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black or white windows?

8 years ago
We are building or dream home and have to make one of the first big decisions, windows and doors. I love the modern farmhouse feel!! We are going with white brick and the front doors are planned to be double with glass.
I really had my heart set on wood doors, however not sure about the windows??? I like the black windows but want to stay classic as well. This is our forever home. We are building in an established neighborhood on a lot on the water. So want a big impact that goes not take away from the view!!
I would love opinions, pictures, and stories from anyone who can help me decide?? Black or white windows and door colors, including garage. Thanks in advance!!

Comments (30)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Please show us you elevation plans.


  • 8 years ago
    We are building a more modern vs traditional home in the PNW and opted for black exterior windows that are white on the inside. We love it and think it will look great with our dark exterior trim and light grey siding.
  • 8 years ago

    No to double doors.

  • 8 years ago

    Just curious, why no to double front doors?

    If you like modern farmhouse and your lot is on the water, I'd go with black windows. They fade from view and allow you to "see" the view a little better than white.

  • 8 years ago

    Double doors tend not to seal well. The fixed door is rarely opened, leaving you with one medium sized door. Good luck getting thicker than 1-3/4”.

  • 8 years ago

    Double doors tend not to seal well.

    Yes, this is a problem for air and -- if there's not a porch or other covering -- water as well.

    I much prefer the look of a single door with two sidelites, with a transom across the top. Lots of light, and less risk of leaking and drafts.


  • 8 years ago

    I would not do white windows on a white brick house. You will need a darker window to contrast.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    We need pics but I have never encountered a problem with double doors and I love them when large pieces need to be moved in or out.

  • 8 years ago
    Thanks everyone for advice so far. I am definitely going with double doors...just one of the must haves for me. I am more concerned about colors of the windows, doors and garage doors. White brick has been decided as well. here are the plans
  • 8 years ago

    42" single door with sidelites would be the winner for me all day, double doors are inherent leakers.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Have you priced the white versus black windows? I would choose the qualilty brand over color if it were me and the budget were an issue.

  • 8 years ago
    Pricing windows now for both color and quality. I am definitely more concerned about quality over color!
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Good quality white framed windows are always a better choice than cheap black framed windows...

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I think black windows on a white house are very attractive and you can always have white inside if you want. Not sure what Virgil is saying but where I am black is never the cheap option.

  • 8 years ago
    Our view is the water. I really think the black inside will accent the view. The more I think about it the more I am convinced black is the way to go if I can fit it in the budget and maintain quality windows. Now opinions for door colors, garage, back and front doors, etc. I like wood look. We live in high humidity region so will go for wood look, not the real thing. Any opinions on black vs wood?? maybe just wood front door then black for everything else?? So many decisions!
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Don't make the garage door(s) contrast with the exterior siding of your house unless you want to dramatize the doors and cause them to stand out and be the first and only thing one sees on that elevation. Much better to make the doors blend with the siding color and not be a visual feature. Many threads and discussions on this...

  • 8 years ago

    ^This. You want your front door to stand out, usually, but not the garage doors and secondary doors. Have them blend into the siding.

  • 8 years ago

    I personally would do white windows. Black windows are a trend and in a few years when the trend is over, then what? The only time I'd do black windows is if it were those thin ones.

    As for white and views? I have white and it doesn't obstruct my views at all.

  • 8 years ago
    Regardless of what color windows you choose, consider two over two windows, vs. four over four. The look will appear more “farmhouse” and less “colonial.”
  • 8 years ago
    ptreckle I was definitely planning on 2 over 2 or none at all! Want to keep things minimal.
  • 8 years ago

    Black or white are timeless colours. Going with either would look great as long as it's consistent with the rest of your colour theme.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Black all day. It's not a trend, it's timeless, especially on white brick.

  • 8 years ago
    Gravitas, I agree! any thoughts on door/garage door colors with white brick??
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I'm off topic here, but to me interesting: "All windows have some weight above them bearing down, so a structural header or lintel is necessary to distribute that weight around the window. If you are enlarging the size of an existing opening, have an engineer calculate what size the header or lintel needs to be. Here a large wood lintel adds character to the home. The stone sill here is an excellent choice as well — a lot of water will run down the front of your windows in a storm, and stone, unlike wood, will never rot."

    The Gatehouse · More Info
    [https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-gatehouse-rustic-patio-minneapolis-phvw-vp~451443[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/the-gatehouse-rustic-patio-minneapolis-phvw-vp~451443)

  • 8 years ago
    I love black windows-we put them in our new home. Marvin-Black exterior and had them painted black on the interior. Personally, I don’t think they are a trend, but my home is pretty contemporary in feel. That being said, there are other colors out there besides white and black. Go for quality! An excellent window is an excellent investment, regardless of color. And if your home is white, yes, please add some contrast!
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Have you considered red and green windows?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I loved my red windows! I have done them on two different houses. First house was a beige/grey color with black shutters and the second was this beautiful green


  • 8 years ago

    Have you mentioned the material you're considering / for exterior and interior....

  • 8 years ago

    Neither black nor white are very original.

    One consideration: If any of the windows of doors get direct sun at midday, do not go with black (or any dark color. The heat build-up will destroy them over time (and they'll fade).