You may have noticed that black window frames and sashes have become increasingly popular in recent years for their sleek and modern appearance. They provide a striking contrast against light-coloured walls and can add a touch of sophistication to both traditional and contemporary homes. However, black sashes are far from a new trend. In fact, the black window aesthetic is a tribute to the historic windows found in centuries old buildings where wrought iron was a popular material choice for window frames.

Black windows work well with many home designs, from cottages to new builds and many styles in between. Not only are they a welcome change from traditional white window frames, but they also dress your home up inside and out. Our team at Parsons Joinery, can design and manufacture bespoke timber black sash windows to complement your home.

Are black framed windows a new trend?

As we have already mentioned, black framed windows are far from a new trend. In fact, the presence of black-framed windows in older buildings can be attributed to several factors.

In earlier architectural styles, such as Gothic or Tudor, dark-coloured window frames were commonly used to complement the overall design aesthetic. These styles often emphasised strong vertical and horizontal lines, and the black frames provided a visually striking contrast against lighter-coloured walls.

Historically, style was often dictated by the materials available at that time. In the past, window frames were typically made from wood or wrought iron with black paint or satin used to protect and preserve the wood or iron from the elements. Black was a popular choice due to its ability to hide dirt and weathering, requiring less frequent maintenance.

Many old buildings with black-framed windows date back to a time when industrialisation was gaining momentum. During this period, advancements in glass manufacturing made it possible to produce larger sheets of glass, which allowed for larger windows. Black frames were used to divide the larger panes of glass into smaller, more manageable sections.

Above all else, black frames are a practical option. They have the advantage of minimising glare and maximising the view by creating a visual frame around the window opening. They can also enhance privacy by providing a distinct boundary between the inside and outside of a building. Plus, as already mentioned, black hides a plethora of dirt and weathering to buy you a longer time between cleaning and maintenance!

Benefits of choosing black frame windows

Black sash windows are a stunning choice for modern and traditional designs for both the interior and exterior of your home. Benefits of selecting black frame windows include:

Bold contrast for a modern, stylish look

Black frames create a sleek and contemporary appearance by adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to both modern and traditional architectural styles. Black frames create a striking contrast against the surrounding walls and allow for a bold design statement. They can create clean lines and a streamlined appearance, enhancing the overall architectural beauty. Moreover, black is a classic and timeless colour that tends to age well and remain in style for years to come.

Versatility

Black is a versatile colour that can complement various interior and exterior colour schemes. It can effortlessly blend with both light and dark shades, providing design flexibility. Whether you have a light-coloured or dark-coloured interior, black-frame windows can create a visually balanced and cohesive look.

Greater visual appeal

Black frames can frame views and create a dramatic effect by drawing attention to the outside scenery. Just as adding a simple black frame to a painting focuses your gaze to the art itself, black window frames do the same for your view, allowing you to frame the landscape and connect with nature.

Increased natural light

Black frames can maximise the amount of natural light entering your space. The dark frames create a sharp contrast with the glass, emphasising the brightness and depth of natural light. This optical illusion can make the space feel brighter and more welcoming. They also showcase fabulous sunsets and sunrises perfectly.

Low maintenance

Black frames are great for disguising dirt, dust, and minor scratches compared to white or lighter-coloured frames. This will reduce the frequency and urgency of cleaning and maintenance required to keep them looking like new. However, we always recommend regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your windows. We treat all our windows during manufacture to ensure a long lifespan and quality finish, but regular cleaning and maintenance will go a long way to ensuring your windows last you a lifetime.

Black timber sash windows

As professional joiners, all our timber sliding sashes at Parsons Joinery are expertly designed, crafted, and primed to be as eco-friendly as possible, whilst respecting the traditional aesthetic and appeal required to preserve the historic roots of period properties. Black timber sashes are also ideal for bringing in a classical touch, while still using a colour that you know will complement your home. Here at Parsons Joinery, we are very skilled at finding a solution that works for both the customer and the local planning officer. Our team is highly experienced in working with period properties and listed buildings – as we’re based in Sussex, we see many Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes, and we make sure our joinery preserves their historic beauty. We use sustainably sourced timber and make everything in our Sussex workshop.

Energy efficient black sash windows

Energy-efficient sash windows are designed to minimise heat loss and improve the overall energy efficiency of a home. They can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption, improving comfort, and lowering heating and cooling costs in a building. It’s important to consider the specific features and ratings of the windows, such as U-value (indicating thermal insulation) to ensure they meet your energy efficiency requirements.

We are able to either double glaze your existing sash windows (retain the existing box frame) or if required, we can make completely new (including a new box frame) double glazed sash windows. We can even double glaze sashes that have an existing stained-glass design.

Vacuum insulated black sash windows

All our expert joiners at Parsons Joinery are approved installers of Fineo vacuum insulated glass which is a glazing option that’s most popular among owners of listed buildings and conservation areas. Vacuum insulated glazing is a premium solution that not only delivers better thermal efficiency and sound insulation than triple glazing but is as slim as single glazing. Therefore, it can easily be retrofitted into the existing box frames of listed buildings, enabling the property to retain most of its existing features and originality, not to mention pleasing the local planning officer.

We have not had a planning authority refuse this glazing option yet. The benefits associated with vacuum insulated glazing such as Fineo are unrivalled. In fact, Fineo vacuum-insulated glass boasts a U-value of just 0.7 (A++ standard).

Read about our recent installation of box sash windows to Grade II listed properties at 18-76 Bromley Street, E1.

Sash window colour options

Our team has a wealth of experience in the design, supply and install of new and replacement sash windows for all property types. We are able to provide customers with bespoke window designs in a range of colours to suit their needs and requirements, while never compromising on safety and security features, ease of maintenance, or cost-effectiveness for their budgets.

All our windows and doors are crafted in our Sussex-based workshop, so we can completely customise to your requirements. We use Teknos for all paint and treatments for our timber sashes. Teknos is an extremely high-quality manufacturer of low VOC paints committed to sustainability.

All the paints we use are spray paints as they give a perfectly smooth finish without brush strokes or paint runs. We can paint the interior sash a different colour to the exterior if required. Plus, if you cannot find a Teknos colour that you like for your sashes, we are able to colour match any other paint brand including Farrow & Ball, Dulux, Little Greene, and Fired Earth.

Whether you have come to us to match the original features of a property you intend to renovate, or you are looking to bring smart new design elements to your contemporary home, we have the technology and skill to make it happen.

We can provide black sash windows in a range of custom designs, styles, and materials, including:

  • Timber
  • Double glazed
  • Triple glazed
  • Vacuum insulated glazing
  • Box sash

Find timber black sash windows for your home

If you’ve been in pursuit of timber black sash windows that effortlessly combine style with a timeless, traditional charm, or you’re seeking black sashes that complement the aesthetics of your modern home, Parsons Joinery is here to fulfil your needs.

Our guarantees to you

  • 30 years for timber sash windows
  • 10 years on standard glazing
  • 15 years on Fineo vacuum insulated glazing
  • Up to 10 years on paint and stains

Find out more about guarantees at Parsons.

When you reach out to us, our team will engage in a conversation with you, providing details about our assortment of colour finishes. We will also be available to discuss design specifications, requirements, and prices before you make any commitments. Discover the perfect black sash windows for your home and give your property’s exterior the finishing touch it deserves.