Choosing an Exterior Finish Color for Your Windows

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers™

You’ve probably considered the colors you want for your façade from the siding to the trim, and maybe the roof, but have you thought about the windows yet? They can be easy to overlook because they’re supposed to be clear and transparent, but don’t forget about the frame and any muntins around divided lites! Your choice of exterior finish affects the home’s vibe, so here are some beautiful color options to consider.

Popular through history, a clean white finish provides a very crisp and bright effect. Because windows appear dark when viewed from outside during the day, white draws your eye to them and greatly accentuates divided lites. If you have a farmhouse or a classical colonial, this exterior finish can do wonders for curb appeal by making your windows pop and show off their finer construction details.

If bright white isn't your thing, you'll find that many windows are available in muted tones. Light brown or tan are great options if you have a warmly or subtly colored house. Due to the neutral palettes of such homes, other colors can often stand out as too bright or bold, or even unbalanced with their background hues. Brown window finishes seem to complement most exterior designs with rustic elements, like earthy Southwestern schemes, while lighter tan finishes work well for simpler traditional aesthetics. Explore the spectrum to see what works best in your case.

Choosing a darker frame finish adds a formal touch. Dark tones may be brown or gray, so they can appear like exotic hardwood or aged metal. Don’t worry though—they offer the efficiency and durability of the actual frame material you choose! We love to see dark window frames on European and French Country homes because they up the classic and refined factors.

Have you thought about any colors that really jump out? Homeowners of the past didn’t stick to neutrals, and you don’t have to, either. In fact, colorful window frames and muntins can be the defining feature of your façade, especially if you have a Craftsman or a crafty cottage! Consider red to make a bold statement, blue to add a calming touch, or green for a natural vibe. Don’t forget that your frames should have some contrast against the rest of the house for the best look!

For a striking visual effect, think about black window frames. Most common on modern and contemporary designs, black gets noticed for its intensity. It really defines the opening and lites, making their lines stand out. Black is definitely a color to use in moderation, so it’s quite fitting to let it shine on windows. Consider pairing it with a white exterior to keep a very crisp and clean vibe—popular for modern farmhouses—or branch out into natural tones and prominent hues to see what you can come up with!

The window frame color you choose will help set the tone of your façade, so don’t be afraid to reach out for expert assistance! The examples shown here are from Pella® Windows, and they offer a variety of exterior finish colors across their durable vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum-clad wood frames. Wood windows give you the most finishing flexibility, so start there if you want something more unique than a standard hue. A local dealer will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you!