Sometimes, picking the perfect window frame colour becomes the most challenging task on your home renovation to-do list – there are so many options to choose from that it becomes overwhelming! While it may seem insignificant, the window frame colour you choose can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal.
As such, if you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help you select the colour of your dreams, considering your home’s style, existing exterior palette, and current trends.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right window frame colour enhances your home’s curb appeal and can increase property value; opt for timeless, neutral tones over fleeting trends.
- It’s important to have a well-outlined home design plan before choosing a window frame colour. It’s easier to match the windows to a home design than vice-versa. Choosing interior windows is easier because you can incorporate various decor elements to match them.
- White replacement windows are perfect for homes with a dark, creamy, or green-grey exterior. Black goes well with white and creamy houses, as well as brick or stone houses. Green-grey windows are excellent for houses with earthy colours.
- Magic can meet any window design and colour preferences. Our windows can also have different colours on the interior and exterior.
When to Choose A Window Frame Colour?
Of all the elements of the exterior of your house, windows are the most fixed ones unless you can repaint them. That’s why choosing a colour that fits is the absolute key to successfully finishing your home renovation project.
Many homeowners don’t pay enough attention to the colour of their window frames and end up deeply disliking the result after installation. This is one of the reasons why looking into window frame colours should be done when needed.
For example, it’s not the best idea to jump into buying white or black new windows just because they’re trendy and will (supposedly) look good regardless of the overall home’s architecture. In fact, designers often recommend homeowners have a detailed design plan before picking windows. Why so?
First, the colour of your windows can change the appearance of the entire house. Secondly, you don’t know what your exterior finishes will look like, so the windows you’ve already ordered may not even fit. Thirdly, if you pick the window colour first and only then plan other renovations, you’ll have to choose a colour palette solely based on the colour of your windows, which results in limited options.
Tips for Choosing the Right Window Frame Colour
Besides having a well-outlined design plan, you should choose a colour palette. This means considering not just the colour of the walls but also other elements like the roof, doors, and even landscaping. Don’t just pick a window frame colour based on the style of your home.
For example, if your house has a rather rustic design with a brownish exterior, you automatically go for wood windows because this seems like the obvious choice. The windows will blend in too much with the overall exterior, while the goal is for them to become a focal point.
Designers often advise homeowners whose houses have a rustic/countryside design to pick green beige (Almond) or green grey (Clay or Cashmere) windows, as they match the natural colour of mortar or limestone.
Choosing a Window Frame Colour – Guidelines
In short, here are some guidelines to consider when picking window frame colours:
- Remember that the colour you see under artificial light will look slightly different under bright sunlight. For example, true white will look slightly greyish outside.
- Don’t stick to online representations of colours. Ask for physical samples to test on the spot.
- Don’t choose white windows for houses with earthy colours.
- Don’t choose black for windows with a thick frame, especially if the house is white or cream.
- If you want creamy windows for the exterior, go for a slightly darker shade because natural light brightens the colour.
- You can also match the window frame colour with the roof, the garage doors, and the stone/decor in your yard.
- Picking interior window frame colours is easier – you can choose whatever colour you like as long as there are other elements to complement it. However, make sure that the colour also matches the floor colour and texture and wall colour.
- Pick a window manufacturer that can provide different colours for the interior and exterior window frames. This will significantly facilitate the process. Magic can help you with this – even more, there’s no colour we can’t match!
Consider the Material of Your Frames
The window frame material you choose will influence your colour options. For example, while vinyl is highly affordable and efficient, there won’t be too many vinyl window frame colours to choose from, especially if you live in a warm climate.
For example, black vinyl windows aren’t recommended for houses in regions with a hot climate. Vinyl is prone to warping under extreme weather conditions – if it’s black, the more so.
If you absolutely want black windows, you should go for composite materials, such as Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame, which has an aluminum-steel skeleton wrapped in vinyl that keeps the frame intact under the harshest weather conditions.
Furthermore, if you want to go for wood windows because they’re the easiest to paint, which is definitely an advantage when it comes to colours and window styles, remember that wood is prone to moisture damage, rot, and decay.
Climate Considerations
The climate also plays a vital role in picking window frame colours. In hotter climates, you can choose lighter window frame colours like white or tan. This not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also improves energy efficiency, making your home more comfortable during the hot months.
In contrast, if you live in Northern Canada, you can opt for darker window frame colours, which absorb more heat and help warm the home up. This can significantly improve energy efficiency and make your home cozier during the winter.
In short, balancing aesthetic appeal with practicality is key when considering the climate in your window frame colour choices.
Are White Windows Still Popular?
White windows are definitely popular! However, there’s an important thing to consider when picking white for your new windows.
At first thought, one would say white windows match absolutely any design – it’s white, after all, isn’t it?! While this may be true in terms of interior design, as there are more elements windows can match with, the truth is that sometimes, white can ruin the exterior design.
As such, here’s when you can choose white windows:
- White windows go well with dark tones, like navy blue.
- White windows go well with fully white or creamy houses with a fresh finish if the roof is grey, bronze, or brown.
- White windows go well with classic pale green-grey limestone.
Don’ts regarding choosing white for your new windows:
- White windows aren’t the best for houses with an earthy exterior featuring warm, brownish colours. In this case, white windows will be too noticeable. Instead, go for warmer colours, like green beige or green-grey.
- White vinyl windows aren’t (always) the best for stone or brick houses.
Additionally, you should consider that white windows may fade over time, especially if they’re always exposed to sunlight.
When to Choose Black Windows?
Black window frames have become increasingly popular in recent years, reaching a peak in 2024! These window frames offer a sophisticated and sleek look that suits both modern and traditional homes, providing a nice contrast against light-coloured walls.
Here’s when to choose black windows:
- Black windows work perfectly well for white or creamy houses.
- Black windows work well for white houses with black roofs.
- Black windows are excellent for houses with stone or brick exteriors.
- Black interior windows work well for both light and darker walls as long as they are paired with other decor elements, such as a rug, some pillows, or a lamp.
- Choose black windows if they are symmetrically placed. Black creates a stark contrast, so it’s best for well-proportioned houses.
- Black windows can go well for houses with a brownish exterior. There will be some contrast, but the brown shade will balance it.
Here are some don’ts when it comes to black windows:
- Avoid choosing black for windows with different shapes and sizes. This will create a rather chaotic appearance.
- Avoid choosing black for windows with thick frames. This won’t do your design any good.
- Avoid combining black window frames with white trim because the black colour will get lost in the design. However, in some cases (see above) black window frames surrounded by white or creamy casing can look amazing!
- Avoid installing black windows if you live in a region with extremely hot summers, as the dark colour absorbs more heat and may influence your house’s energy efficiency.
When to Choose Bronze and Neutral Windows?
When you can’t install black, go for bronze windows, which are known for their versatility.
Bronze is an excellent choice for houses with earthy colour palettes or brick walls. So, if you want your windows to contrast with other house elements but are afraid to pick black or other very dark colours, you can stick to bronze – it’s a more pale colour and ensures a timeless look!
Without a doubt, bronze works just fine as an interior window colour as well, especially if the frames are thin and there are other bronze decorations.
When you can’t choose white, go for neutral shades! Some popular neutral exterior colours include green-grey, creamier off-white, and grey. Warm earth tones like beige, taupe, or warm grey can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, blending harmoniously with natural surroundings.
These shades are ideal for cottages or cabins, providing a serene and earthy aesthetic. For a more refreshing look, consider a yellow Cool Colour Palette for your window frame colours.
These colours stand out in stark contrast against light gray-coloured walls or stucco, adding a subtle yet impactful touch to the home’s exterior.
Here’s another secret tip – if there’s a lot of dust in your area, neutral shades are the best for windows (dust is much more visible on both very light and very dark tones, so creamy or grey is your go-to option!)
Can You Change the Colour of Your Existing Windows?
Changing the colour of your existing windows is possible but it may void their warranty. In addition, not all window materials can be painted. Therefore, it is best to contact your window manufacturer and confirm what your best option is.
If you’ve decided to paint the windows after all considerations, you should choose products that won’t damage your window frame material.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more temporary solution, you can go for renter-friendly methods like paintable wallpaper. It can be applied to non-moving sections of the window frame and then painted in the desired colour.
Still Can’t Choose a Colour? Contact Magic!
If you’re still overwhelmed with the multitude of options and can’t make a choice, there’s no need to worry! Book a free consultation with Magic, and we’ll take it from there! After all, it’s in our best interest to provide you with a solution that’s 100% tailored to your preferences and design needs. The right window frames for your home are just a call away!
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour is best for window frames?
By far the best colours for window frames are white and black – the timeless options! However, white and black aren’t suitable for every home, so you should also consider bronze, creamy, or green-grey windows.
Why is the colour of window frames important for curb appeal?
The colour of window frames is important for curb appeal because it significantly impacts the overall aesthetic of your home, either making it stand out or blend in with the exterior. It can also affect property value and marketability.
How do I choose the right window frame colour for my home?
To choose the right window frame colour for your home, create a design plan, assess your home and window styles, and complement your existing colour palette. Take into account the material of the window frames and ensure the colour enhances the overall look of your property.
What is the trend in window colour in 2024?
In 2024, popular window frame colours include white, black, creamy, bronze, brown, green-grey, and green beige. These colours can add a stylish touch to your home.
How do urban and suburban settings influence window frame colour choices?
In urban areas, modern and sleek window frame colours like black or metallic finishes are favored, while suburban areas tend to go for more neutral and natural shades to complement spacious surroundings and greenery.
Can I change the colour of my vinyl windows?
Yes, you can change the colour of your vinyl windows by painting them, but keep in mind that it will be a permanent change and will likely void the warranty. If you’re looking for a temporary option, try using paintable wallpaper.