When it comes to updating your exterior, you’ll want to be careful about choosing the right elements. 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?
A glass window with a black frame is not a trend at all! Black windows have been 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!
Where did Black Windows 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.
A Look at Black Windows Today
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 a 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 black or white windows. Black windows help frame your outdoor views, especially if you live near a wooded or coastal area.
What Home Styles are Suited for Black Windows?
There is no specific home architecture that looks better with black windows than another. Nearly any type of home style in New England can boast incredible curb appeal with black vinyl windows.
This includes any type of home ranging from Victorian to Cape Cod or Colonial.
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?
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
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.
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 windows have superior thermal performance that overperforms conventional windows to keep your home comfortable at any temperature.
Proof Is In the Label
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.
Contact us today for a FREE estimate to see how balck or white windows 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.
Sources:
https://glawindows.com/the-history-of-german-black-windows/
https://www.james-garvin.com/images/Window_Sashes2.pdf
https://www.nfrc.org/energy-performance-label/
