How to Choose the Best Exterior Trim for Your Window

Exterior window trim is a design element that’s often overlooked homeowners. It may seem like a minor detail to some, but the right trim is vital to any window replacement project. In addition to enhancing curb appeal, it covers gaps to prevent water, heat and humidity from finding their way into your home.

Today, we provide some design ideas that will help you choose the best window trim for your exterior.

Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style

Exterior window trim can be simple or elaborate depending on the home’s architectural style. Picture-frame trim, for instance, doesn’t have any ornamentation and is perfect for ranch-style homes. Wide trim can be used to encase a group of windows—a common exterior design element found in Craftsman and Prairie homes. Fluted trim, rosettes and additional cornices are ornate exterior window trim that won’t look out of place on Victorian, Colonial and English cottage homes.

Decide If You Want to Contrast or Blend In

If you happen to have a brick exterior and you want the trim to blend in with the rest of your home’s facade, select trim that matches the exterior’s lightest or darkest color. For other types of siding, choose a color that’s one or two shades lighter than the exterior’s dominant color. If you want a contrasting look between your non-brick siding and trim, choose from white, off-white or dark hues like black, dark gray or dark brown.

Follow Guidelines for Color Coordination

Coordinating exterior colors can be quite tricky, which is why you must follow these guidelines when tackling your window replacement project:

• Window and door frames often look better painted in the principal body color.

• Sashes and shutters should be the darkest parts of the color scheme so that the entire window appears to recede into the facade.

• Storm windows and sash should be the same color.

• The color of the sash can be repeated on the porch steps and the front door.

At A&A Services Home Improvement, we’re committed to providing our customers with the highest quality replacement windows. You can choose from a variety of styles, brands and accessories to beautify your home and make it resistant to local weather. When you work with us, you can be assured your window replacement project will be smooth and hassle-free.

Call us at (978) 295-7088 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve residents of Andover, Salem, and Peabody.

Tags: replacement windows, window contractor, window replacement, window trim