Black Windows and Other Window Trends
Houses with black interior and exterior windows are becoming more and more popular! Learn more about black windows and other window trends to help you decide the best window options for your home.
When we purchased Little Pax Ranch, I knew that one of my favorite features were the black windows. They have these cool removable interior storm windows, and – let’s face it – they look pretty amazing.
And it’s funny, even though the windows are probably as old as the house (which happens to be the same age as me, so I don’t intend to disclose particulars 😉 ), they have been everybody’s favorite… both when I shared the new kitchen and the living room at the ranch.
Clearly black windows are one window trend that is making a strong comeback.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Milgard Windows and Doors. All opinions are my own.
But, unfortunately, given the age of the windows, I imagine they will need to be replaced at some point, especially since a few of them have to remain shut because they come off their tracks if you try to open them.
That is why I was particularly pleased when Milgard Windows and Doors approached me about partnering on a post regarding current window trends. It’s my perfect excuse to do a little research for myself and for you!
Black vs White Windows
There are obviously many more options when it comes to window frames, but I’m a huge fan of classic black or white windows.
To me, the contrast between window trim color and wall or exterior color is key. So in a light colored house, dark windows are stunning.
While in a home with dark siding, white exterior window trim stands out beautifully.
Of course there are always exceptions, like a dark natural stone home, that allow for a window color that blends in beautifully.
Houses with Black Window Frames
As a huge fan of white houses and light interior paint colors, I love a good black window frame. They are certainly beautiful.
Black exterior windows help contrast lighter exteriors.
While black interior windows help to frame the view.
White windows are wonderfully classic, but they sure can look dirty (you can read about my recent window cleaning saga here). The color black, on the other hand, can help hide dirt on your exterior trim.
And while I certainly can’t claim to see the future, I think that the classic nature of black and white always allows for longevity when it comes to style and investment in your home.
Additionally, if your home and existing windows are older and not very energy efficient, then replacement windows might just be one of the best investments you could make in your home.
Are black framed windows more expensive?
Of course, budget is always a consideration. And I think most people assume that anything that’s not your most basic white will be too expensive. While there is additional cost when you choose a premium color like black, there are still lots of options for black windows at different price points.
Window Frame Material Options
So what materials are available for black window frames? These days, you can achieve the black window look with several different materials, and many frames can be one color on the outside and a different one on the inside… talk about options!
Wood and fiberglass windows are available in black. And wood windows can be painted, of course, which naturally provides more flexibility for future choices.
Aluminum and vinyl windows have “bronze” options that give a similar look (which I think may actually be what we have at the ranch… it’s a little hard to tell for sure because of their age, though). And though painting vinyl frames and aluminum window frames is discouraged, you can get new, energy efficient windows in both of those materials.
Most importantly, you’ve got a variety of options when it comes to style and price point for those dark window frames.
Other Window Trends
Whatever color you choose, there are some amazing options out there these days! You can go the more traditional route of grids or muntins.
Or you can embrace a more modern aesthetic with minimal frames and an expansive pane of glass to maximize views.
And like most things, I believe there’s plenty of room for personal preference and variety. How boring would things be if everything looked the same?
What’s your favorite window option? Are you as smitten by black framed windows as I am? Don’t forget to pin this for later!
I have been drawn so much to the black window frames..like you said,it contrasts nicely with white or light colors and “frames” the view from the inside!! We need to replace windows in our home,and I so badly want black frames!! Unfortunately,my husband is very skeptical about that!!🙄🥴
That’s always tough when spouses aren’t in agreement on home decisions. Sometimes it takes time to get on the same page! Maybe he’ll come around, and if not, white windows are a classy option, too. 🙂
Unfortunately, our Milgard quote for black windows is double that of the white in the same product line. Why? Is it simply because they are popular?
I absolutely agree with you, black windows are classy and beautiful which is why I had to pay an extra $350 a window just to have the exterior black, but it was worth it to me. I don’t know if all companies charge extra so check with them before your decision is made.
Great advice, Linda! You’re right, cost can vary depending on company and material, but I’m glad you love black windows and we’re able to work out how to get them for your home! 🙂
This post is so timely! We’re putting up an office space for my husbands business and I’m gunning for black windows. I noticed that at the cabin you chose to trim them in wood and then use the white baseboards. It’s absolutely beautiful and I’m curious if you have any insight about how you thought through that design choice?
Loving watch this all take shape!! 🙂
I’m so glad this is helpful, Schae! The windows were such a happy evolution in style – ha! As I mentioned, the windows were already there, and I just chose to embrace them and try to draw attention to them with other black accents. All the trim in the house was wood when we bought it, and though it seemed a little orange for my taste, I thought that by choosing the right color palette around them we could probably tone down the orange enough to enjoy it… Plus it was cheaper than painting everything. 😉 I’m so glad we did it! I love how the wood trim looks now. The white baseboards were a style and budget choice: the wood baseboards they had in there were very small and not in great shape, but trying to match the wood windows would have been difficult and expensive, so we went with simple tall white baseboards. So in short, it was a combo risk taken, desire for rustic charm, and attempt to stay within budget. 🙂 So glad you like how it came together!
I think black frame looks great and very classic on the right style house.
I agree, Nancy! 🙂
I do like black windows but, i wanted a dark gray house and liked the white better against the gray with navy blue trim.
I completely understand, Marlene. I think dark homes with white windows are beautiful! Love that contrast. 🙂
Loving the black frames windows. I have always loved white but the black gives it an extra modern edge to the look. We are thinking of doing white wash brick, would black windows still work? And would you do black or white shutters in this case?
I think it would definitely work! I’d probably vote black shutters (without knowing the exact look).
We are remodeling and last minute I want to change my windows to black after seeing your post and so many other posts about black windows. I am wondering if I now need to change paint I had originally picked out for exterior. I was painting brick light grey, white trim, black shutters and adding white square columns to one story home. Now that I am leaning toward black windows I am thinking I should remove the shutters completely and white brick may look better-any thoughts on brick color, column color and removing shutters?
Thanks!
I always encourage people to find as many images on Pinterest or Google as possible before making decisions like these! I agree that a white brick house with black windows is absolutely beautiful and classic, but if your heart is set on light gray, I imagine it could be beautiful, too. I do think that black windows carry more weight than white, so you could probably skip the shutters if you do black windows. I hope this helps!
We have painted the interior trim on our large family room windows black & love it. I’m thinking about bringing this look to other areas of the home as well. What is your opinion? Should all the windows in the entire house have the same trim? same room? or large accent windows only vs. smaller windows? So curious, haven’t been able to find anyone’s opinion on this topic anywhere!
Thanks!
I think it could go either way, Kristen! I painted an accent window gray in a home once, and I loved it. I think it would look strange from the outside if they didn’t match, and obviously if two windows side by side inside didn’t match… but if there is a clear accent window and you love the black there but don’t want to do the rest, I say go for it! 🙂 I hope this helps!
I was talking about the muntins in the windows, or the light dividers/grids, being painted black, along with the frame. Just not sure if I need to do it everywhere….
What are your thoughts on Black Interior Shutters with Black windows?
I think that would look great, especially if the walls have a nice white contrast.
Our house has nice blinds in all windows and the window trims are currently white and walls are pale gray. I love the black windows but have realized they are never shown with blinds (which cover up portions of the trim up top). Would you alternately paint the window casings black? Or do I just need to pick blinds or black trim with no blinds? Thanks.
Apologies for the slow reply. I’m not sure exactly what blinds you mean, but I have Roman shades in some of my black windows (like this space), and I still love them. 🙂 Hope this helps!
I had the same concern. We have 2″ white blinds throughout most of the house. I really like the black window look but I imagine it would not go well with the white blinds so I’d have to replace them all. It’s true most pictures online of black windows show them with no window treatments. I guess that would work for a secluded house but not in a neighborhood like mine.
That makes a lot of sense, Mark! We have black windows at our ranch house, where we have a lot of privacy.
Is it possible to paint windows black if the windows aren’t made of wood? The are white typical windows- not sure of what material that is. What kind of paint is recommended if this is possible? Thank you!
Vinyl windows may not hold paint well (and void the warranty if they are new).
In your opinion does the black interior windows make a room seem smaller? Thank you
I don’t think I would use them in a small room, but with light walls, they highlight and bring detail to a room.
We are redoing our kitchen and this is the look I’m going for! What kind of cabinets are in the kitchen?
The cabinets are from Kraftmaid! You can read all about the cabinets here: https://www.maisondepax.com/rustic-modern-kitchen-cabinets/
I was wondering if you know the stain color that is framing your black windows? This is the look I want to go for in my new construction! Black windows and jambs with the more natural wood frame/casing on front! I love yours, but not sure what this is called!
I’m afraid I don’t know for sure, since this was the original trim in the home when we bought it. But I made some hook racks for the bathrooms and used some Early American that I had on hand, and it was a pretty good match. I hope this helps!
Thank you for the response! Early American is one that I was thinking about using!
You are so welcome! Good luck with the project!!
I absolutely love the style of your home, it’s so elegant but doesn’t feel overwhelmingly modern, do you have any tips on how to balance traditional homes with modern windows?
I think layering with more traditional furniture, rugs, and white paint can help you have that transitional feel!
Hello. We are thinking about black window frames, but we already have black shutters. Do you think that’s too busy? Also, our house is white. Thanks
One thing to consider is, during a bright day, if the windows with the black shutters are going to appear as big black boxes. Can you take a picture of your exterior and ‘photoshop’ the window frames black to give you an idea?
We are remodeling a home and not able to replace all the windows at this time because some are new. We were thinking of getting all the new ones black and then painting the other ones. There is one large bay window we would need to paint black inside. Do you think it’s ok? It seems like the bay window would be a lot of black? How would you handle this?
I have personally seen someone paint their old windows black on the inside and it looked great!
Hello! Quick question. What company did you go with to do your black interior and black exterior windows?
Hi Beverly, in my case, these windows were original to the home.
Rachel,
Thank you for all the great information. I’m building a house with black framed windows and I was going with black trim around the windows, because of the view it would accent. I thought I would do black trim around interior doors and floor boards but I don’t know what stain to go with for my interior doors if I do black trim. I cannot find photos on the internet of it. Starting to worry it might be a mistake. Do you have any thoughts on it?
I’m sorry Pam! I haven’t ever worked with black trim and stain samples.