Our White House Black Trim Exterior Transformation
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The design trend of a white house with black windows and trim is here to stay and the option for black windows with white interior is a great choice if you are looking to modernize the exterior of your home but still have a white interior frames and panes . Today I am sharing why we decided black windows was a great solution for the house we recently renovated.
Whether your style is traditional, modern or transitional, modern black windows will look great on any style home, especially a light colored home.

Personally, I love a black window interior with a drywall return (meaning no interior window trim) providing a clean modern feel.
We didn’t have that option in this house due to our budget but the black exterior with white interior looks amazing and we are thrilled with the transformation.
Black Windows vs White Windows
Who would have thought that windows would have so many options!
What do you think? Do you like our white house with black trim transformation?
If my grandparents were still alive, they would tell you that when they were kids, they were lucky to even have windows never mind windows with varying color option on the exterior and interior.
The split level house exterior that was recently remodeled got a complete overhaul and replacing the old single pane windows with black vinyl windows was one of the first projects that Jim tackled.
FAQs about Black Windows
White House Black Windows
Are black exterior windows in style?
Black windows are not going out of style. In fact, white houses with black trim have been used for years but they recently became more popular in the last few years.
The white and black color combination is classic and timeless and looks great on any style home.
I love how our split level white house looks with black windows.
White board and batten siding paired with exterior black window frames will transform any home to a modern farmhouse feel, even a split level house!
White House With Black Trim
Wondering how to get a white with black trim? Installing new black windows and gutters will help you accomplish that classic modern white house black trim look.
We decided to paint the existing gutters black (not shown in this picture) once the black windows were installed.
If you are planning to purchase black gutters, I would recommend having the gutter down spouts run down the side of the corner of your house. That will give you a definite black and white contrast and it looks amazing!
Black Windows With White Interior
Are black exterior windows white inside?
They can be but you will need to order the windows with the interior white.
Here is the view below from the inside of the house with white interior windows.
As you can see, the window panes and frames are white.
Black exterior and interior windows carry a premium price tag.
While we initially desired the striking black window look outside our home, we chose white interiors to save costs and enhance market appeal as we planned to the sell the house once the renovation was complete.
Black windows, both inside and out, cater to a niche market, not appealing to everyone.
To maximize our potential buyer pool, we opted for white interiors, ensuring our home’s broad appeal beyond just a specialized audience.
White window frames tend to be more neutral so if you are looking for a more traditional window color and style, white on white is probably best.
Black windows are not just a trend. Black windows lend more of a modern look – modern or modern farmhouse, are very trendy right now and I think the trend is here to stay.
The white interior windows coordinate nicely with the vaulted shiplap ceiling and entryway remodel.
Cons of Black Frame Windows
The only con in my opinion would be not having the option to switch design styles.
Personally, I love that black is like an optical illusion and tends to blend in with the outdoors but some may find it less neutral than white when it comes to decorating the interior.
Black is definitely a classic look but it’s not for everyone.
I would say the majority of people prefer white and if you are planning to sell your home soon or down the road, picking black may not be the best choice.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who buy homes with black windows but it’s a certain buyer who will love it.
The windows are also more expensive, in fact, these windows (see Jim and crew installing the windows here for a close up view) were approximately $165 more than the same version in white (both exterior and interior).
You will notice above we stained the front door in a warm brown tone that coordinated nicely with the siding and windows.
Note:
When purchasing black windows, be sure to check the UV rating and make sure the quality is decent as black can fade over time from the sun.
Black Windows
This window style is popular in modern, farmhouse and some industrial homes. They have been used for years and date back to the 19th century mostly used in factories.
If you cannot afford new windows and love black trim, try painting your existing window frames and trim black.
Window frames, especially wood windows, can easily be painted.
When we removed the old white windows from this 1970’s split level house and installed the black windows, the change was dramatic!
You can take a full house tour (interior and exterior) of this split level by click here – split level renovation page.
It’s essential to not overlook the windows and doors when constructing or renovating a house. We are pleased with the appearance of our windows and they also provide energy efficiency, which is a major plus.
Looking to see all of the home remodeling projects we did in this split level home? See them in order below.
Split Level Home Renovation Series
- Split level home remodeling project – how it all started and the home before we tore it apart
- Small 5×8 bathroom remodel with cost and how we saved money by keeping the same layout
- Kitchen demo + adding a load bearing beam between the living room, dining room and kitchen
- Split level kitchen renovation before and after (you will not even recognize it!)
- Kitchen cabinet review at the split level home and how we packed storage features into the new space
- Installing shiplap on the new vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and living room at the split level
- Opening up a load bearing wall in the kitchen
- Split level entry way foyer makeover (before and after)
- How to increase front door width and height – front door makeover
- Installing solid core interior doors for a modern look
- Split-level house exterior makeover before and after
- Why we picked black windows with white interior
- How to modernize a split level home exterior
- Finished basement vinyl floor plank installation
- Split level front door ideas
- BONUS – See another split level home that sold 80K over asking price

Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Good Morning Jessica Love the black windows. They add so much charm to this rehab.
The only thing I see which is going out of style very fast is gray floors, however, this is a rehab and I bet it sells the first day.
The entire home is charming.
Thank you!!
Can you switch an outside window frame from white to black without buying a new window?
If your panes are removeable you could spray them
We are planning on doing black exterior white interior windows in our new build as well. We can choose double front doors with similar black grille pattern BUT the interior door grille is the same black – no white interior option. Do you think it will look weird from the inside if all the windows are white grilles but the door is black? I have scoured the internet trying to find a picture of this situation to help visualize it, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to fine one. Thanks for all the advice and inspiration.
I don’t think so, you can always paint it white if need be 🤷♀️
Hi There!
Your home is stunning and classic. <3 I agree, it's here to stay! Growing up, our family home was white w/black shutters…Same idea. My husband and I have been going back and forth about it, because we do not want black on the inside. This post gives me hope…We can have BOTH!
Thank you so much!
thank you Kim! 🙂
Hi There!
Your home is stunning and classic. <3 I agree, it's here to stay! Growing up, our family home was white w/black shutters…Same idea. My husband and I have been going back and forth about it, because we do not want black interior. This post gives me hope…We can have BOTH!
Thank you so much!
Your remodel is beautiful! May I ask which window model you chose? I see Simonton, but when I looked for those, there are many different makes.
Thank you! We used the 4 over 4 grid style
Hi!
In the middle of our siding contract and we LOVE this siding. Do you happen to know the width of these panels? Even the brand? They are offering us 7/8 inches and these seem wider!
Thanks
Alexa
The siding is James Hardi cement board so they are not vinyl siding pieces that come with the batten pieces attached. You can see the exterior before and after post here https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/our-split-level-house-exterior-makeover-before-after/ 🙂
If you are looking at your windows from outside, do you see any white from the inside of the window? I’m looking at doing the same thing at our house, but I am worried you will be able to see the white inside of the window when you’re outside, based on the angle you’re looking at the window.
no you cannot see the white from outside
I want black on black vinyl windows in our beach house. The exterior will be Zurich white SW paint. The interior windows black also. My question is will the window coverings look wierd from the outside looking in. Suggestions. Thank u
I don’t think it will look weird, I love black interior. We have done both and they are equally nice in both settings