I stuck with white frames for a few reasons:
1. Interior flexibility: White inside just goes with everything. I like to change up wall colors and decor, and white windows never clash. If I had black frames, I’d feel locked into a certain palette or style to complement them.
2. Heat considerations: This might be less of an issue with good quality windows, but I was a bit concerned that dark frames (especially in vinyl) could absorb more heat and potentially risk warping or making the house a tad hotter by radiating heat. Maybe that’s minor, but in Florida every bit counts. Our white frames stay cooler to the touch in the sun.
3. House style: Our home has a classic look (red brick, white columns and trim), and white windows just fit that aesthetic perfectly. Black would have been too high-contrast and might have made the house look chopped up. The windows now blend in smoothly with the trim, which was the look we wanted.
So far, very happy with white. It’s crisp, clean, and classic. Sometimes I get a tinge of envy seeing stylish black-framed window pics online, but when I look at our home in person, I know we made the right choice for our situation.
We actually did a mix: our windows are dark bronze on the outside and white on the inside. Best decision ever for us. The bronze exterior gives a modern, upscale vibe against our light tan stucco, but inside we have the traditional white that makes our rooms feel bright. It truly is the best of both worlds.
We got this through a manufacturer that offers exterior color and interior color separately (which ProTech Windoors mentioned during our quote, so we knew it was possible). It was a slight upcharge but not outrageous. Bronze is a nice color too – it’s dark enough to be in that trendy dark family, but it’s a bit softer than stark black, kind of a deep espresso brown. It doesn’t jump out as much, in a good way.
The two-tone option also solved an argument in our household: I wanted dark exteriors for style, my spouse wanted white interior for the inside decor. When we learned we could do both, we were sold. So anyone wavering between two choices, check if you can have both! Many companies offer it nowadays.
Oh, and one more thing: even though our interior frames are white, we did get bronze hardware (cranks, locks) for the windows that crank open. It’s a small detail but it makes the interior side tie in a bit with the exterior look when you notice it. Looks very intentional.
By the way, has anyone played with window shapes beyond the standard rectangle? I have a cottagey house and I kept daydreaming about putting a round window somewhere (like User22’s porthole idea). I haven’t done it yet, but I might in a future phase of renovation, maybe in an attic or a small powder room just for a fun accent.
I’m also curious about how people integrate those half-circle (fanlight) windows over doors or big windows. We have a regular rectangular transom above our front door, but I see those semi-circular ones on some homes and they really give a classic elegance. If anyone replaced or added one, did you find it hard to get a match for your other windows?
And what about triangles or other odd shapes? I feel like in modern architecture you sometimes see triangle windows following the roofline. In an older home, maybe a diamond-shaped window on a staircase could be cool. These are more 'out there' ideas, but with custom window companies, it seems almost anything is possible if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Would love to hear if anyone took the plunge on an unusual shape and how it affected the home’s character.
@timmentor – We have a half-circle transom above our entry door. It was there originally (house built in early 90s) and when we got a new door and window package, we kept that shape. It definitely adds a bit of elegance. The one thing we changed: the old one had an ornate sunburst grid in the semicircle, which felt dated to us, so we opted for a plain glass half-round when we updated. Now it’s just a clean half-circle window and it actually looks more timeless without the fussy pattern.
We also have a small octagon window in a bathroom (original to the house). When we replaced it, we went with frosted glass for privacy but no grid. It’s a fun little accent that suits our somewhat traditional house – kind of a throwback detail. If I didn’t have one already, I’m not sure I’d add an octagon randomly, but since it was there, we made it a feature with the new glass.
I’ve seen triangle windows in A-frame cabins and such – super cool in the right setting. For a typical house in Tampa, a triangle or diamond might stand out too much unless used very purposefully (like in a gable where it echoes the roof shape). But hey, if you have a spot that’s asking for a statement, a custom shape could be that wow factor. Just consider the cost and also the window treatments – odd shapes are harder to cover if you ever need to.
I’ve got a story of a friend’s house – he built a modern style home in St. Pete and put in a large triangular window in the front gable. It’s like a slice of pie shape, spanning almost the full width of the gable and coming down a bit from the peak. From outside, it’s an architectural statement for sure – the house really stands out on the block because of it. From inside, that triangular window is in their loft area and it gives this dramatic view of the sky and palm trees. They even positioned it so during certain times of year, the moonlight shines through at night which is kind of magical.
It wasn’t cheap, though. He joked that that one triangle cost as much as three normal windows. But it was a design splurge he budgeted for. They got it impact-rated, which was apparently a special order of course. And it doesn’t open (fixed glass), so no ventilation from it, just light and view.
It taught me that if there’s a specific look you want, sometimes it’s worth it for the character it adds. The rest of his windows are rectangles, pretty standard (albeit large and with a dark frame). But everyone talks about “the triangle window house” when giving directions! It’s become a defining feature. So yeah, a well-placed unique window can elevate the whole design if done right.
A practical consideration that I came across during my design planning: furniture placement relative to windows. If you’re making windows bigger or adding new ones, think about what’s inside that room. We almost made a mistake in our study – we planned to drop a window lower for more light, which would have been great, but then realized our desk would sit right in front of it. That would not only block part of the window (looking odd from outside) but also put glare on our computer.
We adjusted the plan: instead of one lower window behind the desk, we put two tall, narrow windows on either side of the desk. It actually looks really nice – kind of a symmetrical setup – and leaves the center wall space for the desk and bookshelves. From outside, those two windows added a new element to the exterior that looked intentional (like flanking windows), whereas one big window with the back of a desk showing might have looked off.
So, before you commit to a window size or placement, take inventory of your interior layout – beds, couches, tables, etc. You might find that a slightly different shape or a few inches of height change could make a room more usable. And you avoid that awkward “sofa in front of a window” look unless that’s the look you’re going for (sometimes a couch under a window is fine if the window is higher). It’s all about planning holistically.
Building on User67’s point, another area to think about is kitchens and bathrooms with respect to window height. We did a kitchen remodel and decided to drop the window over the sink down to the counter height. Best decision! Now the backsplash is basically the window and it makes the kitchen feel so open. We had to use special tempered glass since it’s near water and all, but it looks awesome. From the outside, it’s one big window that aligns with the other windows’ bottoms, but inside it goes right to the counter.
In our master bathroom, we put a skinny horizontal window up high in the shower. It runs almost the length of the wall but it’s only maybe 1 foot tall and right under the ceiling. You can’t see in or out (except the sky and treetops), but it floods the shower with natural light. Exterior-wise, it just looks like a high strip of glass – kind of modern – but it’s on the side of the house so it’s not a focal point from the street.
My takeaway: customizing window placement in functional spaces can really improve daily life. Just be mindful of codes (like tempered glass near tubs, etc.) and try to make it look aligned or neatly placed externally. That way you get both form and function right.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned skylights or solar tubes yet – they’re not windows in the vertical sense, but they are windows to the sky! I know this thread is about windows, but for interior light lovers, adding a skylight can be transformative. We put in a tubular skylight (solar tube) in our hallway and one in a closet (yes, a closet!). It made those spaces so much brighter without any exterior wall window.
In Florida, you do have to get the impact-rated skylights or hurricane covers for them, but they are available. We also have an older home with a couple of traditional skylights in a vaulted ceiling and we got them replaced with new ones that have Low-E glass to cut down heat. They now even have ones with built-in blinds for skylights if you want to dim them.
I mention this because someone reading might think “I wish I could add a window but I have no wall for it” – the ceiling could be an option. It definitely adds light and a nice design element (imagine showering under a skylight seeing clouds above, pretty cool!). Just ensure a good install so they don’t leak. They can really complement the overall lighting scheme along with your vertical windows.
Since this thread has become such a comprehensive resource, I’m going to attempt a quick recap of key lessons and tips shared (hopefully helpful for newcomers):
Align with Architecture: Choose window styles (modern sleek vs. divided-lite traditional) that match your home’s design. Respect the era/character of your house even as you update. A cohesive look beats chasing trends blindly.
Frame Color Matters: White is classic and versatile; dark colors like black/bronze add bold contrast and a modern touch. Two-tone frames (dark outside, light inside) can offer the best of both.
Grille Patterns: Grids (muntins) lend a traditional look, clear glass feels modern. You can compromise – for example, grids on the front for curb appeal, none on the back for views. Removable grids or grids-between-glass are great for flexibility and easy cleaning.
Glass & Climate: In sunny, hot Tampa Bay, Low-E glass and optional tinting are your friends. They cut heat and UV without spoiling the appearance. Impact-rated glass is a must for hurricane safety (or you’ll need shutters). These might slightly alter the look (thicker frames, slight glass tint), but worth it.
Interior Considerations: Think about how windows look and function inside. Deep window sills can be decor or plant shelves. Ensure new windows work with your furniture placement and room layout. Coordinate window hardware finish with your interior style if possible.
Unique Features: Special windows (arches, rounds, triangles, etc.) can add character and wow-factor. Use them thoughtfully – a little goes a long way. Creative placement (high clerestory windows, backsplash windows, corner glass) can solve design problems and create highlights.
Installation & Practical Tips: Use reputable local pros (many here had good experiences with Karoly Windows, ProTech Windoors, etc.). Prep your home by removing window treatments and covering furniture. Expect some minor drywall or paint touch-ups. The disruption is short-term; the results are long-term.
Maintenance & Materials: Consider cleaning and durability. Internal or removable grids make cleaning easier. In coastal/humid areas, vinyl or fiberglass resist corrosion better than plain aluminum. If you want wood aesthetics, look at wood-clad or wood-look interior options.
Blend Style with Trend: Trends (like black frames or huge sliders) are great inspiration, but filter them through what fits your home’s architecture and your personal taste. A design that feels right for your home will age better than a one-size-fits-all trend.
Huge thanks to everyone who shared their experience and advice. This thread truly turned into a masterclass on window design for the Tampa Bay area (and beyond)!
I just want to chime in to say this thread has been incredibly helpful and enjoyable to read. It's like having a community brainstorming session with folks who genuinely care about their homes. 👍 I think a lot of people are going to benefit from this conversation, not just now but for a long time (I can see this being pinned as a reference guide for window ideas!).
Personally, I feel much more confident in making decisions for my own window project now. I was on the fence about several things, and hearing real experiences (good and bad, and creative solutions) has tilted me towards choices that make sense for me. And I love how people here naturally mentioned local companies like Karoly Windows and ProTech Windoors in the flow of conversation – as someone who didn’t know where to start with contractors, I’ve now got a couple of names that others trust.
Kudos to everyone. This is what makes forums great – homeowners helping homeowners with no agenda, just sharing what they’ve learned. Keep the ideas coming if there are any more, but otherwise, thanks a ton! This has been a great read from start to finish.