It is often thought that aluminium windows are only suitable for modern houses, but this is not the case. In this article, we will explain how aluminium windows can be combined with any style of house: not only modern, minimal or industrial, but also classic, Nordic, shabby chic, eclectic…
Regardless of the preferred style, anyone can benefit from the extraordinary properties of aluminium windows and doors.

Aluminium windows: a versatile solution

When choosing the best windows and doors for your house to build or renovate, the material used to make the window and door is a very important variable. Choosing aluminium windows and doors is the ideal solution from two points of view: technical/functional and aesthetic.
From a technical/functional point of view, numerous advantages of aluminium have been listed in this article.
To summarise them, aluminium is a material:

• weather-resistant and weathered;
• resistant to humidity and the formation of mould and condensation;
• resistant to fire and to the action of burglars, thus increasing security in the home;
• able to provide excellent thermic insulation thanks to the thermal break, which allows discrete energy savings;
• capable of providing excellent soundproofing;
• light and flexible, so that thin profiles can be created to support even very large glass surfaces and facilitate the entry of natural light into the home.

From the point of view of aesthetics, aluminium is an exceptional material for window and door frames – but also for internal doors – because it can be customised in a wide range of colours and finishes to suit any style of house. Colouring is done by oxidation or painting, so it is extremely resistant: it does not discolour or fade, it does not scratch and, unlike PVC which is coloured by means of applied films, it does not come off.
Throughout the lifetime of aluminium windows and doors, which can be up to 50 years, the chosen colouring always remains vivid and healthy-looking. This is also true due to the fact that aluminium windows and doors do not require any special maintenance and can be cleaned very easily.

How to match aluminium windows, style by style

Aluminium is a modern-looking material and therefore particularly suited to more contemporary architectural and design styles. Nevertheless, for those who prefer more classic styles but still do not want to give up the extraordinary properties of aluminium, it is absolutely possible to combine this material with more traditional styles.
This article explains more about how to choose the colour of windows and doors, also according to the different styles of the house.

Aluminium windows for the classic style

A timeless style par excellence, the classic style is one that is inspired by the houses of the past, but never goes out of fashion because it adapts to more contemporary contexts through the skilful choice of materials and combinations. Although there are many sub-categories of the classic style, the classic house is generally an elegant and refined home that conveys a feeling of prestige.
The protagonists of classic style houses are antiques, or modern furniture that is made according to traditional techniques, often in solid wood and carved with gilded details. There is no shortage of handicrafts, soft and precious fabrics, square spindles with important frames, and knick-knacks that recall the splendour of the past. The walls are usually white or cream-coloured, perhaps embellished with elaborate wall sconces or special wallpapers. The curtains are often made of heavy, draped fabrics, light or dark but always coordinated with the rest of the upholstery. The floor is usually parquet in medium-dark tones, or marble.
There is also a style that could be described as classic-contemporary, in which the typical elements of the classic style – refined but often conveying a feeling of excessive heaviness – are mixed with more minimalist and visually light furniture or design pieces.
In both cases, aluminium windows for classically styled houses have the task of harmoniously integrating with an important décor and design, without being too modern or invasive. Accompanied by a more classic style handle, aluminium windows and doors in this case can be chosen in light and neutral colours, such as creamy white and beige, or in darker but still very sober tones, such as brown or dark bronze. As far as finishing is concerned, it is best to choose an opaque or semi-gloss finish to avoid reflections that do not suit a classic environment.
Wood is the material par excellence for windows and doors in classic-style houses. However, as it is a material that requires more maintenance, it is recommended to choose aluminium windows to which a wood effect finishing should be applied. METRA Building’s wood effect finishes can be chosen in different colours and are very realistic, thus giving the feeling of warmth and comfort typical of this material. For those who don’t want to give up either the warmth of wood or the exceptional performance of aluminium, METRA Building proposes the Aluminium-Wood Line: the internal part of the window and door is made of wood and perfectly suits the classic style, while the external part is made of aluminium and protects the house from weather, corrosion and intruders.

Aluminium windows for the modern style

Again, there are several sub-categories of the modern style but, in general, this style can be said to be characterised by the concept of functionality. In fact, in modern houses it is difficult to find a multitude of accessories and furnishings that have a simple aesthetic function: most elements have been chosen for specific reasons and functions.
Having established this basic concept, the modern style is then declined in many versions: preference of dark or light colours – but always fairly neutral, perhaps with some splashes of colour -, straight or more rounded lines, pieces of furniture with a clean and essential appearance.
In modern-style houses, open spaces are preferred in order to create open, bright and airy spaces. Furniture is often made of metal or wood, sometimes with glass or plastic elements. Curtains, when present, are often light and airy, or in the form of panel or roller blinds made of technical fabrics. Walls are made in neutral colours, either tone-on-tone or contrasting, for example in light/dark tones of white and grey. In modern houses, the floor is usually made of porcelain stoneware in shades of grey, or reminiscent of light parquet; in more contemporary houses, floors can also be found in resin or polished concrete. Carpets and fabrics are often plain or, at most, with geometric and not very elaborate decorations. The preferred materials are glossy or transparent.
When it comes to windows and doors, aluminium is the ideal choice for all houses with a modern and contemporary style, from the most sober to the boldest.
METRA Building aluminium windows and doors fit the modern style thanks to their simple lines and contemporary design. The profiles of the aluminium windows are slender and slim, following the clean lines of modern style. The preferred colours can be light – off-white, cream, light grey – but mainly dark colours such as black or anthracite grey. A metallic tone such as silver also fits well. To give modern rooms a sophisticated and contemporary look, glossy, extra-glossy, satin or metallic finishes can be preferred.
A self-respecting modern-style home is also characterised by state-of-the-art technology, which can be seen in the use of modern home automation. This system helps tenants to live their homes comfortably and functionally, using the different elements of the house to their advantage and using only a few buttons on their smartphones. METRA Building products, such as windows or shading systems, can be easily integrated into the home’s domotics system.

Aluminium windows for the minimalist style

Born in the 1960s, the minimalist style is perfectly reflected in the saying less is more. Indeed, minimalist houses are characterised by a simple, pick-off and rigorous style.
Even more than in the modern style, the watchword is functionality: there are no objects in these houses that do not have their own specific, useful function. This does not mean that minimalist houses are cold and without personality, on the contrary: you can play with colours, lines and textures to give your home your own personal touch.
The minimalist style is particularly well suited to small houses because it does not accumulate objects and, therefore, creates the illusion of a larger, more airy space. Neutral colours predominate: white walls, concrete, resin or parquet floors in light tones. Curtains, fabrics and furniture are characterised by simple, straight lines, often angular, solid-coloured patterns and linear, essential elements. The preferred materials are wood and metal.
With their attractive yet sober design, aluminium windows and doors are particularly suitable for minimalist houses. As further explained in this article, aluminium windows and doors could be defined as minimalist windows and doors. In fact, the strength and flexibility of this material allows it to support even very large glass surfaces, while maintaining thin profiles: the result is a sober and essential look, perfect for minimalist houses.
Aluminium windows and doors for minimal houses can be chosen in light or dark neutral colours, such as white, light grey and black, but also silver. The best finishes are opaque or rough, to best convey a sense of essentiality and simplicity.

Aluminium windows for industrial style

Considered a sub-category of the modern style, the industrial style is particularly in vogue in recent years, especially in large cities. This article delves into the features of the industrial style. We can summarise it by talking about a style inspired by industrial environments, such as factories and offices converted into lofts or living spaces.
A young and dynamic style, industrial is characterised by raw, ‘exposed’ materials, with finishes that are not particularly finished or elaborate. The furniture is often a mix of salvaged furniture, vintage pieces and elements with clean lines, with a robust and functional design. If the curtains favour raw materials such as linen, the sofa is often in leather or eco-leather, perhaps in shades of black or brown. On the walls and floors, materials such as concrete (even polished), raw wood, brick or rough plaster are noted. Certainly, the urban look of the industrial style is given by the mix of materials such as wood, black metal and exposed brick. The typical colours are dark and woody, but, especially in more youthful houses, there is no lack of more colourful and pop elements.
Robust and modern, aluminium windows are also perfect for the industrial style, to which the slim profiles are well suited. The preferred colours are definitely black and anthracite grey but, depending on the combination with the furniture and flooring, colours such as bronze, rust and burgundy can also be chosen. For finishes, it is best to discard the extra-gloss and opt for opaque or rough, raw-looking finishes.
Often, the industrial style is found in houses obtained from… former factories or converted lofts. In rooms like these, the windows are usually very large, perhaps consisting of several glazed panels, some of which are fixed and others that can be opened with casement windows. In these cases, as we have seen, aluminium is the ideal material because, thanks to its strength, it is able to support large glass surfaces. Wooden and PVC windows and doors do not have the same strength and would therefore need additional supports in the case of very large windows.

Aluminium windows for the Nordic style

The Nordic (or Scandinavian) style could be compared to the minimalist style: functionality is at the centre, lines are clean and essential. This style differs, however, due to its predilection for natural materials, reminiscent of the stereotypical Nordic houses par excellence. Thus, there is a mix of functionality, simplicity, comfort and naturalness of materials, which gives the house a warm, muffled and cosy atmosphere.
For a Nordic style house, white is the main colour, because it gives the rooms brightness and airiness. This colour can then be combined with other light colours, such as beige or some pastel shades such as green or peach, but above all with light and not too worked wood, found in the floors and main surfaces. To complete the Nordic style, a lot of materials such as rattan, raffia, linen, cotton, as well as many indoor plants are used. While the saying less is more also applies to the Scandinavian style, more rounded and harmonious lines are preferred here.
METRA Building windows are perfect for Scandinavian style in two alternatives. You can choose the Aluminium-Wood line again, opting for a light and natural wood tone on the internal part of the house. Or, one can give the Nordic house a modern touch with aluminium windows and doors, while maintaining a concept of aesthetic simplicity. In this case, aluminium can be chosen in neutral tones such as white and light grey, but also green or some pastel tones. The ideal finishing is opaque, sandblasted or slightly satin-finished.

Aluminium windows for the shabby chic style

Although it was fashionable a few decades ago, the shabby chic style has actually proven to stand the test of time and is still very popular. This style is recognisable by its romantic and chic soul, applied to furnishings and rooms reminiscent of a charming country house.
The main elements of shabby chic, such as furniture and other furnishings, are characterised by a worn and not precisely finished appearance. This appearance can be real – thus using vintage furniture salvaged from antique and modern antique markets – or reproduced through deliberately unfinished elements, perhaps created by hand by specialised craftsmen or DIY. This is combined with furnishing accessories, such as curtains, carpets and cushions, with a vintage and romantic look, usually in light cotton and with an airy appearance. Floors are made of light-coloured wooden parquet or tiles typical of country houses; wood and porcelain are widely used, as are floral patterns and pastel tones.
Even in the case of shabby chic homes, the unique features of aluminium should not be renounced. One can therefore opt for an Aluminium-Wood window and door, thus maintaining the strength and solidity of aluminium on the outside of the frame, or choose a wood-effect finishing in lighter shades. Alternatively, you can choose aluminium windows and doors in light tones such as white, cream or sugar paper. It is better to opt for opaque or satin finishes with a semi-rough or sandblasted look.

Aluminium windows for the eclectic style

The eclectic style is a style that does not really follow any precise rules, because it draws on and is inspired by a wide range of architectural styles from the past and present. Thus, in the same case or even in the same room, one can find elements influenced by classic, ethnic, shabby chic, industrial, Nordic… The end result may be disconcerting, but in reality, if done with care and good taste, the eclectic style allows you to furnish your home in a way that reflects your own unique personality.
The maximum freedom of expression of the eclectic style is found in a bold and charismatic appearance. One can choose light-coloured, sober-looking walls, floors and internal door openings to contrast the bright colours and stylistic contrasts of the various pieces of furniture. Or, one can choose bright colours or extravagant wallpapers, perhaps only on one wall, thus acquiring a certain character. You can combine furniture from different eras, made of different materials: from solid wood to metal, through Plexiglas and glass.
In the ‘studied chaos’ of the eclectic style, windows and doors should not be the protagonists, but rather blend in to enhance the most characterful elements of the home. For this reason, sober-cut aluminium windows and doors in neutral light or dark colours are recommended. Finishes can be either opaque or glossy, depending on whether they need to appear more or less modern. That said, there is nothing to prevent lovers of eclectic style from opting for very bold colours even in window and door frames, such as green or red, as well as playing with more unusual finishes such as sandblasted. Even the handle can be simple and minimal, or more distinctive.

METRA Building aluminium windows for all styles

There are many other architectural and design styles for one’s home: ethnic, oriental, mullion, marine, rustic, pop, mid-century, English… But, in general, it has been shown that aluminium windows and doors can adapt to any style thanks to their enormous aesthetic versatility. This is mainly ensured by the wide range of colours, which can be chosen without reservation and with the knowledge that the colours will remain as vivid and perfect as the first day for many years. In addition to the colours, there are also the finishes: opaque, satin, extra-gloss, sandblasted, raw or wood-effect, they adapt to any preference and requirement. And for those who want neither the warmth of wood nor the high performance of aluminium, there is the possibility of combining the two materials.
METRA Building offers the possibility of combining different colours and finishes to adapt the windows and doors to any style of house, thus having the certainty of the best performance in both technical/functional and aesthetic areas.