Q+A: Black or White Windows?

A friend of mine is in the middle of a remodel and came to me for advice about her new windows. She is in love with the black window trend but is worried that it will soon become dated. If you’re updating your home, it’s a question you might be asking too, “Black or White Windows?!”

 

The Fox Group

White windows always look good. They are classic and blend unobtrusively into your house design. If you want a beautiful timeless look and are not looking to make a statement with your windows, go white.

But black windows are also a good choice. Although they are a big trend right now, black windows are not new. They come from the greenhouses, factories, and warehouses of the 19th century, and architects have been using them as statement makers in high-end construction for decades. As with all elements of design, you should always go with what you love regardless of whether it is trendy or not. Here are a few things to consider to help you decide if black windows are the right fit for your home design.

Black Window Frames create a Fresh Modern Look

Grand Tradition Homes

Black windows add a cool industrial modern vibe to your exterior. This does not mean that your home has to be modern to make them work, black windows are a fresh update that fit with almost all styles, materials, and colors. If you are looking for a cool blend of styles that makes a modern statement, black windows might be the perfect way to update your traditional exterior.

 

Black Window Frames Make a Dramatic Statement

AMB Design and Jackson and Leroy

Even on a cute white painted brick cottage, black windows create drama. The stark contrast between black and white makes a statement. This house would look quaint and cozy with white windows, but the black adds definition and some wow factor curb appeal.

2017 O’more Design Show House via Evin Photography

Here the lack of contrast creates drama. The monochromatic black on black feels sleek and modern.

 

Black Windows Accentuate a Beautiful View

Muskoka Living Interiors

Although black windows can make an exterior statement, when you are on the inside looking out, black frames tend to disappear leaving only the view. The eye almost reads the skinny black lines as a shadow, and so the vibrant colors of nature pop and feel a little closer. If your home has a spectacular view like on a lake, in the mountains, or overlooking the coast, black might be the way to go.

Use Black Frames Strategically to Create a Focal Point

Morgan Burnham via Lucy Williams Interiors

Use a mix of black and white frames to call attention to different architectural features. A modern steel-frame front door pops paired with white windows on this traditional brick home. Below, the white bay window on the second story stands out with black frame windows grounding the first floor.

Graystone Custom Builders

 

Consider the Cost

Murakami Design

If the black windows you love are steel, you need to plan on having a large budget. Although they are very durable, steel-frame windows are very expensive. Luckily, it is possible to get the look for less using vinyl, aluminum clad, or painted wood. CC+Mike shared a great post demonstrating how they got the look for less, read their experience here to help you decide if this is a compromise you are willing to make.

Both black and white windows can look beautiful and timeless + work with many architectural styles. Would love to hear your thoughts! Is bold and black a look you would do?

For more black window inspiration read, Design Trend: Steel Frame Windows and Doors.

Thanks for stopping by!

Xxo
Becki