The white house black trim exterior is a modern classic. Get inspired by adding modern black windows or read on for ideas on what you can do to your current white house.
As you probably know, our house is currently a cream brick and white siding split level. I've always loved the look of a white and black house but one that has neither color being too stark. I've played around with a few iterations of mockups for our house with just black frame windows or dark painted trim around the windows but haven't made any firm decisions on what I want to do yet.
As Ive gone through the research process, trying to nail down what I love about a house with black windows - specifically a white house with black trim - I thought it would be fun to share some of those inspirations with you to help inspire you if you are currently pondering some the same ideas.
13 White Houses with Black Trim for Inspiration
STYLE 1: COMBINE PAINTED WHITE BRICK WITH WHITE SIDING AND BLACK TRIM WINDOWS
This house has modern black windows that give the whole house a cohesive feel even though it seems to mesh housing styles a bit. I've seen the inside photos of this house, it's Elise's from the Fox Family Den, and I know those black exterior windows really let in a ton of light.
STYLE 2: TAKE A LOOK AT A WARMER WHITE HOUSE WITH BLACK WINDOWS
My personal favorite black window trim exterior is this one, which features more of a warm white. Pair that black window trim exterior with the copper gutters and you have one gorgeous house, right? I was reading in the comments on this house by Twin Construction the the white paint on the exterior is Sherwin Williams Natural Choice. It's absolutely perfect in my opinion.
STYLE 3: BLACK WINDOW TRIM EXTERIOR ON GRID-STYLE WINDOWS
I wanted to find a good example of a nine pane black window exterior. This type of window has more trim painted dark and I think it's really nice to see that this combo on a white and black house looks really great. Major props to soft landscaping and lighting. This house has the gutters painted black, too! I did a whole post on black gutters because I think this is a neat accent to consider adding.
STYLE 4: WHITE HOUSE WITH BLACK WINDOWS AND WOOD GARAGE DOOR
The wood garage doors on this black and white house exterior definitely grab the eye and add warmth to the exterior. The paint color on this house is Sherwin Williams Alabaster and, even though it's not a super bright white, the warmth of the wood is definitely a nice design choice. Also, another house with black gutters!
STYLE 5: BLACK WINDOWS EXTERIOR ON FARMHOUSE
I wanted to show you an example of a gorgeous, but simple farmhouse with modern black windows. I think the black trim helps modernize the farmhouse in a way that bridges the old and new.
STYLE 6: MODERN RANCH BLACK AND WHITE HOUSE EXTERIOR
Personally, I love seeing older houses reimagined and this modern ranch house is super cute. The updated modern black windows really shine and bring curb appeal to the front. Sometimes, I feel like houses with black windows, when they are painted, can look start but this one definitely just comes off homey. Some of that might be the landscaping or the colored dutch door, but either way, I think this white and black house is super cute.
STYLE 7: COLONIAL WITH BLACK FRAME WINDOWS
If you want to see a GREAT before/after of a colonial and how the white and black house exterior paint color changes the look, then you definitely want to check this one out.
STYLE 8: RANCH HOUSE WITH BLACK WINDOW EXTERIOR
I wrote a post about black gutters and shared this great before/after but wanted to share it again. I love the example of this stucco house that was painted by the homeowner. The fresh and crisp painted white house with black trim and black gutters really looks nice, doesn't it?
STYLE 9: VICTORIAN WHITE HOUSE WITH BLACK WINDOWS
I wasn't sure if I would like a victorian style house with black exterior windows, but it looks just as nice as all the other styles that I've show you today. I do think this example used a creamy white exterior paint color which I think plays well with the house era so that's something to keep in mind.
STYLE 10: TWO STORY WHITE HOUSE WITH BLACK GARAGE
I'm in love with this makeover because I can totally see where it was compared to where it is today. If someone said that chunky black window trim would look good on a house like this, I would have been skeptical. Honestly though, I think the large window trim and the black garage door pairing work really well together.
STYLE 11: UPDATED SPLIT-LEVEL WITH BLACK TRIM WINDOWS
Personally, I'm always looking at split-level house updates so I was drawn to trying to find some that showed houses with black windows. If I'm 100% honest, I think the paint scheme is really good on this house but the house proportions are a bit off for my aesthetic. If money was no problem, I'd love to see larger, longer windows on the top floor. A smaller budget decision might just be to add window boxes under the black trim windows. I think carrying in more of the wood from the beams over the door would look really good.
STYLE 12: STONE EXTERIOR WITH BLACK WINDOW
I really love how classic yet modern this exterior looks. The black accents pop off the white stone. I also really love the neutral door instead of having a black door!
Anyways, I hope you got some ideas if you are wanting a white house with black windows and black trim. There's so many different ways to get different looks of a white house, whether it be painting the trim a creamy white or adding black shutters. Also, do you plan on painting the gutters black and the soffit? These are the decisions that I'm still going back and forth on but seeing more examples of black and white houses is definitely helpful!
sharon
would you be replacing your windows or painting your existing windows black? i have a white vinyl sided house with white vinyl windows. would love to paint mine but i’m not sure if it’s something that would last without peeling or cracking.
Ashley Mayes
Hi Sharon,
So, Jess at Bright Green Door did hers a few years ago. I would comment on her post if I were you (or see if there are updated comments) to see how hers have held up. https://www.brightgreendoor.com/painting-vinyl-windows-black/
John
Thanks for the great tips on updating the exterior look of the house! I particularly liked the idea of adding black windows and trim. It will definitely give the house a modern and stylish appearance.
Ken
Perfectly grabs the appeal of the white house with black trim. Love how you're exploring ways to balance the starkness, ensuring the design feels modern but also inviting. Sharing your inspirations is such a thoughtful way to help others look for their own design journey. Your research will undoubtedly spark great ideas. Thanks!
Patti Myles
Do you know a good AI site where I could try out different looks for the front of my house?
Jeanine
These are all beautiful homes! Personally, I would go with a dark green like Sherwin Williams Retreat on the trim. I think it would look especially good with a cream brick or paint on the main body of the house like yours!