The Best Trim Colors for Painting the Home, Inside and Out

Whether you're painting the interior or the exterior of your home, the color choices you make have a significant impact on the way it looks.

When it comes to choosing trim colors, how do you know which ones are best for your space?

Read on for some tips and tricks to inspire you to choose the best trim color both inside and outside of your home for a beautiful finished product.

Trim Color Painting Options for Your Home

Go Bold with a Dark Contrast

If you're looking to make a real visual impact, consider trim colors that are much darker than the hues on your wall. For example, a light blue interior with dark gray or almost black trim is a good way to highlight windows and doors.

Dark trim can be visually bold when it's painted against lighter tones. Focus on the trim of the doors and windows to draw the eye toward these features.

Another perk to choosing dark-colored trim? You'll be able to hide dents, dings, scratches, and dirt much more easily which can be especially helpful in busy households with pets and kids.

Bring in a few paint samples before you commit to a dark trim. Remember, it's easier to paint over light colors, so choose your trim color carefully.

Trim Colors: High Gloss White

Shades of white like ivory and off-white are typical interior trim colors. If you're looking for something slightly different, consider stark white with a high-gloss finish.

Glossy paint reflects the light and can create contrast against any color wall. Even if your walls are bright white, the gloss finish will make it easy to see the difference between the wall and the trim.

High gloss white also looks stunning against gray, blue, or virtually any color wall. It's also much more resistant to stains and dirt thanks to the gloss finish so it works quite well in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Earthy Hues for the Outdoors

White has been a popular exterior trim color for years, but homeowners are starting to get more creative with their color choices. To give your home some inviting appeal, consider a darker, earthier color.

Warm brown or beige colored trim looks extremely attractive when used on brick homes. Instead of a stark white, consider choosing a color that's richer and warmer like khaki or a warm or darker green.

Play around with outdoor trim paint colors so that you can see how it looks in natural light. It's best to paint several swatches in a discreet area where the sun hits your home at different angles throughout the day.

Outdoor paint colors can change with the light, so try out a few of these earthy trim colors first before you go all in. The warm tones can really add a sophisticated look to window, door, and porch trim.

Don't Forget the Door

An easy way to add visual impact outside is by painting your front door a new color. The classic red door looks dramatic and pairs well with just about any color and any style home.

If you're on the fence about which door paint color to choose, bring a sample of brick or siding with you when shopping for paint if possible. This makes it much easier to choose the right color and tone that will complement rather than clash with your home.

Painting your front door a new color can instantly make the entire home look different. It's also a great way to freshen up the exterior and entice potential buyers to take a closer look if your home is on the market.

Just like the interior walls and the exterior trim, choose a few sample swatches for the front door. Paint several 3 x 3-inch squares a few inches apart so you can see the differences between them and the way the colors look up close and from a distance.

Not all White Paint Colors are the Same

Whether you go bold and dark, earthy, or prefer a classic white, new trim color can have a significant impact on the inside and outside of the home. When it comes to white, this color is still the most common and traditional choice for trim.

While it may seem that white paint is essentially the same color except for the brand, it's actually much more complicated. This color has several different undertones that can make a big difference when used for trim.

Any bright white will add a much more vibrant contrast than something in a toned-down version, like ivory. If you like bright white, it's a great trim choice to anchor a room or to create a contrast between the trim and the wall colors.

For a warmer, more antique or rustic feel, consider ivory, cream, or off-white for your trim. These white paint colors are still great for contrast, but they're not as jarring in terms of the level of brightness they have.

Choose the Best Color for You

As you can see, trim colors aren't just limited to white. Consider how you want the rooms in your home to feel, or how you want the exterior to help you create curb appeal.

Remember to get samples and swatches before you commit to new trim colors just to ensure that the shade you choose is the right fit for you.

For more great tips, be sure to subscribe to the blog and contact us today to find out more about our services and to schedule an estimate.