Choosing new window frames for Melbourne homes that complement surrounding weatherboard, brick or render while retaining visual lightness demands balancing act. As a glazier installing across Victoria’s coastal and country locales for over 20 years, I regularly advise clients on sympathetic tones.
Considerations when selecting replacement window frame colours include:
- Common exterior building material shades
- Regional rainfall levels and mould risks
- Overall house era and architectural style
- Personal colour preferences
Here are versatile window frame colours suiting most Melbourne exteriors:
Classic cream tones
Creamy natural timber mimics Melbourne’s preponderance of weatherboard while remaining light against darker bricks. It also counters the grey overcast skies common across Victoria. Natural timber also ages elegantly, avoiding cheap ‘orange wood’ discolouration over time.
Heritage charcoal
Sensitively referencing the darker variants of Victorian, Edwardian and Federation era homes, a classic charcoal frame possesses versatility against both lighter and darker surroundings. The deeper tone provides bold definition along with heritage charm.
Dune
Drawing from sandstone hues, Dune-coloured frames pair seamlessly with beige render as well as weatherboard mixes. The warmth counters cooler grey bluestone and granite constructions equally. It also avoids stark contrast against vibrantly painted Federation structures.
Woodland grey
For contemporary grey or blue-grey exteriors, a matching mid-range Woodland Grey frame blends sympathetically. Complementing cool stone or concrete textures, definition against glass is still retained. Coastal locations prone to mould also suit grey’s resilience.
While popular, stark white window frames only suit already crisp exteriors and demand greater maintenance against coastal salt spray or urban pollution over time in Melbourne. For windows matching most aged homes, consider warm, heritage-inspired colours.
Pros of timber frame windows
Timber window merits:
- Warm visible grain texture
- Ease of maintenance recoating
- Suitability for heritage home styles
- Ability to carve custom shapes
- Consistent ageing and patina over decades
Pros of aluminium frame windows
Aluminium window advantages:
- High strength and slim profiles
- Resilience to harsh conditions
- Range of anodised colour finishes
- Potential for full recyclability
- Cost-effectiveness long-term
Pros of uPVC frame windows
Considerable uPVC window benefits encompass:
- Budget price point
- Low maintenance needs
- Insulation performance boosts
- Sound dampening properties
- Effective sealing from weather
Eastern suburb considerations
Melbourne’s East hints at the Yarra Valley’s greenery. Embracing forested themes with deeper Olive or botanical inspired Sage green frames ties to the leafy domains and parks while avoiding suburban monotony.
Northern suburb influences
Looking to the more elevated outreaches of Melbourne’s north, using metallic graphite greys befitting the distant ranges through Eltham, St Andrews and Kinglake nods to regional geology and averts drabness.
Coastal considerations
For Melbourne bayside abodes, classic deep ocean or sailors blue inject personality while harmonising with marine hues. Avoid white or silver framing directly fronting beaches to minimise glare and robustness against harsher winds carrying sand and salt.
Conclusion
Smart frame colour selection for Melbourne’s windows enables seamless integration into our storied architectural mix. Consider dominant facade materials and regional geography influences when replacing existing glazing. For bespoke recommendations matching your exterior’s heritage or contemporary scheme, consult my team.
