Source: Curbly
This is the question that is asked by almost everyone when it comes to trim. I am here to settle it once and for all, the answer is almost always PAINT THE TRIM. The primary exception where you may want to keep stained trim is in an older, historic home but I am still in favor of painted trim for the record.
Although natural wood is making a big comeback in kitchen cabinetry and furniture, it is shocking how natural or oak wood trim dates a space. Check out the before and after below to see what a difference painted trim can make – the before is screaming, hello from the 1980s while the after looks fresh, bright, and new. Although they resurfaced the fireplace which is beautiful, a low budget option would have been to remove the mantle and paint the bricks.
Source: Sebring Design Build
OK, now that we have settled it that painting the trim is the way to go, the question is what color? Below are some popular combinations with some inspiration to help you make the call.
Light Wall, Light Trim
The most common color for trim is white because it goes with everything. White trim works well with all types of décor and will brighten up a room and make it feel fresh and modern. White trim is a great way to make a room look larger and your ceilings appear taller.
It is important to make sure there is a definite contrast between your wall color and trim color so the trim still adds some contrast and interest. In the pictures below you can see the Heron Plume is really washed out against the wall color (Greek Villa – love this Sherwin Williams white) compared to Modern Gray which provides more contrast. Check out this write-up by Jenna Kate at Home for some recommendations on good white trim colors.
Source: Emily Henderson
Source: left: photo by siobhan mcfadden | right: photo by amanda kirkpatrick, design by hendricks churchill, via society letters
Dark Wall, Light Trim
This is a traditional approach that allows you to add color while keeping things fresh and classic. This option allows you to bring some color into your space while still maintaining the same color or trim throughout your house.
Source: photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: the ultimate family-friendly media room + wet bar
Light Wall, Dark Trim
The trim in my house is a dark grey stain which adds an interesting and modern architectural feature and I also really like black trim in modern farmhouse design with the windows have black trim.
Source: left: photo by jessica gylnn, design by blair harris, via hunker | right: design by cwb architects
Source: photo & design by i spy diy
Dark Wall, Dark Trim
If you are going for a dark, moody
look in a room, it is a great idea to paint the trim the same color as the walls.
In this scenario, the trim adds architectural interest rather than visual
contrast. This works especially well in historical homes that have lots of dark,
stained wood. Adding a dark color paint really modernizes the space with the
trim helping to maintain the character. Check out the post HERE if you want to
see some great moody color inspiration. These rooms say DRAMA and COMFORT at
the same time which is a very interesting combination. Remember, it is just paint,
and if you hate it, it is fairly easy and inexpensive to change but this
combination will generally pay off big time in a room like a den, office, or powder
room.
Source: left to right: livingetc magazine | design: emily henderson, photo: tessa nuestadt | craftberry bush | mia ahlskog
Source: photo by gieves anderson | design by jam architecture & nina garbinas
So, do you agree painted trim is really the only option? If you are set on keeping wood trim, I recommend you check out The Spruce article HERE for recommendations on colors that go with wood trim.