Black windows used to be less common, but lately, they’ve moved from trendy to timeless. More homeowners now pick black window frames to give their homes that perfect mix of sleek vibes and traditional style. If you're thinking about giving your home a contemporary update, here's what you should know about modern black windows.
The Rise of Black-Framed Windows in Modern Design
Window frames used to come in just a few colors because of their materials. Wood frames needed regular painting, and early vinyl only came in white or beige. But today's manufacturing lets you pick from many colors – and black trim windows lead the trend.
Black windows now star in both modern and farmhouse-style homes. On the interior, their clean lines draw your eye outdoors while framing the view like artwork. On the exterior, they make a statement by providing a bold contrast with light-colored homes, or blend seamlessly with darker-colored ones. Modern black windows have proven to be incredibly versatile across different architectural styles, increasing their popularity even more.
The Idea House: A Perfect Showcase for Modern Fiberglass Black Windows
Each year, Seattle's 425 Magazine partners with top builders to create the Northwest Idea House. This showcase home highlights new building methods, sustainable features, and design trends. In 2021, the magazine teamed up with Lockwood-Lozier Custom Homes. Their house with black windows perfectly showcases how this choice shapes both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The state-of-the-art, three-story modern farmhouse located in Woodinville, Washington is set on two acres of wetlands. It has many energy-efficient attributes, like a monitoring system that constantly checks interior air quality, and wood materials that have been certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
The home also features Milgard C650 Ultra Series black fiberglass windows with a matching interior and exterior frame color. There are so many “green” components, in fact, that it earned the highly prized 5-star certification from Built Green, a local organization that advocates for energy-efficient construction.
“It’s fantastic that the Idea House received this accolade from Built Green,” says Karen Watson, MILGARD’s Regional Marketing Representative for the Tacoma region. “We’re pleased that we were able to contribute to this rating with our energy-efficient Ultra Series windows.”
In November of 2021, the Idea House had its official unveiling, as 425 Magazine hosted an open house. Visitors marveled at the home’s offerings, including a home theater, fitness center, and “Zoom Room” for working from home.
“This home is a work of art,” said Todd Sheppard, Outside Sales Representative for MILGARD, who worked closely with the design and build team to select the best windows with black trim for the project. “It has style and substance. It’s just spectacular to see it all come together – with the help of Milgard windows.”
Key Benefits of MILGARD Black Fiberglass Windows
While you can find many color options in vinyl and aluminum, modern black windows with fiberglass frames have unique benefits. Let's look at what makes fiberglass windows stand out.
Energy Efficiency
Fiberglass naturally blocks heat and cold better than most materials, so your heating and cooling systems won't have to work as hard. Add energy-efficient features like Low-E glass, tinting, and double- or triple-paned glass to increase sustainability even more. While black fiberglass windows cost a bit more than other frame materials, you’ll likely save on energy bills in the long-term.
Durability
Since both the frame and glass contain glass fibers, they expand and contract at the same rate as temperatures change. This matching behavior keeps the window sealed tight year-round and prevents warping and cracking that other materials may experience. Plus, fiberglass is resistant to water damage and won't rot. Overall, your modern black windows will last for decades.
Strength
Want floor-to-ceiling windows or a wall of glass? Fiberglass frames can handle it. Made from glass fibers and resin, fiberglass is both strong and lightweight. This strength lets fiberglass frames support bigger glass panels than other materials, which means more light and better views for your living spaces.
Elevate Your Home with Modern Black Windows
Houses with black window frames are becoming more and more popular, but make sure you don’t rush into a new window project just to keep up with design trends. Go with a reputable company like MILGARD: We use quality materials, then test our windows in an AAMA-certified lab. That's why we confidently stand behind these windows with our industry-leading warranty.
Ready to explore modern black windows for your home? Contact a MILGARD Certified Dealer to walk you through your options and help you pick the perfect windows. They'll make sure you get the right fit for your style and budget.
