Project: Painted Sashes in Contemporary Black Finish

Black windows aren’t traditional, but they’re everywhere now—and when done right on the right building, they look sharp. This Canterbury Victorian terrace owner wanted to move away from the standard white but needed planning permission because it’s a conservation area.

We wrote the planning application explaining that black-painted joinery has historical precedent (Victorians used black paint extensively), provided visual mockups, and referenced similar approved schemes nearby. Council approved in 6 weeks.

The windows themselves are Georgian sash style with hidden springs, manufactured in engineered pine and finished in Farrow & Ball Railings—a proper black, not grey-black. We added polished chrome sash lifts and stays as a contemporary touch that elevates the whole look.

What’s interesting is how black windows change a building’s presence. This house went from “nice period terrace” to “architectural statement” without changing anything except window colour. The clients love it, the street loves it, and we’ve had inquiries from other houses wanting the same treatment.

Sometimes a simple colour decision makes all the difference. Just make sure you get planning approval first—conservation areas don’t appreciate surprises.