Window Frames: How To Coordinate With Your Roof And Exterior Color Scheme

Often overlooked, the window frame can be an essential element to creating a finished and well-tailored exterior. With the plethora of color options out there, you may be unsure where to begin.

Often overlooked, the window frame can be an essential element to creating a finished and well-tailored exterior.
Image courtesy of Simonton Windows

Exterior Window Frames

In my FRESH Home Exterior Colors e-book that is available for you to download here, I advise you to have window frames blend with the colors of your fixed features, rather than introducing a new color that would limit your options down the road. Choose colors that blend in or complement your DaVinci Roofscapes shake or slate tiles and other building materials, so you can keep your home looking harmonious.

Don’t only look at your window frame color. The materials and colors you choose for your exterior all must work in harmony to create the look and feel you want for your home.

Cream, driftwood and tan window frames are typically excellent choices.
Image courtesy of Simonton Windows

Light colors don’t frame in the window so especially for smaller windows these colors are best bets. Darker colored frames like bronze, pine, chocolate or brick can also work well, as long as the color coordinates with the other elements of the home.

The one color that I find rarely works to frame an exterior window is black. Black closes in the window, creating a smaller feel. Choosing lighter colors creates a classic finish that keeps your exterior looking clean and fresh.

Interior Window Frames

Window color on the interior of the home sets the stage. Color choice here can create drama, warmth or even modernize a room simply by framing the window correctly.

As much as I don’t like black window frames on the exterior of a home, there are times I do find black can work very well indoors.

Black can work very well indoors on interior window frames
Image courtesy of Daily Home Designs

Black can beautifully frame an interior window.

“When you have a room that overlooks a gorgeous landscape, paint the window mullions black. Surprisingly, this makes the mullions recede into the background and brings the outdoors in.” —Kara Mann, New York and Chicago-based interior designer

Also black might be the right color for above your window.

“A black drapery rod is a classic touch that works in any room. The strong horizontal line adds volume and height to the windows, as well as a touch of masculinity and drama to the space.” —Jeff Andrews, Los Angeles-based interior designer

In most homes white, tan, driftwood or wood tone window frames are the most conventional and beautiful option.
Image courtesy of Simonton Windows

In most homes white, tan, driftwood or wood tones are the most conventional and beautiful option. These tones accent the window while complementing the other color choices in the space.

Choosing exterior and interior colors for your windows is made easy when you focus on the whole picture of your home and think about Color From The Top Down.