White has long been the go-to colour for windows. And it’s easy to see why. It always works, both inside and out. But not only is white not the only option, sometimes it’s not the best option. Black, brown, grey and other neutral colours are all excellent options. And in some cases, even bolder colours are the way to go.

Here are 5 tips for choosing window frame colours.

Consider the Style & Colour of Your Home

The colours you choose for your windows should work in harmony with the rest of your house. For exterior colours this means something that compliments the material (be it brick, stone, siding, etc.), and also choosing a colour that could potentially be used on doors and trim. Traditionally, white window frames suit brick exteriors, while black or brown frames complement stone very well. But these rules are far from firm. These days, people are experimenting with all kinds of design styles, and non-traditional frame colours are becoming far more common.

Stand Out, Don’t Stick Out

When thinking about curb appeal you need to remember that in most cases your house doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of a larger neighbourhood unit. You want it to stand out a little, but you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb. So take a look at the colours used in your neighbours’ windows. It’s almost always a good idea to find something that complements rather than clashes. The exception of course is when your neighbours have done something a little wild or crazy.

Contrast or Blend In?

When thinking about window frame colours consider whether you want the frames to blend in or stand out. White and other light shades tend to highlight the window and call attention to the architectural elements. Dark shades on the other hand, tend to blend in more with the glass, which creates a visually smooth appearance. But keep in mind that these are not the only options. Pollard Windows, for example, has a number of custom colours available and in many cases can colour match to your needs. So, for unique or custom homes, another colour might be the best option.

What’s Good for the Exterior is Also Good for the Interior

While white remains the most popular colour for interior frames, I encourage anyone to consider other options if the style of their home allows for it. I’ve done black window frames in a number of properties, and the results have been spectacular.

Beware of Trends

Keeping your home looking current is usually a good idea, but be very wary of falling for trends when it comes to your window colours – both inside and out. Windows are expensive to replace, so the colour you choose will likely be there for a very long time. Tastes may change, but your windows won’t, but as long as you take the style of the home into account and choose something complimentary, you won’t have any regrets.

For more information about choosing windows, please visit PollardWindows.com.