Black to match the trim

Which do you think looks better?

The black looks amazing! Nice photos

Hi Marianna17! Which shade did you go with? I’m having same dilemma!

Hi there! Which did you go with ~black or white?

Hi Terri, I wound up going with "Miami" 5% black solar shade from Blinds To Go. It was between that and an identical fabric shade from 3 Day Blinds. The 3 Day Blinds version was about $2k more and I just couldn't justify it when I know the fabric is the same. I still would pick what I got, but I think the 3 Day Blinds version would probably have a nicer finish. The issue with the 3 Day Blinds one is these are black shades. the top valance is black, and the shade is black, but the bottom piece that holds the blind at the bottom is white. It's covered with the black fabric, BUT a tiny piece of white shows on the end. And when the blind is down, the other side (closer to the window) is white which I think is ridiculous. So if you are looking in from outside, you see this white bar at the bottom. This is the difference when you don't pay as much. I've lived in my house 16 years and probably put the shades down 3 times so I am not stressing about it, but I suspect the 3 Day Blinds version would have been all black at the bottom. I will post some pictures.

Oh wow! I’m thinking black as well. They won’t be down much in the back of house except in morning. We live in a lake and don’t want to hide the view. At first I was trying to find a company that does a white shade with black header/cassette do that when up, all you see is black header. But I bet you would still see white. I know that probably bugs you to see that white. I am so glad I saw this post. I think I’m going with black. Plus I think black would look better across front from outside too. I ordered 3 shades from blinds.com for garage (street facing) snd they look ridiculously white from street. 🤷🏻‍♀️. Great I can’t wAit to see pics. Thank you for sharing snd responding! ~ Terri Jackson

Looks great!!!

Did you use varying degrees of “openness”. 1%. 3% 5%?

Live on* not in. 😉

My windows were black frames so I definitely think in that case 100% go with black I think anything else would not blend in as seamlessly. If your window frames are not black you have more options. I am very happy with the black, most people cannot even tell there is a shade there when they are up the valance looks like part of the top of the window. The little bit of white on the edge at the bottom is annoying but it was the difference between $3800 for 14 windows or about $6000 for 12 windows and since 99.9% of the time they are not down, I didn't want to pay more. Also, keep in mind with these solar shades that if you have a window screen on your window, it will distort how the shade looks. It's not very noticeable and doesn't bother me, just something to keep in mind with solar shades that are see through.

Disregard I see that you used 5%. Thanks!!

Yes I picked 5% and I would recommend 5%. And I would do the same percentage for everything or at least everything within eyesight of each other because otherwise it's not going to look the same. I did some research and it seems like 5% was the most popular percentage of openness. I saw a 1% and 3% and wasn't crazy about it, and 10% seemed too sheer. Probably why 5% is the most popular go figure. It's a really nice look you can definitely see through and still see the view but it cuts down on the harshness of the sun and gives some privacy at night. And the fact that when the shades are up with a black window frame you can't even really tell anything is there is great.

If you have any lights on there will be no privacy element at nite...

@marianna17 they might be white on the side facing the window to reflect light, since black shades would otherwise absorb the heat. that's actually a great feature if the exterior facing look isn't a concern.

The actual shade material is black on both sides, interior and side that faces outside. For some reason, they did not wrap the strip at the bottom (the "bar") that holds the shade at the bottom with the fabric on the side that faces the exterior. I think this is a design flaw it should be black material. When you are outside the house, you see a white strip at the bottom. But this is the tradeoff for not paying more at a different company I suppose. I complained and after several months I was offered about $300 off my purchase price which I accepted.

Thank you for the awesome comments about figuring out what is best, white or black shades with dark frame windows. I am definitely going with charcoal 5% material.

Looks great and great discussion! Would you go with black shades for the bedrooms as well? I have the same setup and doing black in the living room and common areas, but the bedroom I’m unsure of; I feel like I should bring in some more warmth. Thoughts anyone? Thanks!

I decided to do this color all over the house, and we are so happy we did this color. It looks amazing!! I am glad I didn’t do black anywhere, because I wanted to look modern and clean look.

Thanks! Does it look ok against the black windows? What color is it?

… color name and mfr?

Blinds.com
Best price, and I did in the most common areas with a remote control, and I love it!
Mia was my lady, if that will help. Wait for labor day to get a better price

I did the black influence

Amalia, are you able to see, somewhat, the view ouside with the "black influence" blinds?