SHOULD YOUR TRIM MATCH YOUR WALL COLOR?
Andy Greenall, creative director at Paint & Paper Library says, 'architectural features are a fantastic host for making a statement with color, be that skirting, trim, paneling, doors cornicing and ceiling. Yet these elements are so often – by default – painted white, without consideration for how that affects the space. But whites aren't the only option for woodwork and trim...' We have curated a collection of inspiring design ideas and helpful advice from our paint experts to help you make the right decision for the trim in your home, and whether it should match or contrast with your wall color.
YES, FOR A COORDINATED AND UNIFIED LOOK
Create A Color Drenched Effect
'For a bolder approach to painting woodwork, create an enveloping and intimate feel by embracing ‘color drenching’ and paint your doors, woodwork, walls, and ceiling in a single color. The color drenching approach is particularly well suited to living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, delivering a contemporary and cocooning finish,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.
NO, CREATE A STYLISH ELEMENT OF CONTRAST
Use Your Trim To Bring In A Strong Accent Color
'The addition of an accent color is a quick and easy way to transform a space, define an area, or highlight architectural elements. If you’re lucky enough to have wonderful architectural details such as archways, deep skirting, or picture rails in your home, paint is the perfect way to highlight them to create a design detail,' says Ruth Mottershead from Little Greene.
Turn To Shades In The Same Color Family
For a more subtle element of color contrast between your walls and trim, stick to using different shades that sit in the same color family – explore our guidance on using the color wheel for further inspiration.
'Consider using a lighter version of a color within your interior palette, this will highlight your architectural detailing whilst creating a more nuanced and tranquil atmosphere,' says Andy Greenall from Paint & Paper Library. Ruth Mottershead from Little Greene also adds, 'a light neutral hue or a lighter version of your wall color will create contrast, but deliver a more harmonious scheme, making the space feel more considered,' as demonstrated in this green living room above, which has Paint & Paper Library Kigali on the walls and Squid Ink on the trim.
CHOOSE WHITE FOR A CLEAN FINISH
If you're looking to keep things more traditional and simple, then, of course, you can't go wrong with a classic, white painted trim, as interior and paint expert, Sarah Lloyd, from Valspar says, 'white is the most common colored trim in homes as it universally goes with everything and creates a sleek, clean look.'
However, this year's color trends are influencing a whole new wave of color confidence, and many of us are taking bigger and bolder risks when it comes to the room color ideas in our homes – and colorfully painted trims are definitely on the rise in 2023. Ruth Mottershead from Little Greene shares, 'many opt to use bright white on skirting and woodwork out of habit. The use of a smart and simple white creates a traditional feel, however, a very bright white can create a high contrast with a wall color or wallpaper which can make it feel stark and less considered.'
COORDINATE WITH YOUR CEILING COLOR
Use Your Trim To Enhance Ceiling Paint Ideas
'Most of us default to a white ceiling, but this can be a hugely missed opportunity to add another layer of design to a room. Looking at ceiling paint ideas in a considered way can enhance the room design, such as the scale, lowering the height, or softening awkward angles in an attic space,' says Patrick O’Donnell, color consultant and brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.
EMBRACE A COLLECTION OF DIFFERENT COLORS
Mix And Match For A Contemporary Look
For a truly modern and unique design, why not embrace a collection of different colors across your walls and trim areas? 'For a stronger scheme, use contrasting colors across the walls, paneling and woodwork to highlight structural architectural details,' says Andy Greenall from Paint & Paper Library.