Black Windows: a Complete Guide

Myths and facts about black windows

Black windows have been floating around the décor industry for over a decade, but they truly made their entrance in 2022. That was the year they flooded social media, and they’ve been trending ever since.

They add a sense of drama to your home that few other fixtures can achieve, turning your window frames into the main event. They’re frequently paired with white walls and greyscale photography, but decorators often add oomph with a pop of lilac or crimson. Like any dramatic feature, they’ve attracted their share of myths. It’s time to separate the truth from fiction.

All black windows are minimalist: False

Extreme contrast needn’t achieve a stuffy aesthetic. Widen the lines, add some black lanterns, throw in an apron sink, and you’ll have the perfect foundation for a farmhouse look. The style isn’t inherent in the hue, but the line. Black will emphasize your window frames, whatever their aesthetic, so don’t think of them as a mere lick of paint.

If you’re gravitating towards this look, consider whether your window style is still fulfilling your decorating dreams. This might be the perfect opportunity for a window replacement. Go on. You know you want to.

Black windows are an interior trend: False

If you run a Google image search for black windows, you’ll be flooded with housing interiors. Don’t ignore your exterior, though. Black frames can have a significant impact on your home’s exterior profile, too.

A well-placed layer of black siding, soot frames, and a darkened roof will give your architecture a unified aesthetic. Black windows can add appeal to almost every color, even those on the dark side of the scale. Don’t be afraid to pair onyx with chocolate or rust.

Black solar shades are the perfect finish for black windows: True

Your shades are the finishing touches your windows need to look complete. White fabric roller shades will achieve an airy, open look, particularly if they’re not completely opaque.

This will let your black frames shine through, drawing attention to your room’s texture. If you’re shooting for a Zen aesthetic, untreated linen will provide it. Cream and stone look spectacular on black windows.

Many designers are using black window treatments these days, but this is a risky option best reserved for the most courageous decorators. It requires a certain rare panache.

Black is one color: False

If you’ve never worked with color, it’s easy to think of black as a single hue, but there are no absolute blacks in nature. The subtle differences between black hues will make all the difference to your space. Don’t limit yourself to a glossy, ink-black when a matt carbon will make a bigger statement.

You can even consider adding a slight tinge of olive or ochre to your frames. There are hundreds of variations of black, so pay close attention to those swatches. Subtle tonal differences can revolutionize or ruin your palette. A matt or glossy texture will be equally groundbreaking.

Black window frames are more expensive than white ones: Somewhat true, somewhat false

As with most décor features, the answer to this one is, “it depends.” Black frames require extra pigment and are often custom orders. They add complexity to the production process, which might raise your price by between 10 and 25%, but there are exceptions. If you’re buying vinyl or fiberglass products, black is usually a standard color inclusion as affordable as any other.

Black window frames are for exterior windows only: False

Interior windows are the perfect alternative to an open-plan living space. They provide all the benefits without the pitfalls, flooding your space with natural light and adding spaciousness without diminishing privacy. Floor-to-ceiling interior window frames will separate your living spaces while giving a subtle nod to the open-plan design look. If you’ve always dreamed of an ivory home, black window frames will provide the accents required to make that white palette pop.

Black frames will increase heat absorption: True, but not as much as you might think

Black is the most notorious heat absorber on the color wheel. That might be wonderful in winter, but when the weather turns, you might regret your choice. Thermally broken frames can resolve the problem by placing plastic separators between surfaces to prevent heat transfer. This solution won’t prevent warping, so hot weather regions will need a heat-resistant material. Black aluminum can be treated with anti-fade technology, repelling the sun’s rays and resisting fading.

If you adore the empty wall aesthetic, black window frames will add the dramatic flair required to add interest to your white-washed space. You’ll find them at Decorex. You’ll find them on Pinterest. You’ll find them in every décor magazine in circulation today. Maybe you’ll soon find them in your own home.

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