The Psychology of Choosing Window Frame Colors

Color psychology pertains to how humans react to certain colors and is used in advertising to influencing behavior. In terms of choosing replacement windows—and remodeling, in general—the right colors can help achieve the “mood” or “feel” that you want.

Strong Colors

Strong colors include red, orange and yellow. These are colors that elicit strong emotions such as excitement and cheerfulness. Red, in particular, is a color that calls attention to itself. The eye exerts more effort into focusing on it as its natural point lies behind the retina, which is why it looks closer than it is. For instance, the red light on a police car blinker looks more forward than the blue light, even though they’re the same distance. This same quality is the reason why fast food chain logos have red as the predominant color.

However, in terms of windows, red, orange, and yellow—and to some extent, bright colors like pink and yellow-green—are rarely used as frame colors. Bright and strong colors can make the home look dated or even tacky. This is because windows are supposed to call attention to the viewing area, not to the frame itself. By this same token, strong colors work well as entry doors. A red double-hung window may not work with most color palettes, but a red door certainly works with the same.

Relaxing Colors

At the other end of the spectrum, you have relaxing colors such as green, blue and certain shades of purple. Since these colors form their focus closer to the front of the retina, the eyes are not as stressed, which makes such colors more relaxing. Green and blue go well with natural colors like brown and canvas, especially when you’re trying to evoke a coastal or a pastoral feel for your home.

The unobtrusive nature of these colors makes them ideal for window frames, along with neutrals like gray, black and canvas. They allow you more flexibility in choosing the siding and roof color. But more importantly, relaxing and neutral colors let the eyes focus on what’s in the viewing area—the center of the window.

To learn more about our wide selection of beautiful window frame colors, or our popular window styles including picture windows, call Renewal by Andersen® of Milwaukee today at (262) 522-3034. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule your free in-home consultation. We serve Waukesha and the surrounding areas.