Are black windows right for your home?
Are black windows timeless or just a phase?
If you’re planning a new build or major renovation where you’ll be replacing old windows, chances are you’ve been swayed by many of the beautiful images of black window frames.
In today’s post I hope to share with you the pros and cons of installing black windows in your home so you can make an informed decision.
After all, windows are expensive, so you want to make sure you choose a finish that you want to live with for years to come.
Are black windows timeless?
Are black windows as timeless as white/cream ones? No.
However, there are times where they do look timeless. Let me explain…
Black windows on this exterior are timeless:
I don’t mind the black windows on this exterior, as it echoes the black siding. However, is this exterior timeless when you factor in all of the other elements? Black windows, black gutters, black siding…
Unfortunately, I don’t consider the exterior below timeless. I believe this black/white exterior has been done over and over on every single new build/renovation and we will soon see this trend go away as quickly as it arrived.
If you want your windows to add some visual interest to your home, why not go with a more toned down look (and by the way, this is starting to pop up on new builds everywhere, which tells me black windows are dying down)
I love the direction of the home above. A darker greige was used for the window trim, mullions and siding.
Now, is this as timeless as white windows? No. White will always be the most timeless option. However, if you are planning a new build today and want something different, this would be my advice over black windows.
Below is another shot of a new build without black windows. Again, I’m starting to see more and more new builds without black windows. This was practically unheard of 3-4 years ago, as it seemed like the only thought when it came to windows was, “let’s choose black!”
Now, I should point out that 6 years ago when we redid our windows and painted our siding, guess what I installed?
Black windows, of course!
Do I still like them. On the exterior, no. On the interior, I really do like them, because I do have a lot of black in my fixed elements and decor (more on that below).
Do I feel like one day I’ll want to repaint the windows? 100%
Another thing to think about is the fact that everyone installing black windows is renovating or building a home that looks something like this:
When this trend completely ages out, which it will in a few years, you might be very glad you went with white windows. Add medium toned blue or sage green accents and you have a timeless house with white windows, rather than a suburban farmhouse just like everyone else.
Can we just pause for a moment to take in how beautiful and timeless these cream windows are below? Gorgeous!
What about black interior windows?
Here’s the thing, black windows look best when you repeat the black in your decorating. For example, if black windows had been installed in the room below they would have looked awful. Here, classic soft white windows are timeless.
Below is a wonderful example of installing black windows and then decorating with black to make it all cohesive. If you keep the room just like it is, to me, this can be a timeless look.
Here we have another example of the black windows being repeated in decorating/fixed elements.
And yet, one more display of just how gorgeous black windows can be when you decorate with black!
If you’re wondering, I have the same thoughts with charcoal windows. They can be timeless if you decorate forever with charcoal. I think black is easier to decorate with, though.
Bottom line: Are you going to forever decorate with black? If you are and you don’t tire of things easily/get the itch to redecorate every 7-10 years. Go for it.
If your style changes with the wind this is an easy no. You’re much better off with white.
On exteriors, unless you are building/renovating a home that looks like this:
Don’t do it! You will likely tire of them and then be upset at the cost to replace or repaint them!
