Today it seems you can’t flip through an architectural magazine or open an interior design brochure without seeing black windows. They’re a growing trend, and for good reason. Black trim windows are a simple, cost-effective way to refresh both the interior and exterior of a home and work very well with a wide variety of architectural styles. Let’s learn more about this popular window color.
An Introduction to Black Windows
Black windows aren’t just a modern trend. They have historical roots that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, where they were usually seen in industrial settings and warehouses. Over time, this distinctive look transitioned into residential design, where today it is celebrated for its bold and sleek appeal.
The rise in popularity of black trim windows is due to their ability to deliver a dramatic statement, effortlessly marrying traditional charm with contemporary flair. Black windows have become a go-to choice for homeowners and designers who want to create striking visual contrasts and refresh homes with a more modern look while maintaining traditional charm.
Popular Architectural Styles for Black Windows
Black windows fit seamlessly into a variety of architectural styles, but they’re especially popular in the following:
- Modern and contemporary homes: Modern black windows perfectly complement the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of contemporary homes. They emphasize the simplistic styling and often large glass areas typical of these homes.
- Farmhouse style: Black windows can update the classic farmhouse look, adding a touch of sophistication while still keeping the rustic charm. Farmhouse style is the best example of the classic white house with black windows, which creates an interesting visual contrast.
- Industrial style: True to their origins, black windows maintain their roots in industrial-style homes, where they echo historic factory windows. Aluminum windows are a popular choice for this style thanks to their sleek, thin frames.
Tips for Modernizing Your House with Black Windows
To effectively incorporate black windows into your home’s design and ensure they enhance its modern appeal, consider the following strategies:
- Contrast with white exteriors: Black exterior windows against a white or light-colored facade create a striking contrast that can visually break up the monotony, adding a dynamic and contemporary edge to your home.
- Style black interior windows with trim: On the inside of the home, window trim makes all the difference. Use contrasting white trim for a bold look, or go with no trim at all: a simple drywall finish on black trim windows looks sleek and modern.
- Pair with black patio doors: Extend the elegant, modern vibe by pairing black windows with black patio doors. This continuity is particularly effective in creating a sleek, seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
- Choose the right material: Black vinyl windows are an excellent choice, not only because of its durability and ease of maintenance but also because it resists fading and wear over time. Aluminum windows work well in contemporary homes.
How Black Windows Modernized This Stunning Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse style has some of the best examples of houses with black windows, which really capture the architecture’s charming and historic feel. You might find these houses in typical American locales – like Hummelstown, Pa. This tiny borough of 4,500, founded in 1762 by a couple of German immigrants, is located in Dauphin County, which was recently named the most typically American county in the United States by the researchers at Echelon Insights.
Hummelstown is very much a typical American locale. It features a selection of charming shops and restaurants along its main street. Its summer nights are peaceful and idyllic. And the downtown square is festively decorated for holidays and celebrations throughout the year.
If you happen to be in Hummelstown and come across a certain new home on the outskirts of town, you’ll find another way in which it is indeed very typical by today’s standards: black windows.
Going Back to Black
Landmark Homes, a large developer in south-central Pennsylvania, recently constructed a single-family home in Hummelstown. In trying to achieve the aesthetic of the current “modern farmhouse” trend, Landmark chose black windows manufactured by MI Windows and Doors.
“Black windows are a classic finish that happen to be popular right now,” says Mollie Bering, community sales manager for Landmark. “Anytime we can stay on trend while maintaining Landmark’s classic aesthetic, it’s a win-win.”
Clair Weaver, executive vice president at Landmark Homes, adds, “Black really makes the windows stand out … when paired with the siding. It’s a focal point of the house.”
The Benefits of Vinyl
“The latest technology in vinyl windows has made black and other dark colors a viable option,” adds MI Director of Products Josh Williard. “Homeowners and designers can explore so many more possibilities with these dark colors; it’s really exciting to see the new color schemes that they’re coming up with. And the great thing about black is that it truly goes with anything.”
“We were looking for the best-priced, highest-quality double-hung windows we could obtain with a black exterior,” says Kim Rothacker, selections and options manager at Landmark. “The cost and the color of MI’s windows were a real benefit for us.”
Choosing the Operating Style
For the Hummelstown home, Landmark went with MI’s 1556 double-hung windows. One of MI’s top sellers for new construction projects, the 1556 features two moveable and tilting sashes for maximum ventilation and easy cleaning. This window also has many aesthetic enhancements including exterior brick mould and casing, eight painted exterior colors, and a variety of grid options. The 1556 is also available with triple-pane insulated glass for optimal energy efficiency.
“Double-hung windows are convenient,” Bering says. “The double-hung feature makes exterior maintenance easier and allows the homeowner to control airflow and circulation if desired, as you can ventilate either the upper or the lower sash.”
“The 1556 continues to be popular because it has something for everyone,” Williard says. “It’s durable, energy efficient, and practical on so many levels. And it’s an elegant and handsome window, especially in black.”
To complement the double-hung windows on the home, Landmark chose MI’s 9770 casement window. Featuring multi-point locking hardware that creates a tighter, safer seal, the 9770 also has 90-degree hinge capability for maximum ventilation and airflow.
And, of course, the 9770 is available with a black exterior.
Creating a Seamless Design
The attractive windows were enhanced by a 2-over-1 grid pattern – an increasingly popular option for today’s most stylish homes. This classic grid pattern, which features a singular vertical grid in the top sash and no grids in the bottom sash, blends traditional charm with modern flair to create expansive views and timeless appeal.
Embracing the current trend of black windows is one thing, but Landmark didn’t stop there. Its designers did their best to incorporate black into other areas as well.
“We tried to pull the black from the exterior windows into certain features of the interior of the home as well,” Rothacker says. “We used black door hardware, some lighting with black finishes, and the owner’s bathroom in particular features all black fixtures.”
By merging the current trends of black windows and modern farmhouse, Landmark was able to create a beautiful, expansive home that features the best of both styles.
“This place has a see-through fireplace from the family room into the kitchen,” Weaver says. “It gives it a pleasant family feel in both rooms. It’s designed with 10-foot-high ceilings, giving it a real open feel. That’s why the windows were so important."
Incorporating Black Windows Into Your Home
Incorporating black windows into your home is not just about following a trend; it's about making a timeless design choice that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. By carefully considering your home's architecture, style, and your personal preferences before you buy, you can ensure your black windows are a compelling addition that boosts your home’s curb appeal. Talk to an MI Certified Dealer who can help you find the right material, operating style, and features based on your needs.
