1. Same as the Walls
There is something modern and soothing about trim painted the exact same color as the walls. It creates a seamless look and works well if you plan to leave your walls bare or cover them with a thousand pieces of art.
The case for painting a whole room one color
by LDa Architecture & Interiors There is something modern and soothing about trim painted the exact same color as the walls. It creates a seamless look and works well if you plan to leave your walls bare or cover them with a thousand pieces of art.
The case for painting a whole room one color
Here the only contrast is the ceiling. You can create subtle contrast in all-one-color rooms by changing the finish on the trim.
by Tim Cuppett Architects
This room is mostly trim and very little wall. The colors are not an exact match, but they are close enough to create that soothing, restful look.
by Witt Construction
2. Darker Than the Walls
In my remodel I decided at the last minute to paint the trim a little darker than the walls. Now — honest to God — I spend time just sitting on my sofa admiring the way it looks. It's crisp and modern but somehow mellower than the other way around. And it works in any style room with any style trim.
by Dresser Homes
In my remodel I decided at the last minute to paint the trim a little darker than the walls. Now — honest to God — I spend time just sitting on my sofa admiring the way it looks. It's crisp and modern but somehow mellower than the other way around. And it works in any style room with any style trim.
Doesn't this modern dining room look more laid back with the dark trim than it would have looked with bright white?
by Cheryl Burke Interior Design
3. Totally Unexpected Colors
Beige and gray are nice. But so is lavender against a yellow ocher wall. This room is elegant and classic and surprising and unique at the same time. Look for colors that complement each other on the color wheel and pick from those spectrums.
by Peggy Braswell
Beige and gray are nice. But so is lavender against a yellow ocher wall. This room is elegant and classic and surprising and unique at the same time. Look for colors that complement each other on the color wheel and pick from those spectrums.
This dark ecru trim against a greenish yellow wall is inspired and lovely. I think this particular yellow would drive me crazy with a white trim, but here I love it.
by Jeffers Design Group
4. Black
As classic as bright white, but more elegant and serious. It helps to have slightly more ornate trim when you use black. It's almost as if it is meant to bring out the pedigree and history of a house.
by Laura Manning Bendik
As classic as bright white, but more elegant and serious. It helps to have slightly more ornate trim when you use black. It's almost as if it is meant to bring out the pedigree and history of a house.
A glossy true black against cream walls. Notice the high ceilings, large space and period trim. This could look weird in a small, boxy room.
by Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.
5. Natural Wood
Many people believe all original wood trim is sacred. It is not. High-quality, well-maintained wood is beautiful, but feel free to paint over natural wood if that's your cup of tea. It's just a matter of personal taste.
Wood trim can look great in a modern space like this one, where it adds some earthiness and architectural interest to a plain, contemporary room with white walls.
by John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA
Many people believe all original wood trim is sacred. It is not. High-quality, well-maintained wood is beautiful, but feel free to paint over natural wood if that's your cup of tea. It's just a matter of personal taste.
Wood trim can look great in a modern space like this one, where it adds some earthiness and architectural interest to a plain, contemporary room with white walls.
It also works beautifully in a room with period trim, like this updated Arts and Crafts beauty.
by Hendel Homes
6. Bright White
Bright white trim is the default, but it should be as intentional a choice as anything else. It is crisp and fresh looking, and it often adds a sense of geometry. It's the perfect choice to set off the olive and beige walls in this dining room.
by AHB General Contractors
Bright white trim is the default, but it should be as intentional a choice as anything else. It is crisp and fresh looking, and it often adds a sense of geometry. It's the perfect choice to set off the olive and beige walls in this dining room.
7. Faux
If you don't have the woodwork you want, you can always paint it on. This ornate door frame gives a real boost to this boxy little room.
The Upward Bound House by Cozette Coffman
If you don't have the woodwork you want, you can always paint it on. This ornate door frame gives a real boost to this boxy little room.
The scallop trim around this ceiling bridges the gap between gingerbread and modern beautifully. So sweet.
More: Houzz guides to picking the perfect trim
by Witt Construction
More: Houzz guides to picking the perfect trim
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We were a little scared at first, having ALWAYS painted trim white, but what a difference! The room is so boyish, and will definetely carry them into teen years ( they are 9 and 11 right now).
Then I bought a more reddish brown color to paint the trim in my kitchen. The girl who mixed the paint for me asked what I was painting and I told her. She looked at me in horror and said "Oh, you can't do that! You can't paint trim a dark color." (Oh yes we can!)
Gina Fitzsimmons, ASID Annapolis, Md.