Selecting the Perfect Trim Color

One of the most affordable ways to transform the mood of a home is to paint the rooms. The right choice of colors can make a huge difference as to how a home is experienced. The good news is that there are so many colors from which to choose but this can become overwhelming quite quickly as well.

One of the biggest problem areas in any home is deciding on a color for the trim. The moldings in a home can really add some character but what color should you choose to paint them? Here’s some sage advice on choosing the perfect trim color:

1. Unify the Home

Sometimes the most minimal look is the best because it creates a sense of visual unity. While trim can certainly add dimension and character to a home, it’s not always a good idea to paint it a different color than the rest of the walls.

If you really want a unified look throughout your home, consider painting the trim the same color as the walls. A good option is to use white for everything since this will amplify the sense of space. Just be aware that there are different kinds of whites from warm to cool so you’ll need to decide on a tint as well.

2. Be Bold in Your Painting

If you want to experiment with contrasts and prefer a bolder look, consider painting your trim a darker color than the walls but make sure that it’s a contrasting color. For example, if you paint the walls a pale blue color or a cool white, consider using a French blue color for the trim areas.

One thing that you do need to keep in mind is that the trim color you choose should equal the intensity of the wall color. In the example above, French blue is not as intense as navy blue or midnight blue, for example. It suits the pale blue of the walls and does not distract the eye.

It’s actually not a bad idea to get to grips with some color theory if you’re considering painting your home. There are plenty of interesting concepts in color theory and it may help you to choose some great colors.

3. Excite the Eye with White

White has always been the great leveler when it comes to house painting because it creates such a spacious effect and goes with any other color. One way to experiment with it is to paint your walls darker, such as a chestnut or pale green, and then paint the trim and moldings white.

Choose a tint for the white that goes with the wall color. For example, if you decide on a warmer color for the walls, make sure that you choose a nice warm tint for the white. The same rule applies to cooler colors. This ensures that there’s some visual relationship between the walls and the trim.

Conclusion

There are lots of paint colors to choose from but by applying some rules, you can choose the perfect wall and trim color.