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When it comes to updating your exterior, you’ll want to be careful about choosing the right window frame colors and window styles. Going too trendy can make your home look misplaced in your neighborhood or set you up for regrets later. But are black windows a trend? Are black windows frames going out of style? Let’s talk about all you need to know about black windows on a house!
A glass window with a black frame is not a trend at all! Black window frames have been a staple in the New England region for centuries. They might be less common than white windows, but black windows are certainly not going out of style — at least in this century! Homes with black windows make an eye-catching statement on all architectures, ranging from Massachusetts to Southern New Hampshire and beyond!
What are black windows?
Black windows are replacement windows with frames finished in black — on the exterior, interior, or both — for a bold, architectural look. They’re incredibly popular here in New England!
Are black windows a good choice for a house?
Black windows are a strong, versatile choice for nearly every New England home style.
Where did Black Window Frames Come From?
Black windows have a long history dating back to medieval Europe. Building materials made from iron naturally came in black or very dark gray. This made the window frames for many homes and even castles.
But what about New England? The New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources says that window sashes were typically painted black or another dark color in the late 1700s. Vinyl windows did not exist at the time and the sashes were made from wood.
New England historians say that windows were painted black to disguise heavy grids of bars against the dark void of the room. This was especially the case for the outside sashes. Homeowners wanted windows to blend into the room since there was no electricity in this era, so homes typically appeared dark or had a faint glow of candlelight.
It wasn’t until the 1840s that homeowners began to paint their window sashes white. The reason was to create a contrast with the cladding, such as yellow or red.
Today, black window frames continue that centuries-old New England tradition with modern vinyl performance.
Modern Black Windows: A Look at Black Windows Today
Are black windows going out of style? They surely are not! Windows have come a long way since the 1700s. Original black windows were made from iron in Medieval Europe, changing to wood not long after. Wood windows are still common in our region, but black vinyl windows bring unparalleled beauty to homes throughout our region.
What’s special with a glass window with a black frame? They present endless possibilities for making your exterior look extremely streamlined and modern.
For example, black windows with a white exterior are a trendy yet classic look at the same time. As we mentioned before, homeowners began contrasting their windows with the home’s cladding during the 1840s.
In a previous blog, we gave some guidance on choosing between black and white window frames. Black windows help frame your outdoor views, especially if you live near a wooded or coastal area.
Differentiate Your Home with Black-on-Black Windows
Create a sleek and streamlined curb appeal with black-on-black windows from Coastal Windows! Homeowners in Massachusetts and New England can make a statement with modern black windows, coming with all the energy efficient features that matter to you most.
Black-on-black windows feature:
- Black laminate exterior
- Black paint interior
- The exterior laminate finish is .014” thick, significantly thicker than a typical paint
- Reflective backer on the laminate finish prevents product failure in hot weather
- Water-based interior paint is AAMA-tested for durability
- Optional triple-pane glazing available for maximized energy savingsThis color option enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the windows, making them a perfect fit for new window installation!
Homes with Black Windows: What Home Styles are Suited for This Color Palette?
There is no specific home architecture that looks better with black window frames than another. Nearly any type of home style in New England can boast incredible curb appeal with black vinyl windows.
From houses with black window frames on classic Cape Cods to houses with black windows and trim on modern farmhouses, the versatility of this color is unmatched. Black colonial windows are a particularly striking choice — historically accurate and timelessly elegant on one of New England’s most beloved architectural styles.
The key is considering the type of contrast it creates against the exterior cladding. A sharp contrast is what brings modern appeal to your home.
What Window Styles are Available in a Black Finish?
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All of them! At Coastal Windows & Exteriors, we create custom replacement windows in any style and color that you want from our inventory.
Just imagine . . .
- A bold bay or bow window with black frames to create a dramatic visual impact
- A sleek black slider window that looks exceptionally contemporary in your space
- A geometric-shaped window with an unexpected black frame
- A new garden window with black trim that transforms the look of your kitchen
Black vs White Windows: How to Choose
When stacked against white, you might wonder how to make a decision on choosing between black and white frame replacement windows. These are a few considerations to keep in mind.
White Vinyl Windows
- White vinyl windows are a classic upgrade for your home
- Creates a timeless touch
- Easy to incorporate into all different types of architectures
- Make your space feel light and airy
- Comes in a variety of window styles, just like black windows
Black Vinyl Windows
- Bring contemporary, modern, and slight industrial vibes to your space
- While black windows are affiliated with these decor styles, the truth is they are aesthetically pleasing for nearly any home
- Add a hint of drama to your exterior
- Create incredibly clean lines on your home
- Instead of blending with your siding, black vinyl windows can make a stunning contrast
- They’ll make the neighbors look twice!
The differences between white and black windows are purely aesthetic. You can expect the same incredible performance benefits whether you choose black or white!
And unlike some contractors who upcharge 10–15% for black frames, Coastal Windows & Exteriors offers black at the same price as white — one of 14 frame colors with zero upcharge.
Want Black Window Frames? Carefully Consider Your Interior & Some Design Tips
If your plan is to upgrade with black windows, you also need to consider the interior of your home. The frame is black on the outside of your home as well as the inside!
In terms of the interior of your home, black vinyl window frames can:
- Look great with simple grid patterns.
- Blend in and almost disappear, depending on the color of your walls
- Enhance the view of the outdoors, drawing the eye outside
- Be art themselves- show them off and don’t cover them up. Get inspired by this look all over Instagram.
- If you live in a wooded or coastal setting, the black frames can blend into the view
- Adds a stark contrast when using black windows with white trim, where the trim serves as a frame around the black windows to make them stand out more prominently
- Balance your home. Since black windows are a bold look, keep your siding white as well as white interior accents inside the home.
- Create a great look inside your home by repeating black interior accents. I mean who doesn’t love some shiplap, right?
Best Siding Colors with Black Windows
Black windows act as a neutral — they complement virtually every siding color and exterior style. Whether your home is classic or contemporary, there’s a perfect pairing for black window frames.
- White siding + black windows: The most popular combination in New England. A white home with black windows creates a crisp, high-contrast look that feels both timeless and fresh — a staple on everything from Cape Cods to modern colonials.
- Gray siding + black windows: Gray siding and black windows strike a sophisticated, contemporary balance. This pairing works beautifully on craftsman and modern farmhouse styles throughout MA, NH, and ME.
- Brown/earth tones + black windows: A brown house with black windows delivers a warm, grounded aesthetic that feels right at home on wooded lots and nature-inspired landscapes.
- Red brick + black windows: A nod to historic New England charm. Black windows against red brick create a bold, classic contrast that honors the architectural traditions of our region.
See more pairings in our siding color options gallery. Get a quote.
Explore Endless Possibilities with Black Windows: Beauty Runs Skin Deep
Are black windows a trend? Not at all. Black windows are an incredible way to upgrade your curb appeal any time of year. This is especially true if you have lived in your home for a while and you’re looking for an interesting refresh that isn’t over the top.
Not only are black windows always in style, but their beauty runs skin deep too. The true beauty lies where form & function flow together beautifully.
- 27% more glass space- viewing area than other replacement windows.
- Fibercore structural sash for maximum strength
- Advanced triple weather-stripping seal provides 50% more weather-stripping than other windows, eliminating cold draftys and reduces noise
- Ultracore polyurethane window frame insulation provides added comfort and the ultimate in energy efficiency.
- High performance dual or triple glass system filled with argon or krypton gas that provides maximum thermal efficiency and comfort for our New England weather.
- Warm edge steel spacer system which does not conduct moisture.
What does this mean? Our black window frames have superior thermal performance that overperforms conventional windows to keep your home comfortable at any temperature.
Save Energy with Modern Black Windows Installed by Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Many companies claim their windows are the best, but may not provide you with the actual copy of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. The NFRC label tells you what to look for in a window in energy performance in multiple categories such as:
- U-Factor: measures how well a product can keep heat from escaping — the lower the better.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: looks at how well a window can resist heat gain — the lower the number the lower you will spend on summer’s cooling bills.
- Visible Transmittance: shows how well a window allows daylight into your home which can save on electricity bills — the higher the number the more natural light.
- Air Leakage: measures how much air leaks through a window — the lower the number the less drafts and more money you will save on your energy bills. *Our window has the LOWEST air infiltrated window in the industry.
If you’re considering black windows, we’re here on standby to chat with you. Every year, homeowners spend around $2500 on energy bills. 45% of those costs are for heating and cooling your home, so choosing the BEST window that can save you money and keep you comfortable in your home should be your top priority.
Black and white vinyl windows deliver identical energy performance — the choice is purely aesthetic.
Install Black Window Frames on Your New England House with Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Contact us today for a FREE estimate to see how black windows on house can help you save money and create that awesome curb appeal. Beauty runs skin deep at Coastal Windows & Exteriors. Call us today to see the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Window Frames
What do black windows look like on a house?
Black windows create bold, high-contrast curb appeal that makes any home look more intentional and finished.
Are black windows a trend in New England?
Black window frames have been a staple of New England homes since the 1700s, not a recent design fad.
What are black-on-black windows?
Black-on-black windows are replacement windows with the frame colored black on both the exterior and the interior, for a fully unified look inside and out.
What are black window frames?
Black window frames are the structural border around the glass, colored black instead of white or another shade.
