Should you pick white or almond vinyl windows?
This issue has gotten enough attention on my husband’s construction sites and in my color and design work, that I thought I give you my thoughts about this issue.
First of all, I want to say that I understand there are other options for the color of your windows. My dream house would ideally have steel windows like those of Jill Sharp Brinson’s, shown in House Beautiful. They are stunning and have a contemporary edge. That combo makes my designer senses have a happy dance.
However, as long as I live in the mountains of Wyoming, they might not be an option. I’ve only seen them in warmer climates.
We usually use triple paned, energy efficient Ply Gem vinyl (I believe the 2000 series) windows. They handily beat other brand-named windows in price, and we love their lifetime warranty + mechanisms. The down side (or one might argue strength) is that Ply Gem only offers them in white or almond.
The second thing I want to mention is that there’s no absolute wrong. This is simply my opinion. I’ll explain why I would choose one over the other, but you can disagree with me. I’ll love you anyway.
What is my opinion?
Some of you already know.
I love white windows. There are two reasons.
One, it’s a lot easier to pick your interior trim color. You have to be really careful about the “off-white” you pick that goes with almond windows. It’s even more complicated when you want a neutral wall color to go with your “off-white” trim. Whether you choose a neutral that is gray or beige, it starts to fight with your trim color. You walk a fine line with what you pick, or you are going to have a neutral mess on your hands . When people get to this situation, they want to return to white trim so that their interior wall colors can be more flexible.
And now I point out the obvious: if you want white trim, you should pick white windows.
Two, almond windows will fade in direct, fierce sunlight or show water marks more than white windows.
On the other hand, white windows show dirt. They will have to be wiped down, but we’ve never had issues with fading or yellowing. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
When would I suggest almond windows? When trim is stained wood instead of paint grade. I’m guessing that the majority of you who follow my blog aren’t installing wood trim anyway.
So, which option is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!
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Happy Monday!
Tawna,
Question for you. We are building a home in St. George in the red rocks there. The home is southwestern style on outside stucco with casita, rock front to the casita. We are having bronze windows on the outside. Inside the house will be quite modern with grey wood floors and white kitchen. All the homes there have almond trim on the inside of the windows. I think it looks weird with my color scheme. I can also opt for white, but everyone is telling me when you look out at the red rocks and natural beauty outside and between the courtyard and casita, white is too harsh. A lot of those homes in that area do a lot of dark colored cabinets.
Hi Christina! I would have to see photos to better understand your situation, but as a general rule, warm tones DO look better in desert areas. If you have your finishes set, you will probably want to go with white since it’s on your cabinets, etc. I agree that gray, white, and almond will be hard to make cohesive. However, if there is still time to adjust finishes, I’d gently adjust the scheme so that everything is warmer, even the wood floors. It can still be modern and warm at the same time! I hope that helps.
I know this is an old post, but we are currently in the building process. I have an alabaster hardi exterior and antique brick exterior. We also have stained posts on front porch and a stained wood door. Should I purchase white or almond windows? The trim will be alabaster, and the shutters will be cyberspace or inkwell.
Hi Christy,
Yes, this is an old post :). Sorry it took me a minute to get to it. I don’t offer any color consulting on homes I can’t see. There are too many variables to consider to give the best advice. The only thing I can suggest is to get samples in as many things as possible and look at them on the outside and inside. Almond windows do complicate the color on the inside of the house exponentially, so that should also be a consideration. Best wishes!