Best Trim Paint Colors & Finishes

White is undeniably the most popular trim color because freshly painted white trim makes a home look new and clean. But have you ever noticed how different two shades of white can look when placed side-by-side? The difference is the undertones, which are present in every color. If a white shade has a cream-yellow cast it has warm undertones, and if it has a grayish-blue cast it has cool undertones. 

The right shade of white makes all the difference when it comes to trim, so choose a white trim color according to the wall paint color.

 

If your walls are gray, blue, black, burgundy-red, teal or purple, they have cool undertones so it’s best to choose a cooler white. If the wall paint is beige, olive green, brown, yellow or orange, it has warm undertones, so you want warm white paint.

 

White trim may be the rule in most homes, but it isn’t the only option for trim color! Painting the casings and baseboards to match the wall color creates a cohesive, modern look. For example, if your walls are light gray, consider using the same gray color on the trim instead of white. Removing the visual contrast between walls and trim creates a calmer appearance, making the space feel larger.

In this dining room, traditional window casings are painted to match the walls in Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl. A matte sheen on the wall and semi-gloss sheen on the trim provides a very subtle contrast. The unified look of a single paint color helps the space feel a bit more modern.

Eat-in kitchen with Benjamin Moore Gray Owl on walls in AURA Matte and trim in AURA® Satin

This effect works equally well with dark, jewel tones; the all-over application of Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green in this dining room helps conceal the low ceiling:

Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green; Design by Nate Berkus, image courtesy of Loews Regency Hotel

In this home office, the historic color scheme calls attention to the architecture by creating low-key contrast. Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray paint on the trim and mantel is just a few shades darker than the Buxton Blue on the walls. This creates a tone-on-tone effect that exudes historic charm:

Walls in Benjamin Moore’s Buxton Blue, trim in Knoxville Gray

 

The Best Paint Finish for Trim

Interior trim is usually painted with a semi-gloss or glossy sheen so that it’s easy to wipe clean. Glossy paint finishes are more durable than flat finishes, so they won’t show scrub marks as easily over time. However, glossy surfaces make imperfections in the wood more obvious, and they are more difficult to work with. The right sheen for your interior trim work depends on your painting experience and the effect you want to achieve.

Satin

Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Satin wainscoting in Fruit Shake with AURA Bath & Spa walls

 

Satin finish has a low gloss that’s best for hiding flaws in the surface. It’s also easy to apply, making it one of the best choices for DIY homeowners. However, it has a low level of reflectance so it may not be glossy enough for a traditional interior.

Semi-Gloss

Door in Grant Beige HC-83, ADVANCE Semi-Gloss, trim in Grant Beige HC-83, ADVANCE Semi-Gloss, wall Hodley Red HC-65, AURA Eggshell

 

A semi-gloss finish has a soft shine that’s visible even in low light. It’s the most popular sheen for interior doors and trim. Semi-gloss takes practice to apply with a brush, so it should be used by experienced DIYers or professional painters.

High-Gloss

Bathroom in Benjamin Moore ADVANCE High Gloss in Carter Plum

 

High-gloss paint has a mirror-like shine that creates a feeling of drama and luxury. It’s often used for trim and wainscoting in high traffic areas since it’s very hard-wearing and easy to clean. However, high gloss paint is difficult to apply without showing brush marks, so we recommend hiring a professional with a paint sprayer. Prep work is critical; you need a perfectly smooth surface because any flaws will be highlighted by the paint’s shine.