Even when we moved into our home three years ago, we knew we would have to replace our windows. The seals had been broken on some of them, and they were fogging up. It took us a while to get to that project on our list (plus we knew we had to budget for it), but I always thought that having black on the interiors would be the perfect look for our moody modern traditional home.
I was so in love with the idea of that dark outline that we even painted the interior trim of the primary bedroom & the guest house black, and the interior trim of the bonus room navy before we replaced the windows. I just felt like it was more me.
When we selected Sierra Pacific as our window vendor, we were thrilled to find that they had an option to do a paintable exterior trim (so I could choose a custom color — which we just revealed on Instagram!) and a black interior window sash kit with black grids. After months of them being on order, we finally got them installed last week. Installation was actually remarkably quick! In our last house, when we got new windows, we actually had to move out for a week. It was in Idaho and it was cold, so that makes sense. But here we had five guys, and they knocked it out in two days with little disruption.
And let me tell you, these new black windows took my breath away!
Desk (similar) | Step Stool Chair (similar) | Table Lamp | Marble Bowl | Vase (similar) | Faux Hydrangeas | Candle | Lidded Boxes | Leather Desk Mat | Acrylic Scissors | Acrylic Tape Dispenser | Acrylic Stapler | Wicker Hamper (similar)
I just love the historic vibe that this adds to the kitchen desk view from the kitchen. I was actually a little worried about this room. They’re the only windows in the kitchen, and I thought it might be seem distracting, but it’s like adding a picture frame to the scene. (You can see in the photo above that the window panes have been masked for when they paint the exterior trim this week. We’ve used that same window painting technique in the past — it’s really helpful as the film just peels right off when it’s done.)
Now on to the living room, one of the real showstoppers. Here’s the before photo:
And here’s the after photo:
Shop The Living Room
I mean, jaw drop, right?? Not only does it add so much more drama, but look at the difference in clarity! I seriously can’t believe how much more light it lets in. How were we living in that fog for so long?!
I read once that if the outside is not the best view, use white curtains. And if what’s outside is a pretty view, use dark curtains. (I can’t find the source, so someone let me know in the comments if you know!) Using that analogy on window trim seems to have the same effect. I can’t believe how much the windows magnify the beautiful greenery outside of our house.
Here’s a look at the new black windows in Polly’s room. This was another room I was a little hesitant about — it’s just such a sweet room that I wondered if I should keep them white. But I should have known better, because every room needs a little bit of black. That’s been my theory ever since I can remember. I love how they provide a grounding tone against the white shutters and the more whimsical wallpaper.
Wallpaper | Blue Velvet Bed | CLJ x Loloi Judy Natural/Ivory Rug | Plush Bunny | Boucle Throw | Bunny Wall Decor | Dollhouse Bookshelf | Lidded Hamper (similar)
Meanwhile, we had previously painted our bedroom window trim black years ago to fully color-drench the room. And we painted the trim in the bonus room to match the walls. Just going from having the windows match the walls to being like this black eyeliner in the room — it pops! And the quality of the windows…whew, no more drafts.
Mirror | Floor Lamp | Polly Smoke/Sand Rug | Curtains | Motorized Blinds | CLJ x Lola Blanket | Side Table (similar) | Vase
I’m so glad we finally got to this project — it was entirely worth the wait. Black interior windows make such an impact on our home’s aesthetic. Once the exterior windows are finished being painted, it’s really going to feel like a brand new house!
Hi! We are replacing our windows in stages. We have black windows that look out into our backyard. Currently the interior window trim is white and our walls are agreeable grey. I’m thinking about painting the trim the same color as the walls. What do you think? Also how do you like the black windows with white shutters?
We changed to black with the end goal of darker exterior trim! (Here’s the reveal.) Painting the interior trim the same color as the wall is a trick we reach for to let other elements pop!
Hi, a year later, are you still happy with your Sierra Pacific windows? Wondering how they are holding up. Considering for my build. Thanks!
Absolutely! No regrets.
This is beautiful. Love how you always take an average looking window and make it look intentional and hip.
We painted ours black inside and love them too! Now moving to a place that will only have white.
Question though after watching your new video.
Can you tell me where I can find the candle sconces on round mirrors you have above your stove in your kitchen? I need them!!!’
We have all of our sources linked on this page!
Do these new windows have screens in them? So torn with screens love the idea of an open window in spring hate the look of screens !
I guess I’m a standalone. While the black windows are striking, I find the white calming. The black windows scream “look at me”. I’ve looked back and forth between the before and after and definitely prefer the before. I’m glad you are happy with your choice. We all have to do what makes us happy with and in our homes.
They don’t have screens, but that is something I’d like to consider adding in the future, because we do have some beautiful months here where it would make sense to have the windows open.