Windows and doors are no longer a purely technical decision. In 2026, they sit right at the front of design, comfort and everyday living. At Fenbro, we see this shift clearly across the projects we support – what customers expect from joinery today goes far beyond how a product looks in a showroom.
Choices are increasingly driven by how a home feels to live in: quieter interiors, lower energy bills, more natural daylight and solutions that adapt to individual lifestyles. Below, we take a closer look at the key window and door trends shaping home projects in 2026.
Energy efficiency and the growing role of triple glazing
Energy performance continues to be the starting point for most window and door decisions. With rising heating costs and stricter expectations around thermal efficiency, customers are thinking long term.
Triple glazing is now viewed as the standard rather than an optional upgrade. It offers noticeably better thermal insulation, helps maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduces heat loss throughout the year. This translates directly into improved comfort and lower heating bills, particularly in colder months. Our top picks for energy-efficient windows are: BluEvolution 92, Ideal 8000 and MB-86N SI.The same priorities now apply to front doors. Advanced construction and insulation achieve very low Ud values, often well under 1.0 W/m²K.
Slim frames and cleaner lines
Visually, window and door design continues to move towards simplicity and lightness. It appears that aluminium windows and steel windows are becoming the go-to choice for those looking for slim frames and a more architectural look. Slimmer frames mean bigger glass areas, letting in more natural light and giving a cleaner look. This style works well for both new builds and renovations.
Dark, matt finishes and earth tones
For 2026, matt black, dark greys, and graphite are still the top colour choices. Earthy tones like dark brown, warm taupe, and natural greens are also becoming more popular. Lighter tones are making a return, including soft whites such as Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, the Colour of the Year for 2026. Its warm, off-white tone offers a gentle contrast to darker frames and works naturally with materials like timber, brick and stone.
The goal is cohesion: windows and doors that complement the building rather than compete with it. If you’d like to explore this approach, our article on the most popular windows colours looks at the topic in more detail.
Acoustic insulation is a priority now
Noise has become one of the biggest factors affecting quality of life at home. As housing density increases and more people live near busy roads, airports or urban centres, acoustic comfort has moved higher up the priority list. Customers are now actively asking about sound-absorbing panes, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Boosted glazing helps reduce outside noise, supporting wellbeing and creating better conditions for rest at home.
We can confidently say that this year, good windows and doors do much more than keep the cold out – they help keep everyday noise where it belongs: outside!
Patio doors – the best way to open your home
How a home opens onto the garden matters more than ever. Patio doors are no longer just a practical way to step outside. They shape how light enters the home, how spaces are used and how everyday life flows between indoors and outdoors.
Large sliding and lift-and-slide doors continue to grow in popularity. Aluminium sliding doors are regularly chosen for their slim frames, durability and contemporary feel, while uPVC options remain a practical and more affordable choice where everyday functionality are the priority. And for those who enjoy brave, unconventional solutions, we recommend aluminium bifold doors – Panorama Fold line by Aliplast.
Details matter just as much as the overall design. Features such as low aluminium thresholds improve accessibility and make movement between inside and outside feel effortless.
The effect? A more relaxed way of living, where boundaries soften and the home feels naturally connected to its surroundings.
Smart home access at the front door
Smart technology is now an integral part of everyday living, with entrance doors at the centre of this change.
Customers now want joinery ready for automation from the beginning, not added later. Solutions such as the WIKĘD SMART intelligent access system, the Multi Smart control system and a proximity reader allow doors to be opened using a smartphone, a keypad or contactless access, depending on what best suits everyday routines. At this moment, smart access is more about simplicity than technology.
Has this sparked your interest? You may enjoy our more detailed article about smart homes.
Shutters for privacy and light control
Alongside openness and light, homeowners are also looking for better control over privacy. This has led to a renewed interest in shutters that can be tailored to different homes and lifestyles. In the UK and Ireland, this solution remains a common choice. Options such as roller shutters as well as Venetian shutters allow residents to regulate light and visibility throughout the day while maintaining a clean and elegant appearance. Beyond this, they help keep rooms cooler in hot weather.To sum up, privacy today is about choice – when to open up and when to stay protected.
Want to choose the best solution for your windows? Check out this article on choosing the right shutters.
Heritage-style doors
While modern design is still popular, more people are starting to choose doors inspired by traditional architecture. Many property owners like these styles because they add depth and character, especially when renovating homes where the original look is important.
Heritage-style doors work well in older homes, where details like proportion and authenticity matter a lot. Features such as decorative glass, classic hardware, or well-chosen colors help keep the building’s character and show that the owners care about lasting style, not just current trends. Today, these doors stand out because they balance impressive looks with modern performance. Traditional styles now come with better energy efficiency, sound insulation, and security, all while keeping their classic charm.
Discover next-level doors with heritage character in this guide on Erkado doors.
Customisation without compromise
Perhaps the most important trend of all is the growing demand for personalisation. Property owners are far less willing to accept standard, off-the-shelf solutions.
A non-standard size for sliding doors? Windows in a trapezoid shape? A bold frame colour? Not a problem for us! We noticed that custom sizes, tailored colours and semi-classic profiles adapted to modern construction are now a natural choice for many projects. The focus is on joinery that fits both the building and the lifestyle of the people who live there, rather than forcing a project to fit a predefined catalogue option.
Bespoke solutions let homes reflect personal preferences. Fenbro offers a wide range of customisation options for windows and doors, so you can design every detail to suit your needs.
To see how ideas translate into real homes, the article ‘’Customer projects we love’’ showcases some of our favourite projects featuring individually designed joinery solutions.
Conclusion – we are ready for 2026!
Window and door trends are something we could discuss at length, and the coming year will no doubt bring its own surprises. In the end, it is homeowners who make the final choices – and they have more than once shown that trends can take unexpected turns.
At Fenbro, we continuously respond to evolving window and door trends. Our Sales Team stays up to date with the latest products, technologies and market developments, allowing them to offer informed advice with solutions individually selected for each project.
Are you planning a new build or renovation in 2026? Visit our contact page to speak with a Sales Specialist and explore the best options available for your project.
