Stylish and Smart: Window Design Ideas for Tampa Bay Homes

Hey @sgamer48, welcome to the window replacement club! 😊 I’m in Pinellas (Clearwater area) and went through this last year. My home is a 1970s block house near the coast, and I also wanted a fresh look without compromising on storm protection and efficiency.
Style choice: I ended up going with black frames and I absolutely love it. My house is light gray with white trim, and the black window frames pop in a really good way. It gave the home a modern, coastal-cottage vibe (kinda Key West meets modern farm style). Black frames are definitely trendy here; I see a lot of new builds with them. No regrets on the look – it makes the windows look like picture frames on the house. One thing I did was choose a grid pattern only on the front windows: I opted for a simple colonial grid (3x2 pattern on the top sash) on the street-facing windows for a touch of tradition, but left the side/back windows gridless for a clear view out to the backyard and Gulf breeze.

Functionality: We chose hurricane impact windows (PGT Winguard vinyl windows, if you’re curious) with double-pane glass and Low-E coating. They are Energy Star rated for our region. Performance has been great so far – the house is noticeably cooler in the afternoons and our AC run-time went down. No issues with the black frames and heat; good-quality vinyl these days can handle it. They haven’t faded or warped at all (the ones we got have UV protection in the finish). Also, impact glass is a game changer for peace of mind. During the last tropical storm, we didn’t have to mess with shutters or plywood, and we barely heard the wind. The windows are super solid, also quieter day-to-day (they really cut down outside noise from our busy street).

Installation-wise, I used a local window company to install (they handled permits with Pinellas County and all). It was smooth – 10 windows took about two days to swap out. If you’re considering black frames, go for it! Just make sure to get a reputable brand. Ours even offer dual-color (black outside, white inside), though in our case we did black on both sides because we have a modern interior design. Let me know if you have any questions about the black frames or the brand. Happy to help!

Jumping in as a fellow Tampa Bay homeowner. I have a 1925 bungalow in Seminole Heights (Tampa), so my perspective is a bit different style-wise. I was very concerned with maintaining the historic look of my home while upgrading the windows for safety and efficiency.
Aesthetic choices: In historic bungalows, white (or wood-tone) frames with grids are the classic look. I was tempted by the slick black frame trend, but ultimately I stayed traditional to fit the character of the house. I went with white frames (well, technically a cream color to match my trim) in a fiberglass window that has a wood texture. The interior frames are a wood laminate that I painted to match my interior trim, and the exterior is that cream color from the factory. It looks like it could be original wood windows – important in my neighborhood’s historic district.

For grids, I did a custom Craftsman-style grid: specifically a 3-over-1 pattern (three vertical dividers in the upper sash, and a single large pane in the lower sash) on our double-hung windows. This is a common look for bungalows and gives a nod to the original windows which had that pattern. On some smaller windows, I did a prairie grid pattern (which has the lines toward the edges forming a kind of border) to match some original decorative windows we had. The mix actually looks cohesive – front of the house has that classic charm, while some side rooms got the prairie style which still feels period-appropriate.

Practical side: We absolutely insisted on impact-rated windows and Low-E glass too. Even though our house is older, I wasn’t going to put in old-tech windows. The ones we chose are double-paned, laminated glass (for impact resistance). They are surprisingly heavy windows due to the thick glass. Let me tell you, the noise reduction has been incredible. We live near I-275, and with the new windows closed, we hardly hear the traffic hum anymore. Also, being in Hillsborough County, we do get some decent wind storms and knowing the glass is impact-rated helps me sleep better. We do keep decorative hurricane shutters (the kind that look like Bahama shutters) on the outside for added protection and because they look cute on a bungalow, but they’re mostly for show since the glass itself can handle a lot.

One more thing: if you’re in a historic district like I am, check local guidelines. I had to get the window style approved by the historic commission. It was a bit of a process (they cared a lot about the grid pattern and exterior look), but it paid off. Now I have windows that match my home’s style but are 21st-century strong. So it is possible to have both style and function!

Hello from Pasco County! I have a more modern take: we built a new home in Wesley Chapel last year, and being a modern design enthusiast, I pushed for sleek, contemporary windows. Our house is a modern architecture style (flat roof, clean lines), so the window design was a huge part of the look.
Design elements: We opted for minimalist, aluminum-frame windows with a bronze anodized finish (almost looks black but it’s a soft dark bronze up close). The profiles are very thin so that the windows are mostly glass. In our living room, we have a big set of windows that are almost floor-to-ceiling, and a couple of picture windows (fixed, large panes) that span 6 feet across. No grids at all on any of them – completely unobstructed glass for that panoramic look. It gives such a modern, open feel. We also installed a horizontal transom window near the ceiling in one bathroom and some small square windows high on the walls in the hallway (for light and a cool design effect). Those little geometric touches make the house feel custom and contemporary.

Functionality considerations: With so much glass, my big concerns were energy efficiency and hurricane safety. We did get all windows impact-rated (a must, since Pasco can still get strong hurricanes and our large glass would be a hazard if shattered). The aluminum frames we used are thermally broken (they have an insulator in them) so they don't conduct heat as much. And every piece of glass is double-paned with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill. Despite the huge amount of sunlight we get, the Low-E really cuts down on heat – you can stand by the window at noon and not feel like you’re in an oven.

We also considered some cutting-edge options: I looked into electrochromic smart glass (the kind that can tint on demand or automatically) because I thought it would be neat if the big windows could self-shade. In the end, the cost was prohibitive – it was way more expensive, so we skipped that. Instead, I installed sleek motorized shades for the living room windows which we program to lower in the afternoon. Works like a charm and was far cheaper.

One more cool thing: our windows have a self-clean coating (something about titanium dioxide on the glass) which supposedly uses the sun to break down dirt. I was skeptical, but a year in, I’ve only hosed them off a couple of times and they sparkle. Maybe it’s working! 😆

Overall, for a modern build, big glass is awesome but just remember to invest in the best quality glass and frames you can for efficiency, and of course, meet those Florida building codes for storms. We had to get engineering approval for our large fixed windows to ensure they can withstand high winds.

Glad to share our experience – if you’re thinking of adding a more modern window (like a large picture window or a transom), go for it, just plan for proper support and shading.

Wow, thanks for the quick and detailed responses all!
@math109 Your black frame coastal look sounds awesome. My house is also light-colored (pale beige) and I can imagine how black frames would really add contrast. It’s reassuring to hear that quality vinyl can handle the Florida sun without warping. I’m definitely leaning towards black exteriors now, especially knowing I could do white on the inside. And impact windows making the house quieter is a bonus I hadn’t even considered – very cool.

@jmartin52 I love how you preserved your bungalow’s character. That 3-over-1 Craftsman grid pattern is exactly what my sister did on her 1920s home in St. Pete! It looks so good. My home isn’t historic, but I do want it to have some character, so maybe I’ll incorporate a bit of grid design on the front windows like you did, and go plain on the back. Best of both worlds. Also, good point about the historic district rules – I’m not in one, but it's great advice for anyone with an older home in Tampa or St. Pete proper.

@fashion378 Those floor-to-ceiling windows and transoms sound stunning for a modern home. My style is more traditional, but I might steal your idea of a high transom window in one of our dark hallways or maybe above a sliding door. It’s a neat way to add light. The tech stuff you mentioned (smart glass, self-cleaning coatings) is fascinating – I hadn’t even heard of electrochromic windows until now. Probably beyond my budget, but wow, maybe in the future! For now, I’ll stick with the standard Low-E double panes like you (and everyone) suggests.

This is all great info. I’m feeling more confident that I can get the look I want and still have the hurricane protection and efficiency I need. Please keep the ideas coming if you have more – especially interested in any experiences with specific frame colors (anyone done something other than black/white?), or how you coordinated with your exterior paint or roof color. And any must-have features you recommend. Thanks again!

Hello neighbors! I’m in Dunedin, Pinellas County, living in a 1930s Spanish Mediterranean revival home. We went through a big window replacement two years ago, so I have some insights, especially about custom shapes and maintaining a certain architectural style.
Our house originally had these old wooden arched windows with leaded glass (beautiful but absolutely not practical for storms or insulation). I was determined to keep the arched look because it’s a key part of the Mediterranean charm. The good news: you can get modern impact windows in custom shapes like arches, half-rounds, etc. The bad news: they do cost more and take longer to order, but it was worth it for us.

We worked with Karoly Windows & Doors, a local company, and they were fantastic in sourcing and installing these specialty windows. They helped us get impact-rated arched windows for our living room and even a round “porthole” style window for a small bathroom. The frames we chose are a dark bronze aluminum. We considered black, but opted for bronze because it complements the terracotta roof and tan stucco better – a bit softer and more classic for our style of home. From the street, you can’t even tell they’re not the original wood; the bronze color blends with our brown trim and the windows have external grids that mimic the old divided glass look (we did a simple grid pattern that suggests an arch at the top of the pane).

Functionally, these windows are impact hurricane windows (laminated glass). Heavy as heck, but super sturdy. We got to test them during Eta (a storm that came by in 2020) – no leaks or issues at all. They also have Low-E glass, which was non-negotiable for me since these arched windows face west and absolutely bake in the afternoon sun. Now the heat coming through is greatly reduced, and our Persian rugs aren’t fading anymore from UV.

One more thing on style: coordinating with exterior elements. We have that red tile roof and a lot of white trim details. We went with bronze frames because white frames might have been too stark against our stucco which is kind of an earthy sand color. Bronze gives a warm, Mediterranean feel and doesn’t draw too much attention, which lets our decorative iron window grilles (yes, we put some wrought iron accents back on for looks) be the stars. If you have a Mediterranean or Spanish style home, I’d say look at bronze or even a wood-look finish. Black can work too (I’ve seen black on Spanish homes for a more updated twist), but bronze is more traditional.

Shout-out to the installers from Karoly Windows – they knew what they were doing, especially with the stucco work. They had to custom fit those arches and then patch around them; they did an excellent job matching the exterior texture. And inside, they preserved our interior plaster moldings nicely. So for custom stuff, definitely use an experienced installer.

Happy to answer any questions about going custom or the Mediterranean look! Our house is now super secure for storms, and still looks like its old self, just with a facelift. 😄

This thread is perfect timing. I’m in Land O’ Lakes (Pasco County) and planning to replace my windows in a few months. My house is a 2000s two-story and a bit inland (about 20 miles from the coast). I have a question about hurricane protection vs cost:
Is it worth getting impact-rated windows when you’re inland, or would you go with non-impact windows and use shutters/panels for the occasional hurricane? Impact windows seem significantly more expensive. I’m not in a mandatory evacuation or coastal zone, so building code here doesn’t require impact glass as long as you have shutters or some protection plan.

Right now I have those aluminum builder-grade windows (single pane, not even tempered glass). They definitely need an upgrade for energy efficiency. I will at least do double-pane with Low-E. But I’m torn on spending the extra for impact glass. Have any of you further inland done it, and do you feel it’s worth the cost? Or if you skipped impact, do you regret it or plan to just put up shutters when needed?

I’d love to hear thoughts. My priorities are keeping the house safe (we do get strong winds and occasional hail), but also being budget-conscious. If I save by not getting impact glass, I could maybe afford nicer style upgrades (like the black frames or fancy grids).

@rwilson45, great question. I’m in Brandon, FL (Hillsborough County, not right on the water but we get our fair share of storms) and I recently decided to go all-in with impact windows even though our area didn’t strictly require it. Here’s why I felt it was worth it:
Peace of mind: Hurricanes can hit anywhere in Tampa Bay, as we saw with Irma a few years back (it pushed inland quite a bit). Even inland, you can get strong wind gusts and flying debris. With impact windows, the next time a hurricane is bearing down, I won’t be rushing to put up shutters or plywood. That convenience and peace of mind is huge. We actually stayed for a storm last year and it was nice not having to mess with anything – just locked the windows and rode it out.

Insurance discounts: Check with your home insurance. Many insurers in Florida give a discount if you have all openings (windows, doors) hurricane protected (impact glass or shutters). In my case, the discount on my windstorm policy was pretty substantial – it will actually pay back the difference in cost over some years. It made the upgrade easier to swallow financially. Sounds like you looked into code; even if not required, insurance treats impact windows similar to having shutters up, which is good.

Security & everyday protection: Impact glass is basically shatter-resistant, so it doubles as security against break-ins. It’s a lot harder for someone to break a window and get in. Also, living in an area with random golf-ball-sized hail at times, I don’t worry about hail or fallen branches cracking my windows either.

Noise reduction: A nice side effect, as others have mentioned, is the sound dampening. Laminated impact glass has a plastic layer that deadens sound. My home is definitely quieter now – I don’t wake up as easily from garbage trucks or heavy rain.

We got our windows from ProTech Windows & Doors in Tampa. They were great in explaining the options. They showed me the wind-borne debris maps – even though I’m inland, we’re still in a zone where certain wind speeds are considered. ProTech made sure the windows we chose had the proper ratings (Design Pressure ratings, etc.) for our area. They didn’t pressure me either way but laid out the costs and benefits, which helped our decision.

One more tip: if you go impact, you might not need every single window to open. We actually chose to make a couple of large windows fixed (non-operable) picture windows instead of double-hung, because we never opened them anyway. Fixed ones are a bit cheaper and even more airtight. Then operable ones we did mostly single-hung or double-hung for consistency.

In summary, if you can budget it, I’d vote to do impact glass even in Land O’ Lakes. We still get hurricane threats (Charley in 2004 still had strong winds in eastern Hillsborough/Pasco, etc.). It’s an investment in the home’s safety and your sanity during storm season. If budget is tight, maybe do the most vulnerable side of the house or largest windows first? But ideally, all around is best for that insurance break.

Good luck, and feel free to ask if you have more specific questions on cost or process!

I’m in South Tampa (Hillsborough) and went through a window upgrade on my 1950s concrete block home. Let me share our design and what worked for us:
Frame Color: We actually chose white frames inside and out. I know black is the hot trend (and I do love the look), but we stuck with white for a couple reasons. Our house has white trim and a fairly classic look (mid-century ranch style). White frames gave a clean, timeless appearance and matched the existing trim work. Also, admittedly, I was a bit scared that black might look too harsh on our single-story ranch and might feel trendy now but dated later. White felt like a safer, more timeless choice for us. The nice thing is white frames reflect heat rather than absorb, though as others have said, a good Low-E glass matters more for heat.

Grid vs No Grid: We did a mix. On the front facade, we added some colonial grids to a few windows to match the neighborhood aesthetic (our street has a lot of homes with grids, so it was partly a curb appeal choice). We did a simple 4-over-4 grid on two front windows beside our entry – it gives a charming, traditional look from the street. However, for the back of the house and our sunroom, we opted for no grids at all. We have a nice garden and wanted an unobstructed view. Plus, from inside, looking out through clear glass really makes the space feel more connected to the outdoors. It’s a great compromise: a little fancy in front for curb appeal, clear and open in back for our enjoyment.

Window styles: We mostly used double-hung windows (where both sashes can move). I love these because they tilt inwards for cleaning – super helpful for the windows on the second floor (no ladders needed to clean the exterior glass!). Our old windows were single-hung (only bottom opened) and a couple of old aluminum sliders. Replacing them with double-hungs has been wonderful for ventilation flexibility (we can open the top sash on cooler days to let hot air out). In one wide opening in the living room, we did choose a 3-panel slider (XOX slider, where the outer two slide open towards the center) because it fit that space better and gives us a big opening for breezes.

Performance: Of course, we got impact, Low-E, argon-filled windows (went with a vinyl frame). The difference in comfort is huge. Before, in summer afternoons, our interior felt like a greenhouse and the AC struggled. Now the glass stays relatively cool to the touch and the rooms are much cooler. Also, no more draftiness on cold nights in winter. White frames, by the way, have shown zero issues – easy to clean and no discoloration so far.

Style-wise, I sometimes still admire those bold black-frame looks on Pinterest, but when I see our house, I’m happy we chose what fits our style. The house looks refreshed but still like it belongs in this neighborhood. Neighbors actually thought we’d just repainted the old windows or something – that’s how well they blend.

So my advice: consider your house’s architecture and your long-term taste. Trends are fun (and black does look amazing in many cases), but what matters is that you love how it looks on your home. White is never a bad choice in our book, especially for mid-century or traditional homes in Tampa. And mixing grids/no-grids can give you both tradition and modern feel where you want them.

Happy to answer any Q’s about mixing styles or the double-hung vs slider decision!

Thanks for all the great info so far, everyone. I have a question about frame colors and interior design: For those who went with black (or any dark color) frames, did you do the same color on the interior of the window as well, or choose a different interior color?
I’m asking because I’m building a home up in Odessa (Pasco) with a kind of modern-farmhouse style (white exterior, black shutters, metal roof). I definitely want black window frames on the outside to complete that look. But inside, all our trim will be white and the decor is light. I’m worried that black frames inside might make the windows feel like dark holes in the wall, or clash with white baseboards/trim.

Is it common to have windows that are black outside and white inside? Or do people usually just pick one color for both sides? Does having two-tone frames affect cost or availability?

Also, any issues with the black exterior frames in our intense sun? I’ve heard some horror stories (not sure how true) about dark vinyl frames warping or the color fading in brutal sunlight over the years. The last thing I want is to invest in this look and then have them look chalky or warped after a few summers. If anyone has had black frames for a while, please let me know how they’re holding up!