How to Pair Wall and Trim Colors

One of the biggest hurdles in picking a paint color for your walls is deciding what goes best with your trim. This video by Better Homes and Gardens presents several tips on how to pair wall and trim colors:

White trim is fresh and clean and is almost a free pass to select almost any paint color. Just remember that the brighter the white, the more contrast there will be. Lighter trim pairs nicely with medium colors, while dark colors will create more contrast.

Dark trim in an espresso finish is also more flexible. It works well with warm and cool colors in light or dark tones.

Trim with reddish undertones like oak or cherry need a little more strategy. Unlike white or light trim, it is a color unto itself, so use warm neutrals or cool brights like blue. Saturated colors can look jarring next to this type of trim. Keep in mind that any paint color with a little bit of red or yellow in it will look even more red or yellow when paired to a reddish trim.

When you’re picking your paint color, be sure to look at it next to your trim. If your sage green looks a little more yellow next to your trim, try looking at a shade that has a little bit more gray or blue in it. This is where paint chips com in handy. Grab a ton of paint chips and start looking at them on your walls and next to your trim and at different times of the day to really hone in on that perfect color. Once you have it narrowed down to several shades, pick up some paint samples and paint it on your walls; this will help you visualize how the color will look in your room.