15 Timeless Wall and Trim Color Combinations

wall trim

Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

If your home features wall trim (which is a common feature in Craftsman style houses in particular), you may be wondering just what to do about it when it comes to painting your walls. The good news is that there are actually many directions you can go in when it comes to tackling that trim. Whether you prefer neutral spaces or are looking for ways to think outside the box, we've got you covered with the 12 inspiring ideas below.

  • 01 of 15

    Blue Walls and Blue Trim

    blue walls and trim

    Charlie Juliet Photography for Lauren Behfarin Design

    This blue on blue combination is a beautiful choice for a children's room or adult's space alike. Here, the ceiling was kept white, which adds an airiness to the space, but the monochrome walls truly make this space feel nice and serene.

  • 02 of 15

    White Walls and White Trim

    wall trim

    Madeline Harper Photo for The Identite Collective

    White is a classic paint color for a reason. If you're looking to achieve a fresh, traditional look, white on white is a no-brainer. Neutral furnishings help this space to appear even more sunny and spacious.

  • 03 of 15

    White Walls and Gray Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    If you're feeling averse to white on white but aren't looking to go too bold, consider pairing white walls with gray trim. There are many different shades of gray to choose from, of course, but the soft hue in the space above is ultra comforting while complementing the room's modern furniture wonderfully.

  • 04 of 15

    Patterned Walls and Light Blue Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    The young and old alike will always appreciate a happy-hued trim paired with peppy wallpaper. This light blue trim draws from some of the tones in this rainbow-inspired pattern but could complement a number of other styles of wall coverings down the line, too.

    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    Off-White Walls and White Trim

    wall trim

    Public 311 Design for Elsie Home

    What's great about a white and off-white pairing is that it works both ways. This space is the opposite of the one pictured above and looks just as welcoming.

  • 06 of 15

    White Walls and Beige Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    Those who like the idea of a gray trim paired with white paint may also wish to consider using beige. In the room above, beige trim adds a formal touch to the seating area but doesn't clash with the playful purple cabinets nearby.

  • 07 of 15

    White Walls and Seafoam Trim

    wall trim

    Sarah Stacey Interior Design

    Green doesn't need to be ultra loud to look gorgeous. A light sea foam or mint green is an excellent choice for any home but would look especially stunning in a coastal-style space. Keeping this window in its natural wooden state provides contrast and a natural touch.

  • 08 of 15

    White Walls and Blue Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    Blue trim (and board and batten) add a sweet touch to this home office. Once again, blue and white is an ultra popular color combination, and there are so many different shades of blue to pick from if you're more of a navy or turquoise person. (And if you're thinking about installing board and batten in your home, note that this is a great DIY that can significantly alter your space architecturally!)

    Continue to 9 of 15 below.
  • 09 of 15

    White Walls and Off-White Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    White and off-white can pair wonderfully together if you're looking to stay neutral but experiment with a few different tones. Choose from cream, eggshell, ivory, vanilla, and more.

  • 10 of 15

    Two-Tone Walls and Trim

    wall trim

    Amy Bartlam for Kate Lester Design

    If you can't commit to just one wall and trim color, why not go for a combo? Here, a dip-dyed look stands out and adds plenty of visual interest to this calming bedroom. A blue and white pairing will never go out of style, and both colors are favorites for sleep spaces, so this is a win-win!

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    Deep Blue Walls and Deep Blue Trim

    wall trim

    Sarah Stacey Interior Design

    Feeling funky? A deep blue wall and trim combo is the way to go if you're looking to think outside the box in your space. We love the bold blue paired with the contrasting yellow and white curtains here, too.

  • 12 of 15

    White Walls and Wood Trim

    wall trim

    Sire Design

    Why not keep it nice and natural? In this room, a rich wood trim brings warmth and moodiness and stands out against neutral furniture and white walls. While this trim could have been painted a more vibrant color, there's something to be said about a simple, rustic touch.

    Continue to 13 of 15 below.
  • 13 of 15

    White Walls and Black Trim

    White walls and black trim

    Becca Interiors

    Want to instantly dress up a space? Try white walls with high contrast semi-gloss black trim. This modern look feels dramatic and elegant, and it's perfect to use in a space where you have stunning windows and doors that deserve to be highlighted. Try painting the doors black for an even more bold look.

  • 14 of 15

    Light Pink Walls and Green Trim

    Light pink walls with green trim

    House Nine Design Studio

    Pink and green are opposites on the color wheel, meaning that they complement each other beautifully, despite their opposite appearances. This sweet combination is just as charming in a children's room as it is in a dining room with floral wallpaper accents or even a feminine sitting room.

  • 15 of 15

    Light Gray Walls and Dark Gray Trim

    Light gray walls with dark gray trim

    House Nine Design Studio

    If you're looking for a more subtle combination than white walls with black trim, but you still want to create a monochromatic contrast, then try light gray and dark gray. It's a softer palette, yet still achieves the same stylish, modern look with a slightly moody touch.

FAQ
  • Should wall color and trim be the same color?

    Painting wall color and trim the same color is a great option if your goal is to create a seamless, open look. In a small room, this can make the space feel larger. However, contrast trim is also a striking design feature.

  • Should trim be lighter or darker than wall color?

    It depends on what you want to highlight! Trim that is lighter than the wall color will draw the eye towards the wall. Trim that is darker than the wall color will act as a frame for the windows and doors.

  • What is the most popular interior trim color?

    White is the go-to interior trim color for many designers and homeowners. Typically, a white that is slightly off-white is the best option since pure white will more obviously discolor over time.