Paint Colors to Make Your Molding Stand Out
Many homeowners like the streamlined look of painting walls and trim the same color for a cohesive effect. However, if your molding has unique features that you want to stand out, consider painting it in a different color from the walls.
White
White paint is a classic option that works well for both modern and traditional styles. When used on molding and trim, it adds a clean look that helps to showcase these architectural details. It also provides a fresh backdrop for colorful walls or historic details like stained glass.
When selecting a white for your trim, consider the undertones of the wall color to ensure they match. Warmer walls may have yellow, pink, or orange undertones while cooler walls will be more greyed or blued.
Another way to make a trim color stand out is to use a different sheen on the molding than the rest of the room. Eggshell or satin paint for the walls and semi-gloss for trim and doors creates a subtle contrast that highlights the details of these architectural features. This look is popular in kitchens and bathrooms where a matching color can help tie together cabinetry, showers, and toilets.
Black
For many homeowners, black paint is a bold move, but it can make your trim stand out. It’s especially effective for accent walls and highlighting intricate crown moldings.
Like any super saturated color, surface quality makes a big difference in how dark shades work with a space. Flat or matte finishes help conceal wall blemishes and add warmth, while semi or gloss sheens reflect more light and create a more dramatic effect.
Dark colors like charcoal also accentuate textures on exterior woodwork and trim, adding depth to a home’s facade. They also work well to draw attention to windows and other architectural features, allowing them to stand out from the surrounding landscaping and foliage.
Mixing your own dark paint colors is a great way to get rich, moody hues that look more authentic than those straight from the tube. Look for dark shades with undertones that lean warm brown or red to ensure your new color fits with the rest of your palette and decor.
Gray
Gray paints provide a clean backdrop that elevates trim without competing with it. It’s a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a modern aesthetic, or achieve classic charm in their dining rooms and bedrooms. The right shade of gray also complements a variety of materials, including stainless steel appliances and wood tones. It’s even a great choice for historic details like stained glass, so you can make them pop without fighting with other more attention-grabbing elements in your home.
If you’re looking to enhance your space with a fresh, bright look, consider pairing white walls and trim with a warm gray with brown undertones that take light differently throughout the day, so it feels dynamic and modern.
Conversely, if your walls are a cool gray or dark gray such which can add a dramatic touch to your space. When painted in satin sheen, it’s subtle enough to blend in with the molding but reflects just enough light to catch your eye and highlight its curves.
Purple
Purple might not be the first color that you think of for your molding, but it can offer a unique and captivating effect. From subtle lilacs to rich plum shades, purple can complement a variety of decorating styles.
Deeper purple paints add a powerful backdrop that works well with a range of other colors. These hues pair easily with warm tones like gold and brass while also enhancing cooler tones such as blues and greens.
Lighter purples work beautifully as accents or on more than one wall. These soft colors evoke a calming atmosphere and complement wood trim and natural-themed elements in a room. When paired with black, these hues can provide exceptional contrast for crown molding and other architectural details.
Blue
Whether you want to bring a calm, cool vibe to a bedroom or give a family room a relaxing atmosphere, blue is an on-trend color for trim paint. It looks elegant against dark wood furniture and flooring, and can complement a wide range of accents like bold pillows and artwork.
Using the same shade on walls and trim can create a streamlined look and make ceilings appear higher. It also allows other elements to stand out, such as lighting or a colorful ceiling. However, you should be aware that this approach can sometimes look too monochromatic or cold, especially when the shades are very similar.
You can avoid this by using a slightly different shade of blue on the walls and trim, such as a light misty gray on the walls with a darker gray or charcoal on the trim. This works well on traditional homes, but can also draw attention to a fireplace surround or intricate crown molding in modern spaces.
