What colour should window frames be?

What are the different types of window frame?

First thing’s first, you need to know what window frames are available to you. You won’t be choosing your window frame colour irrespective of any other factors — you should also have your style of frame in mind.

Here are a few popular styles that we custom make in our South West factory:

• Casement windows – perfect for both traditional and contemporary homes, these windows can be hinged from the side, top, or bottom and open all the way out. If you’d rather your window sat flush in its frame, you can always opt for flush casement windows.
• Sash windows – these windows are viewed as a stylish yet practical choice. They are constructed using one or more moveable panels that can slide up and down to open or close the window. You’ll often find them in properties in conservation areas.
• Bay and bow windows – these statement windows allow the light to shine through from multiple angles. While a bay window is made from three or more panels that extend away from your home’s exterior, a bow window sweeps away from the wall in an elegant arc.
• Tilt and turn windows – a versatile and modern option, these windows can tilt open by pushing the bottom of the frame and swing open from hinges at the side. You have control of the opening mechanism, so you can position them in any way you want.
• French windows – want to maximise ventilation and have the option of pushing your windows wide open? French windows are a popular style made from two panels of glass that can both open to give you unhindered views of the outside.

Window frame colours for painted properties

If you have a painted property, it’s a little trickier to know which colours will look good together in the final result. You might want to take a look at other properties of a similar colour and what frame finishes other people have gone for. Pinterest is a good place to start.

You could also ask your installers about which colours have been popular with previous clients and what they’d recommend — they will have seen a lot of homes and have an eye for these things!

Gloss or Matt?

Matt window frames can have a more subtle appearance due to the lack of sheen, work well with traditional properties and window styles, and won’t reflect light as much as gloss windows will.

Gloss paint can create a bolder look and brighten up otherwise dull darker shades, but their vibrancy can draw attention to any imperfections in the frame.

In terms of maintenance, the softer texture of matt finishes means that dirt has an easier time sticking to the surface. If you want your windows to look as clean as possible (and know you won’t be regularly cleaning them), then gloss might be the way to go.

Wood finish or colour?

Some people find this decision easy, while others can spend months going back and forth on their decision. While the final say is completely up to you, in our experience, those with traditional or brick properties or homes in conservation areas tend to prefer wood finishes. Coloured frames tend to look more ‘in keeping’ when installed in modern properties and used to add some contemporary flair.

Perfecta Windows

At Perfecta, we’re more than happy to chat through your window frame options with you. Whether you just need to decide on your finish or are at the start of your window replacement journey, give us a call. Want to see some examples in person? Drop by our Weston-super-Mare showroom.