Ideas
Black windows: Everything you need to know
It's not new news that black windows are everywhere. If they’ve caught your eye, you might be wondering whether they’ll work in your home. We’re here to tell you, the short answer is: Yes! And if you keep reading, we’ll explain why black windows work in any climate (even hot, sunny ones), why we think can go anywhere a white window can, why they won't make your home look dated in a few years, and so much more.
Consider this your guide to picking out black windows for your new construction home, remodel, or replacement project.
Are black windows just another trend?
If you’re asking yourself this question, the answer is no. While it’s true that they’ve gained popularity in recent years, you can rest assured that choosing black windows will not make your home look dated in the near future. “Sometimes that initial popularity is about ushering in a new standard,” said interior designer Carrie Valentine of Minnesota-based Charest Valentine Interiors.
A new standard is exactly right. Black windows are another tool for creating an up-to-date look, no matter if your home’s style is modern, traditional, or something in-between. While black windows might have been previously seen as a strictly modern look, the rise of transitional architecture, which mixes elements of traditional and modern styles, means there’s more flexibility in how black windows are used. Black windows can work on a farmhouse, a modern home, and many more styles!
Black windows vs. white windows: Which are better?
If you’re trying to decide between black or white, remember both are neutrals. This means they’re versatile. Here’s a side-by-side look at the tradeoffs of choosing one or the other.
| Black windows | White windows | |
|---|---|---|
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| Design trade-offs | Black is bold. On an interior, its statement-making looks can really define a space. | White can provide an airy, minimalist feel in an interior space. |
| Cost | Black, or any color, may add cost to the window. It will depend on the product line, and sometimes on the window type. | White or unfinished pine (on clad-wood windows) is typically the standard and is therefore the least expensive color option. |
| Maintenance | Fading is a common concern with black windows. While it’s true that black absorbs solar radiation, our windows are made of durable materials requiring little maintenance. Our black windows will never need exterior painting, and some come with a fade warranty.* | Color choice shouldn’t affect maintenance, but frame materials can. We use the right materials in the right places to make windows that are low maintenance and resistant to the elements. None of our windows, regardless of color, will need exterior painting. Clad-wood windows may eventually need to be refinished on the interior. |
*Visit andersenwindows.com/support/warranty for details.
Can you have black windows on the exterior and white on the interior?
Yes, we offer a black exterior and white interior option with all product lines where black is a color choice. This means black exterior-white interior windows are available through our 100 Series product line, made of our exclusive Fibrex® material. It’s also an option through our 400 Series and A-Series product lines, both of which are clad-wood.
What are the advantages of black interior windows?
Black interiors elevate windows and frame the landscape like a mat on a painting. Valentine calls her black windows the “art of her home” because of the way they focus attention on a unique view in every room.
Here are a few ideas to get you started making the most of beautiful black windows:
- Pair black windows with white trim and white walls to create a dramatic contrast that really puts the focus on the landscape outside.
- Treat black windows like you would furnishings — match them with your decor and show them off — instead of hiding them behind expensive window treatments.
- Have your black windows installed without any surrounding trim. This is called a drywall return, and it creates a clean, modern look that really lets the view take centerstage.
How do you match black windows with your exterior?
While black windows tend to have a dramatic effect on the interior, on the exterior you can make choices to either draw attention to them or downplay them depending on your desired look. Remember that technically, black is considered a neutral — not a color. This means black-framed windows can match any exterior color.
Here are two approaches to pairing black windows with an exterior color:
What window styles look best with black frames?
Any style of window looks beautiful in black. A modern home with floor-to-ceiling black picture windows will always look sharp, but single-hung and double-hung windows, which are styles commonly found in more traditional homes are also popping up in black. You don’t have to limit yourself to a particular window style when choosing black windows. Start looking around, and you’ll no doubt notice black windows of every style everywhere.
What materials are best for black windows?
All of our window frame materials work well in black. Our windows are strong, durable, and low maintenance. The best way to answer the question of which material is best is to think about matching your home’s style and performance needs with your budget.
Here’s what to know about the materials used to make black windows and offered through various product lines:
| Product line | What material is used? | What to know about maintenance? | What to know about energy efficiency? | What is the price point? | Where does it work best? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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100 Series |
It’s made of our Fibrex® composite material, which is priced competitively with all-vinyl windows, but is twice as strong. This allows for sleek profiles and expansive glass. | Fibrex material never needs painting. It won’t fade, flake, blister, or peel. It resists rot and decay.* | Fibrex material offers good insulation due to its design and materials makeup. Triple-pane glass is also available with certain 100 Series windows. | $$$$$ | In a home where you want a contemporary look at an accessible price point, our 100 Series product line is ideal — think modern farmhouse, modern Tudor, and more. |
| 400 Series | It’s made of a wood core with a Perma-Shield® cladding. This allows for the beauty of wood on the interior and a low-maintenance exterior. | Perma-Shield exterior cladding never needs painting. It helps repel water, resist dents, and helps protect the wood underneath.* | The natural insulation provided by the wood core is furthered by design features and the non-conductive Perma-Shield cladding. Triple-pane glass is available with select products. | $$$$$ | With a mid-range price and options for either contemporary or traditional window frames and door profiles, this product line can truly work in any home. |
| A-Series | Made of wood on the interior and a combination of fiberglass-composite on the exterior. This allows for the authenticity of wood on the interior and a strong, durable exterior. | It won’t flake, rot, blister, peel, or pit. A-Series products are warrantied against corrosion for the life of the products, with no washing or waxing required.* | Fiberglass-composite exteriors with wood interiors combined with design features — thermal breaks inside the frame and more — allow for energy-efficient performance of the A-Series product line. Triple-pane glass is available with all products. | $$$$$ | In a home where performance and energy efficiency are top priorities, there’s no better choice than the A-Series product line. Both contemporary and traditional window frames and door profiles are available, so the A-Series can complement any style of home. |
*Visit andersenwindows.com/warranty for details.
Are black windows energy efficient?
Yes, all our windows, regardless of color, combine the frame and glass in a way that optimizes energy efficiency. However, the most important factor to consider is your climate. Different climates require different levels of performance in order to be efficient, and there are various ways that performance can be improved — frame material, glass options, and window type. Find out more about how to pick out energy-efficient windows and energy-efficient doors.
Will black windows fade?
More good news here: You don’t have to worry about our black windows fading over time. We’re so confident that our windows will never need painting, we offer fade warranties with our A-Series and 100 Series product lines. But no matter the product line you choose, none of our windows will require painting.
So, while it's true that black absorbs energy from the sun, rather than reflecting it, like a white window would. We purposefully engineer our windows and doors, so their exteriors are virtually maintenance free. Our clad-wood windows combine wood’s structural strength with various exterior materials to resist the elements. Our 100 Series windows are made of Fibrex material, which can even withstand temperatures of up to 150°F.
Want to understand more? We suggest deep diving into materials? And if you’re considering black vinyl windows, we suggest understanding more about how our black windows made of Fibrex material compare.
Are black windows more expensive?
Choosing black, or any other color, will add some cost but it may not be a significant. The exact cost will depend on product line and window type. If you’re ready to begin pricing your unique project, we suggest you request a quote.
Want to start exploring your options? Our design tool will let you work through the selection process, so you can start envisioning your new black windows. Or keep reading for advice on pairing windows and with a dark exterior.
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