If you’ve been following me on Instagram you know I’ve been wrestling with whether to go with black or white interior windows for our seventh house.
You wouldn’t think something like windows would make for such a tough decision, especially considering I’m deciding between black or white, not 31 flavors. 😉 But I’m struggling, and I have to make a decision by next week. I feel like this decision is so weighty for me because it will really set the tone, and in many ways dictate the design choices I make for the rest of the house.
My husband is on Team Pick One I Don’t Care Just Make A Decision Already Because I’m Tired of Talking About It. 😉
So I’m hoping you all will be the sounding board I need to come to a final decision. SO many of you have already weighed in with your thoughts via my instastories this week, and your responses have been SO HELPFUL already!
Black Exterior Windows and Doors – I’m Going For It!
We’ve already decided, positively, resolutely, that we want all black windows and doors for the exterior.
You might remember that we’re going with a light shade of pink – a barely there pink – for the exterior, and I think the black doors and windows along with all white trim will balance the sweetness of the pink.
But Whether to Go with Black or White on the Interior Has Me Stumped
This coming week we will be finalizing our plans, so I really need to make a decision. I’ve spent a ton of time researching, pinning, flipping through design books and magazines over the past year. And I thought for sure when it came time to build this house I’d want black interior windows. But as the deadline to finalize this choice moves closer, I’ve been having second thoughts. And not just because the black interior option is more expensive.
While some may caution that black is “trendy” I feel that although black is on trend at the moment, it’s still a very classic look, one that dates back to the 19th century. Black windows aren’t new. They’re just having their day in the sun again. So it’s not the idea that they may go “out of style” that is holding me back. I think even when they’re no longer on trend they’ll still look stunningly classic.
Black windows are statement makers. That’s the reason I’ve always loved them! But there’s a lot to consider in choosing them for your entire house, for every room in your house.
Window Coverings?
Blinds or shutters would feel too heavy on black, at least for my taste. And even a roller shade or bamboo would hide some of the window, somewhat defeating the purpose of having such statement making windows. But privacy is something I would imagine wanting to have, in bedrooms and bathrooms at least. So considering what rooms I would want window coverings in does gives me pause on black as an option.
But these examples of black windows with coverings are really stunning.
(Damask & Dentelle via Elle Decor, design by Nicole Davis)
Designing Around Black Windows
Because they’re so statement making, black windows would be a design element that would need to be designed around/with in every space. Easier to do in spaces like a kitchen or even a dining room, but a little trickier in rooms with lots of textiles/patterns/colors. White windows tend to disappear from a design standpoint creating more of a blank canvas. But black windows are showstoppers. That’s what I’ve always LOVED about them. But now I wonder if I want the windows to be the star of the show in every room of our home.
What I don’t want to do is choose white because it’s safer, easier. If I choose white I want it to be because I’ve decided black just isn’t the right call for the design direction I want to go in for this house.
What are your thoughts? Would you go with black or white interior windows? With so much inspiration readily available online these days, it really helps to hear the thoughts of other design enthusiasts!
The look of black gives off such a stunning vibe that white just doesn’t.