Do you really need a crown after root canal treatment?

I would definitely recommend having a crown on that tooth after a root canal.  Root canal teeth have had the blood supply cut off, therefore they become brittle and you risk fracturing the tooth without a crown on it.  As far as not liking the crown, you should be able to have an all porcelain crown fabricated that matches the other teeth perfectly in the majority of cases.  Good luck. 

I typically will do a onlay, overlay or partial coverage restoration to just cover the biting surface.  kew

After root canal treatment, the tooth is less stable and more fragile than before, hence a full coverage protection, which is a crown is often necessary. Without a crown a tooth may have high risk whereby it may break and fractures, therefore compromising its longevity.

Crowns are the standard of care in dental health after completing a root canal.  Root canal treated teeth get brittle because they are no longer nourished and hydrated from the inside.  Over time they will break and crack without a crown. Usually the tooth needs to be extracted after that.  If you are getting a lot of work done, maybe this crown can be folded into your treatment?  And NEVER settle for a crown that you do not like.  You are entitled to a beautiful smile. You are entitled to dental work that blends in.  Do not leave the office if your crown or your fillings do not match your smile and the other teeth.  Raise a stink.  Demand excellence.  If your dentist won't make a tooth look like a tooth, find another dentist who can and will. Finally ask for a porcelain crown or zirconia crown on that tooth.  No more metal / porcelain crown on that tooth in your smile area.