Add a touch of modern farmhouse style to your kitchen with painted black window frames. So easy to do with a paint brush and black paint.
Let's talk about painted black window frames again.
I know, I'm getting ahead of myself.
You haven't seen my completed dining area yet, but I finally finished painting the window frames black in the kitchen/dining area and had to share.
This is what we started with...
Our house was built in 1946 and it had metal casement windows throughout. Most have been replaced but we still have 3 on the main floor. Two big ones in the kitchen/dining area and one in the "castle" bedroom (our nickname for the one guest bedroom).
I love these windows and they are one of the things that sold me on this house when we looked at it. Besides letting in tons of light, they add so much character to the space.
They were freshly painted white before we bought the house but I wanted to paint them black from the moment we moved in. My dear hubs wasn't buying my vision...at all...but after talking about it for months, I finally did what any woman would do
I went for it!
I knew it wouldn't be a quick project but I never expected painting window frames to be as tough as it was.
It wasn't really hard, it was just time consuming. Very time consuming. Four coats of paint, lots of scraping and several rounds of touch-ups to transform these beauties.
Although it took a lot of time, it was a very inexpensive project. I had a quart of paint and didn't even use half of it for both windows. So, if you want a big change and a lot of bang for your buck, painting your window frames is the right project for you.
Supplies for painting window frames
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- quart of paint
- painter's tape
- several different sized paint brushes (my favorite brush)
I tried to use painter's tape on the first window but it was a bust. While I carefully tried to remove it (after I scored it), it pulled the paint off. Not good when you spend so much time painting. I ended up having to repaint the outer frame again, with lots of touch-ups to the windowsill afterwards.
It's all good in the end because they look great.
There's 70 years worth of paint on these windows which means lots of old drips and plenty of layers. They are old and it shows.
The ideal thing to do would be to strip the old paint off and start fresh but that isn't on my to-do list.
I did the dining area window first and then moved on to the beast, the kitchen window.
Besides the fact that it's a bigger window, it's over the sink so it was harder to reach comfortably.
Here is the first appearance of the new addition to our family. Leo, the fiddle leaf fig. 🙂 I'm able to have him because of all that light shining through those black windows panes.
Is it weird or do you name your plants too?
I'm in love with the way the windows look!
The black really brings out the character of the windows. It just adds so much to this room. I'm so glad I went with my instincts.
Oh, and Roger...
He loves them too! I knew he would, even if he didn't. 😉
I do love them but I'm glad that they aren't through the whole house. It would take forever to paint them all.
How about you? Could you see black window frames in your own home?
I also have a post on taking care of paint brushes and rollers. A must for any home painter.
Check out more DIY projects we've done in the kitchen...
Open Shelving in the Kitchen for Under $50
Easy Kitchen Island Makeover
Melanie says
Congrats to Renee.
I love what you've done here....the black with the white is great!! You are so talented.
Kristi says
Awww, thanks so much Melanie, you are so sweet. I like the contrast of black and white too. 🙂
The Hubs says
I have to admit they look great, and I never had to touch a paint brush, that was even better.
Kristi says
Thanks. Since I did all the painting, you can go out and clean the windows for me. ;P
Rebecca says
The black window frames look so good. It gives them an old European look, in my opinion, which is very cool. Nice work.
Kristi says
Thanks Rebecca. The paint does give them an old European look. Maybe that's why I love the look. 🙂
Karen says
Love the finished look. Black was definitely the way to honor those beautiful Windows! Looking to put roll-up blind like yours in our kitchen. Any helpful hints on how you hung it so perfectly inside your trim? Thanks, can't wait for your next project.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Kare. I agree, the black really highlights the windows. 🙂
As for the blind, I just made sure I measured accurately. It was actually very easy to install to the top of the window molding, not the sides. Most made to order blinds have a slot where the mounting screw comes down and there is plenty of room for adjustment. Hope this makes sense. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to email me.
Catherine Feeney says
Looks fabulous! Can't wait to see in person. And of course the hubby love it!
Kristi says
Hey my friend! You'll have to stop by and see them in person. Hope you are well.
Debbie H says
OK I confess I couldn't see it either, but in my defense I thought you were painting the wood work too. This is perfect. It shows off the window and gives them much character. Kudos to you. Would I paint mine, no, I do not have enough patience. LOL Looking forward to the next reveal.
Kristi says
I wondered if you would doubt it Debbie (LOL), but that's ok. This look isn't for everyone. We gotta do what we love for our own homes, right?
You're right about having patience though, this was a true test. I couldn't have done more than the two in this room.
Hope you are well. Have a great week. 🙂
Joanne Vest says
Love it, but I am a black and white fanatic! I may or may not have asked you, I just keep stalking for this one particular item, that black and white stripped pitcher! I have the one from the dollar spot at Target. I also have a yellow and white and red and white stripped larger pitcher. So if yours is not from Target, where did you get it? I've looked on line at the manufacturer of my other ones, but to no avail. The ones I have came from Home Goods. Any help,is greatly appreciated! Love all,your ideas! So inspiring! Keep sharing!
Kristi says
Thanks Joanne! I'm loving black and white right now too.
The striped pitcher is indeed from the Dollar Spot at Target. I've occasionally looked around for others, but have never seen any striped pitchers anywhere else. If I ever do, I'll be happy to let you know. 🙂
Thanks for stopping in and I hope you have a great week!
Kaycee says
Kristi, Great instinct girl, you were so correct, these windows are perfect now painted black!! (and yes, that kitchen window must have been really tough on your back!) I love the contrast against the white room, both windows look like art pieces now because of their strong presence in the space. Awesome job!
Congratulations to Renee!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Kaycee, for your sweet comment! I love the contrast too. They just draw you in as you walk into the room. I'm so glad I did it.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week! 🙂
susan scimeca says
I love the black frames....much better then the white. It complements your white tiles and black grouted floor in the kitchen and I love the pop of wood in the matchstick blinds and counter top.Nice deep windowsills too. I use to have metal casement windows in our old 1952 home here and they were a royal pain to paint so I can sympathize with you. I love the strong contrast of black with white myself.
Your whole style really is visually appealing to me and I could easily live in your home. The clean lines, monotones and simple decorations are perfect. Heck, I'm the same age as your home so I guess I would work well there too...lol I just don't clean up as well. 😉
Keep up the good work, I love watching what you come up with next.
A old gal from Chicago
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Susan! I appreciate your sweet comment. You're so right, they were a royal pain to paint. 😉 I'm not sure I would have done it if I'd known. I'm glad they're done and I love how they look so I guess it was worth it.
I'm almost positive the island was custom made, onsite. There's no other way they could have gotten it in. I had to negotiate hard for it but I really love it.
Thanks for reading. Hope your week is great!
susan scimeca says
PS Do you know where the island came from or was it custom built?
Pat M says
I absolutely love the black window frames and would certainly do mine except my windows are newer and have the crossbars in between the layers of glass and they are white, so I would lose the effect.
I know how hard it must have been to paint the window over the sink. I myself have spent time sitting in the sink when decorating around an above the sink window - removing wallpaper, caulking a cold air leaking window, washing the window on the inside, etc. Such a window is a good idea until you have to get to it to do something.
You did a great job and must have had a ton of patience. The result is well worth it, so enjoy.
Kristi says
Thanks Pat! I have the same windows that you have throughout the rest of the house so I wouldn't be able to do it to any more. I'm not sure I would want to do anymore anyway, at least not right now. They were tough. 😉
You're so right about having a window over the sink. I really love it until we have to clean it or paint it. As a matter of fact, I'm still waiting for the hubs to clean the outside. It really needs it.
Hope you have a great week! 🙂
Roxie Dugas says
Love that we are getting back to the black and white direction?
Kristi says
Me too, Roxie! I love the contrast!!! 🙂
tracy H says
Awesome. They look really classy and classic. Love them. Thank you for sharing
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Tracy, I really appreciate it!
Stacy says
Love love love the windows. What a difference the black makes. Great job.
Kristi says
They really do make a difference. Thanks so much, Stacy! 🙂
Cynthia Chilson Finger says
I cannot tell you how much I love your windows!! Stunning! Thanks for sharing.
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Cynthia! I love the way they turned out. 🙂
Deborah says
LOOKS AH-MAZING
Kristi says
Awww, thanks so much Deborah, I appreciate it! 🙂
Kim says
The black looks amazing. Your work paid off...elegant. Enjoy your new view!
Kristi says
Thanks Kim. I love the new view and can't wait to see all the leaves come out through our "new" windows. 😉
Marijean Jenson says
That looks great ! I love it ! If I that style windows I totally would do it.
Kristi says
Thanks so much! I'm glad that I went ahead and did it. 🙂
Nancy says
Oh, yes. The windows in black are stunning. I love this look so much, and agree with a previous commenter that they look "European". If I had a home like yours, I'd definitely think about doing something like this. Glad Hubs is on board now. xo
Kristi says
Thanks Nancy. I do love them and I'm glad that I listened to my gut. Once I knew they were going to look good, I knew Hubs would like them too. 😉
Debra Christensen says
I love the black window frames and I knew your husband would too!!! Wish I could paint mine black but they are new vinyl windows. Oh well. At least I have the black interior doors!!!
Kristi says
Oooo, good for you Debra! I love black doors too. I don't think they would look good in our small space but I may get a bug and try them one day. 😉
Renee says
Funny, I was walking past a home today and noticed that it had black painted window frames and thought to myself, "wow, that looks great." And, then today I see this post! Maybe someone is trying to tell me something?
Kristi says
Maybe they are Renee. 😉 Go for it! Hey, it's only paint. You can always repaint if you don't like it.
Brenda, Florida says
Brenda, Florida
I'm a little late in commenting, but the windows look great! They add just the right touch.
Kristi says
Thanks Brenda. It's great to hear from you and it's never too late to comment. 😉
Margaret says
I am using that same paint on our exterior front doors and shutters . . . I have to agree with you, a little goes a LONG way. I feel like that little quart is magical, because it never seems to empty! Our house was built in 1928 and we have the same issues that you do painting over old drips and cracks. I actually love the way it looks ~ gives the place the worn and loved look I am (am learning to) appreciate! I think your windows look AMAZING and I'm so glad your husband finally saw the light . . . or, er, the dark, as the case may be!
Kristi says
Thanks Margaret. I love the paint too and, you are right, it is magical. 😉 It took me a while to warm up to the look of the old drips and cracks, but the overall look won me over. I think that it was such a big change that I just had to get used to it. All's good now. I'm so glad that I made the change.
Good luck with your painting project. Hope you have a great week!
Christine says
Kristi I am totally in love with the black.... You did an amazing job and I am sure that you are also fearless! have been wanting to do that to some windows, but wonder if it'l be weird that other windows are still white.
Great job!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Christine, I appreciate it. I love how the windows turned out. I worried about the difference but it hasn't bothered me at all. I guess I feel that the new black windows are part of the decor of the kitchen/dining room, just like a wall color or shelves. 🙂
Carol ("Mimi") says
The black window frames are more sophisticated and modern, lending a slightly industrial vibe to the room. They're just right with your wonderfully styled kitchen décor. Great job!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Carol. I was a little nervous going into it but I think it was the right thing for the room.
Debrashoppeno5 says
I love how this looks. It makes me think of the converted warehouses from the 20's and 30's with the steel window frames.
Kristi says
Thank you! We have the same kind of windows in our basement but they have never been painted so they really have that vintage look. 🙂
Elizabeth | Ellie & Elizabeth says
Wow! What an amazing transformation. It also reminds me of the steel window frames. I was a little nervous about the reveal and it looks so good! I really love it.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Elizabeth. My husband was a little nervous about the reveal too. 😉 We both love them though. Thanks for stopping in.
Ginger M Cochran says
These look great! I've always wanted to try black trim throughout the house but not sure that'll ever happen 🙁 Anyways, I'd be pleased if you could visit my blog and perhaps share some of your DIY's in my new linky party, Support Your Fellow Crafter on Monday's? Thank you so much!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Ginger, I appreciate you stopping by and the invite. 🙂
Robin says
Wow what a difference a little black paint makes. Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster party. PINNED
Robin | Fluster Buster
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Robin, I appreciate it!
bonbon says
Love this new look. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Me Monday. I wanted to let you know that you are one of my featured picks this week. Come by and check it out
Kristi says
Wow, so awesome! Thanks so much!!!
Laura L says
It looks great! It really works well in the room! I like my white though, so probably wouldn't repaint mine, but never say never. 😉
Kristi says
Thanks Laura! I really love the change.
We all have our own style, that's what makes design so interesting. Rock those white windows! 😉
Theresa says
Love your windows painted black. Your kitchen is so pretty. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Theresa, I appreciate it. 🙂
Linda Bass says
I love it! I'm in the middle of kitchen makeover and this really caught my eye. The window really pulled the room together. I'm featuring you on social media this week. Come bye and visit some time @ Home Cooking.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Linda! I appreciate you sharing my kitchen windows. 🙂
Courtney says
Love how they turned out- so good!!!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Courtney. I appreciate the feature. Hope you have a great weekend!
laura says
Holy Cow! Love these! Okay so I painted my window trim white because when we ordered new windows for kitchen and dining room they were beige. And, I had the same convo with my husband and just went for it, but after trying a brush for like 4 minutes I went back to Depot and bought gloss white spray and just used a razor to clean the windows. Would love for you Kristi to see mine. I think i have an image in my sidebar!
How do the black windows work with your non black trim windows? Hm.....PS the spray worked great on the crank with my windows. love it! laura
Kristi says
I love our windows painted black too, Laura! I'm so glad that I did it. As for it working with our non black windows...
I was worried about that but the two windows I painted are in the same room, with no other "like" windows in sight so I don't think it's an issue. Not with me anyway. 😉 Hope that makes sense.
I saw your windows and they look awesome! What a great way to transform your oops. So smart!
Thanks so much for stopping in, introducing yourself and taking a tour of my blog.
Danielle says
Hi I found this post via pinterest when I was looking for inspiration and direction for DIY black windows. Your windows look beautiful! However I was going to buy the same products you used and I am seeing two different Rust-oleum paints listed. One is the Protective Enamel in gloss black listed under you 'My Amazon Picks'.... the other is Ultra Cover in Semi-gloss pictured on a window sill with tape and brushes. Did you try both? Which did you ultimately go with? I'm just not sure whether I want gloss or semi-gloss. Its one window in my kitchen. Its not a very beautiful window but I'm hoping this project will improve its overall appearance!
Joan Gumaer Tyhurst says
Kristi, Hi, my friend, I had no idea that you painted those casements. Great job- of course. What are your plans for the castle other than casement painting? Are you repurposing? Take care. Joan