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6 Black Window FAQs You Won’t Want to Miss!

6 Black Window FAQs You Won’t Want to Miss!

Black windows are growing in the home design community. Initially installed in factories, greenhouses, and warehouses, they have become a popular choice for residential properties. They create a great aesthetic and give the home a strong curb appeal, but finding the right ones at a reasonable price is tricky.

Architects have always loved the design of black windows, and homeowners love them, too. The profile against white walls adds the perfect contrast. 

If you’ve got a mind for new windows, here are six black window FAQs you won’t want to miss.

Are Black Windows White on the Inside?

Black windows have bold accents. They underscore the best details of the home. The windows are stylistically flexible and fit anywhere in traditional or contemporary environments. 

Black windows offer a stylized and personalized look. Unlike any other color, black is as alluring as it is contemplative.

Black windows don’t have to be white on the inside. The most common black windows have white interiors, but numerous options have black on both sides. The main differences are in cost and preferred aesthetic.

If you prefer a particular color on the interior side, speak with your installer. Some homeowners may like how the black enhances the exterior. Others want a unique look that aligns with their walls, furnishings, and exteriors. 

Depending on the color and material combination, the cost may vary. Black windows with white on the inside are typically cheaper. Still, the ROI is a customized solution that distinguishes your home.

Consider your decorating style before you go with black windows with white on the inside. The exterior will make the statement you want on the outside, but you can decorate any way you desire on the inside. With white treatments, you can use any color scheme without worrying about clashing with the black frames. 

Are Black Windows Black on the Inside?

The material is an essential consideration in purchasing all-black window treatments. 

The most common window frame material is vinyl, which doesn’t work well in black color. If you want vinyl windows, they only have black on the outside, and you won’t be able to paint your white inside frames.

Vinyl doesn’t hold paint well—or any liquid for that matter—so the color won’t shine the way you want. 

There are black windows that come with black on the insidejust not in vinyl. You can find black inside and outside windows in wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. Wood brings a very traditional look with black or white windows. 

When you’re deciding whether to purchase black windows with black on the inside or white, consider your decorating style and budget. All-black windows will have a heftier price tag, as the construction and labor cost more than one-sided black windows. However, the all-black treatments will increase your home value and curb appeal by scores.

Black windows with black on the inside are ideal for minimalistic decorators or those who don’t use many colors. Black doesn’t go well with all colors, and it’s often best to stick with a white, gray, and black scheme to avoid clashing colors. 

Can You Paint Black Windows White?

Black windows are, in essence, white windows painted a different color (just as any colored window treatment). You can paint window treatments any color you wish. Some just may take more effort. 

With the above statements in mind, painting black windows white is not impossible, but it will take some time. You’ll start with several coats of paint primer (at least two) before covering the frame with white paint. Each layer needs to dry completely before you can move on to the next. 

If the black is still visible under the primer, keep adding layers until it’s opaque. Then, you can paint it over using white. 

This process applies to any dark color you want to paint over. You can change the color to white, gray, or any other shade that will make your room pop. 

Painting black windows white isn’t a common practice, but it’s available to you if you decide black isn’t your color anymore. You can also use this idea to have a color scheme or theme in mind for your interior decorating, and black windows won’t fit the mold. This way, you can have black treatments outside and white inside. 

Can You Paint Windows Black?

Many property owners who aren’t ready for new window installation turn to a paintbrush. They want to get that modern look, and black painted windows often look like brand new installations. Keep in mind that painting your windows may not always look as finished as hiring a professional. 

The first step to painting your windows is considering the manufacturing of the frame. The primary materials require different painting processes if you want the best results. 

For instance, painting vinyl frames is a controversial topic. It may be best to seek professional advice if you’re going to change your vinyl window colors. 

The big issue with painting vinyl window frames is the paint won’t adhere well to the surface. You have to apply a primer made for vinyl first and let several layers dry completely before continuing. There is also the idea that dark-colored vinyl collects solar heat, which will lead to warping the frames beyond repair.

You also need a primer for wood or metal/aluminum black window frames, but you can opt for a standard primer for these projects. 

The process for painting interior and exterior windows is the same. Remember never to forget the primer. Paint primer will enhance the durability and adhesion of the top layers, ensuring your paint job looks good and stays on for a long time. 

To paint window frames, always start with the inside of the frame, beginning with the top. Once you paint the entire interior of the structure, let it dry before continuing. 

Then, lower the upper sash and paint those frames, starting with the crossbar and continuing with the lower belt. Paint the casing and shells and let them dry. 

Lastly, paint the trim starting in the upper corner. Once dry, add layers as needed, but remember to let each one dry completely before adding another. This process can take several hours to a few days. 

What Color Blinds Do You Use with Black Windows?

For your solid black window frames, your best bet for privacy is a set of black blinds. With it, you create a seamless appearance on interior and exterior fronts. As black window frames provide a new, modernized look, you can take advantage of that when choosing accessories. 

Many people like blinds with black windows because they easily roll up or slide over without blocking the frames. Rigid blinds are ideal if you want your black windows to be the main design feature of your home. 

Black colors don’t mean your rooms will look dark. But you can get shades and blinds that disperse and filter light. These unique window treatments will beautify your spaces in all-new ways.

Black isn’t the only color you must use, though. You can add white blinds for a better contrast or to give the appearance of more light coming through. You can also add pops of color from your blinds that match your room’s aesthetic. 

Many black window owners opt out of blinds altogether. You purchased black windows to make a statement, so why hide it with something hanging in the way. However, if you want some privacy but still want the statement-making black treatments to pop, blinds are the best decision. 

You can keep the blinds folded up or to the side when you want the black windows to shine and then unfold the blinds when you need some privacy.

What Color Shades to Use with Black Windows?

If you prefer fabric shades over blinds, black is also the best color to choose. It perfectly complements the black frames, creating a modern, timeless look. 

Most people choose black windows for their contemporary look and contrasting design against light colors, so they often opt out of any shades at all. 

But you’re not limited, either. White shades and draperies contrast with the black and distinguish the windows from the rest of the room. Gray shades can soften the black windows’ appearance.

You have some unique opportunities for black windows with white interior frames. Explore custom shades with lined fabric or hints of black to add the color as an accent inside. These can be dark on the exterior while keeping it bright or white on the interior.

For your draperies, it’s about the lining. A good look is pairing different textiles—each viewable on the outside and the inside. 

Remember, your preference for florals doesn’t have to dominate the look, especially if they do not match the exterior. Use liners in ivory, white, or black. Drapes lined with black will visually disappear and not be visible from the street.

Black windows don’t necessarily require blinds, curtains, or shading because of their ultra-modern look in spacious rooms. Not only does this save you on a costly investment, but it also gives you more fantastic views of your surroundings.

So, you opted out of any sort of shades, blinds, or drapes. If privacy is a concern, you can have your panes tinted so that no one can see inside while you have unobstructed views of the outdoors. The windows can be UV-resistant to minimize sun exposure to your interiors.

With the above FAQs, you can learn to incorporate classic black windows into your home to fit any appearance or style that suits you. 

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.