing popularity of flush casements ; In 2021 around a quarter ( 24 %) of PVCu windows quoted by installers had flush sashes , says Chris :

“ The data from 2021 suggests flush casements are rising in popularity and now play a significant part in an installers product mix . Unsurprisingly in the quest to emulate period features , nearly half ( 47 %) of all flush casements quoted have mechanical joints , compared to just 1 % of standard PVCu casements . And when it comes to ironmongery monkey tails and other period handles such as teardrops and pear drops outsell standard fasteners and are vital add-ons .”

Smooth White was even less popular as a finish on PVCu Flush Casements accounting for just 22 % of all windows quoted . A quarter of all flush casements were foiled white or cream . And Agate Grey

( 13 %) was almost twice as popular as Anthracite ( 7 %) in the more traditional window form .

Commenting on the scope and accuracy of the data , says Chris :

“ Use of the app is growing rapidly . We have around 1150 active users of Framepoint ® from over 360 window firms so it ’ s solid representation of the market . However , it ’ s likely that our typical subscriber ’ s product mix is somewhat skewed towards the top end . Upselling occurs naturally when it ’ s quick and easy to show off premium features , such as foils , dual colours , dummy vents , mechanical joints , flush casements , surface mounted bars etc . It stands to reason that Framepoint ® users will sell more of these value-added products .”

Looking at the Tommy Trinder data , has Chris got any insights to trends tip for 2022 ?

“ That ’ s easy ,” he says . “ The future is … Basalt Grey .”

www . tommytrinder . com