Hang cellular shades -- other shade types would probably work too -- with an inside mount and the problem will go away (IMO).

With white trim I would have done white jamb extensions so all the trim was the same, leaving the black for just the windows. Window treatments will soften the effect of what you have now

The window reminds me of an old home where the shellac finish has turned almost black. I would paint all of the black parts white, pale warm gray, etc. You will be supposed how much more light enters the room even on an overcast day.

@res2architect We are considering/may end up painting the jamb extensions to match the trim.. bit certainly not all of the black parts. We really like the black windows... just looking to get symmetry and consistency between the innermost jamb and the sills.

It looks like the painter that was suppose to get the memo did not get the memo.

@Mark Bischak, Architect My post was a bit confusing - the trim and sills are factory primed white, and the extension jambs are factory painted black. We ordered both before appreciating how it would all come together. Our painter has offered to paint the extension jambs when he paints the rest of the trim. Of course, we could have saved a bit of money (and paint) if we thought to order white extension jambs in the first place! Hindsight... you know what they say!

@res2architect: "I would paint all of the black parts..."

After looking at the windows several times, the only thing that really stands out is the significant difference between the distance between the top of the glass and the casing, and the distance between the bottom of the glass and the stool. I wouldn't paint anything until I tested window coverings and would never paint all the black parts.

Black absorbs all colors. Its essentially lifeless.

@res2architect To each their own! We like our lifeless, color absorbing windows... as I mentioned in the original post, just looking for input on achieving consistency between the jamb extensions and sill! No plans to paint the entire window.

Are there other (for lack of a better term) abnormalities in the house's design and/or details that would make it "all come together"?

What color are you painting the walls?? That will make this all look different as well.

I love how the windows look right now.

If you want to "see" what they will look like with the white extension jam - just cut some paper strips and tape them on there. then you'll know.

@Debbi Washburn Thank you. I can't believe I hadn't thought to mock them up with tape and white paper. Will do that this afternoon! We are painting most of the walls off-white (currently between SW White Heron or SW Pearly White), though a few rooms will be gray instead (probably SW Agreeable Gray).

@Mark Bischak, Architect The house definitely has some weirdness/quirkiness to it. Building on family land and designed the first floor to be handicapped/elderly person accessible, as we have no plans to resell or relocate. That said, everything is very symmetrical (window placement, fireplace placement, doors, etc.) which is why I worry the windows will look odd (or drive me crazy, at least).

What about painting stool black instead?

We have black granite stools with black frames and like it a lot. No jambs though, just drywall returns.

The black jamb extensions make the window look clunkier and heavy. Regardless of the symmetry, white extensions would give the window a slimmer profile and look better.

I like it as is. Looks lovely to me.

I think it will look odd. The question is whether it will be noticed and accepted, or create an uneasiness for anyone as long as they are in the home.

Hi Jade, I know this is an older post, but I just wanted to thank you for posting such excellent pictures of black windows installed with jamb extensions. We’re at the window selection stage on our new build and have spent so much time trying to figure out what this would look like. We’ve been to four different dealer showrooms and scoured manufacturers’ websites, all with no luck. Finally, your post popped up on a Google search and now we can “see” what this looks like! Would love an update on your resolution.

Hi Sofia! Glad the photos helped. We ended up having the jamb extensions printed white to match the frame, sill and apron. I can snap some photos this weekend if that would be helpful.

Not sure what type of windows you are considering, but we haven’t been thrilled with the Marvin windows. Just wanted to share in case you’re still deciding between manufacturers!

@Jade, we just put in Marvin windows in our build, so I would be interested in hearing why you aren't happy with them. Thanks!

@Jade I would be interested in hearing about your dissatisfaction as well. Also, specifically, what line of Marvin's did you use? Thanks!

@293summer and @chispa We went with the elevate line in all black.

-From an aesthetic standpoint: The black factory finish on the windows was not great (very easily scuffed and chipped) and the windows have permanent and visible foam pieces sticking out on the exterior.

-From a functional standpoint: We didn’t realize this when we picked them, but you can’t open the double hung windows without putting your hands on the glass (which means lots of cleaning). This is especially true for opening the top sash, which we do often for safety reasons with two cats and visiting nieces and nephews.

Of course, if you aren’t opening your windows often and want white or wood finish, these things are probably less of an issue.

@Jade, beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing updated pics. We’ve decided to pass on the jamb extensions and will go with wood window wraps instead.

@Jade thanks for sharing your experience with the Marvin windows. It's always great to hear first hand experiences with products!

@Jade, thank you for the feedback. We have a mix of the Ultimate casement push out and Elevate casements. Bronze outside and primed wood inside. Still building, but happy with the windows so far.

These windows looks lovely and do not look as awkward before. Nice final result.

@jade Your windows are beautiful! what size are your jamb extensions? the Marvin essentials come with 2.25 did you add on 4 9/16 extensions?