Painting Trim: Strategies for Success

Sometimes, the most subtle, understated design accents make the most impact. Painted wood trim within the interior of your home qualifies for that notion. Yes, painting trim in one color or another can make or break an entire room’s design statement or mood.

In this article, I will discuss trim, why it exists, why it’s wonderful, and, as your color consultant, provide some color strategies for painting trim that can make your interior spaces pop like you would have never imagined!

Painting Trim – Why We Have Trim

For those unfamiliar with it, historically, trim has served both functional and aesthetic purposes, such as framing doors, windows, and floors while adding character to a space. Trim, sometimes called molding, has been a staple in interior design for centuries. Trim can be traced back to classical architecture, where cornices, baseboards, and wainscoting were used to add grandeur to buildings. In the Victorian era, trim became even more ornate, with intricate patterns and layered moldings that showcased the craftsmanship of the period. 

As interior design styles evolved, so did the use of trim. With the arrival of the 20th century, there was a shift towards simpler, cleaner lines—homeowners were looking for the opposite of grandiose ornamentation, which gave rise to modern and minimalist design styles. 

Today, trim plays a crucial role in home decor, providing a finishing touch that can blend seamlessly with the surroundings or stand out as a design feature. Choosing between subtly incorporating trim as a layer of color and texture or having it stand out independently is a question that homeowners can struggle with. 

Where Trim Is Used

If you’re not the most architecturally savvy, here are some places in the home where you’ll find trim and the terminology used for different forms of trim:

Baseboards: These run along the bottom of the walls, touching the floor, and protect them from kicks and scuffs while also providing a visual anchor for the room. They’re typically no more than 7’’ tall, and that’s in the room with 10ft ceilings.

Crown Molding: Installed where the wall meets the ceiling, crown molding adds elegance and ornamentation to the space, making it feel taller and more regal. Ornate crown molding is often found in Victorian-style homes, whereas simpler versions are still used today.

Window and Door Casings: These frame windows and doors/add depth and detail to flat surfaces; this type of trim is what most people would initially picture when referring to it. As a color expert, I can define one room as having a different color palette than the next, as it is separated by the door or archway casings dividing the two spaces. 

Wainscoting: While not very common today, wainscoting adds decorative elements to walls and can help protect them from damage, especially in dining rooms. Fun fact: wainscoting was initially used to keep people from scuffing the walls with horseriding boots!

Decorative wall treatments with moldings: Popular today, these are patterns of trim applied to an accent wall or area, painted all in one color. It is a great way of adding an accent feature to the room while simultaneously adding texture and architectural detail! 

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Go-to Color Strategies for Painting Trim

Unsurprisingly, the most common choice for trim is a crisp, clean white. It makes sense, as stark white works beautifully in almost any setting, providing a bright contrast between light and dark wall colors. It also highlights architectural details and creates a look that will complement almost any design style from any era. 

Admittedly, I rarely use a stark white because it can have the look of being primed vs being painted a beautiful clean white. I suggest sampling the white trim choices before you paint; there are many whites to choose from, and using the best white will make a world of difference! 

Warmer off-white colors and soft creamy tones are also popular. They offer an alternative to white with just enough color to maintain classic elegance. Even cooler, light grays are popular as neutral options that add a subtle hint of color while remaining understated. By going this route, I doubt you’ll be disappointed if you intend to create a laid-back, seamless trim blend with your interior color palette. But what about those who feel a bit frisky and desire a pop of color with their trim?

Some Alternative Strategies for Painting Trim

Monochromatic – painting trim the same color as the walls will create a unified look that can make a room feel larger and gapless. This strategy is effective in small spaces or rooms with intricate architectural details, as it allows the trim’s features to blend into the background, giving the space a clean and modern feel. It also doesn’t need to be the same shade all the way around; you can add depth and subtle contrast without breaking the visual flow by using varying shades of the same color. For instance, pairing a soft gray wall with a slightly darker gray trim can enhance the visual dynamics of the space without grabbing too much attention.

This way of painting trim is appropriate for color-drenching your home, as I mentioned in this popular post: https://amywax.com/color-drenching. This style is not used as an accent wall; it requires painting all of the trim in the whole room and the walls the same color! 

Trim as decor – using trim as a decorative focal point in the room can transform it into a layer of interest and personality. This approach works well in spaces where you want to highlight the craftsmanship and design of the trim, turning it into a statement piece that draws the eye and enhances the room’s overall aesthetic. Sometimes, homeowners hire artists to paint patterns onto the trim, such as florals, birds, etc.!

Trim with highlights—now this is cool! I’ve chosen to highlight unique details I found in molding in an older home, with metallic accents layered into the base layer of paint. Painting the trim a creamy white and adding metallic accents, such as gold, silver, or bronze, creates a magical feeling in the space. The metallic highlights can be applied to edges, corners, or intricate patterns, creating a subtle shimmer or even an accent in the room, which can enhance the sophistication of the space! 

How Do You Add Layers to Your Spaces?

After sharing my thoughts/strategies on painting trim, tell me, how do you add layers, dynamics, and visual appeal to your interior color schemes? Do you like the idea of trim having a bit of a pop, or would you prefer it to play a low-key role in your design? Please share your thoughts with me; as your favorite color expert, I always love hearing them!