Which Color Paint Should I Use On My Outside Trim?

Choosing the right paint color for your exterior trim can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to consider the desired look and texture. Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White is a popular choice for its bold, high-contrast look, while semi-gloss or sateen paints are easier to clean. Oil-based and water-based paints are both suitable, but cleanup can be messy with oil-based options. For a balanced exterior color combination, choose three tones: a neutral hue for the body, a notable accent color for trim and shutters, and a punchy color for the windows.

When shopping for exterior trim paint, consider using a light or dark neutral, such as white, off-white, beige, brown, gray, or black. This tone should harmonize with your house’s body color, even if you choose a neutral color. Coordinate the tones with charcoal or black. For multilevel homes, use the darkest shade on the first floor, medium on the second floor, and lightest on the third floor.

A creamy white to almost beige will look “white” against the contrast of your house color and where you live in the world. Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White, Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail, Dried Thyme, and Mohegan Sage are some popular choices for exterior trim. Semi gloss is the most popular and offers the best protection for exterior trim, while interior trim is a matter of preference. Black is the most effective way to add drama to your exterior, as it works well with just about every color in the spectrum. Black Satin 2131-10 is a nice choice to set your windows off beautifully, and you can always go charcoal around the windows too.

How do you paint exterior trim like a pro?

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to paint exterior wood trim. It covers cleaning, repairs, replacement of boards, caulk joints and small holes, scraping loose paint, priming, and painting. The process is not only easy but also provides protection for your home and increases curb appeal. Although it may be a smaller project, it is a valuable investment in your home’s overall aesthetics. The post emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and preparation to ensure a successful and visually appealing finish.

How to pick trim color for house?

Design experts recommend using different colors for trim in a room to create a fresh, unified look. For contemporary rooms, paint the trim the same color as the walls or tint it to give the room a fresh, unified look. Warm-toned walls should be used, while cool wall tones should be paired with cool trim tones. This helps prevent disjointed and muddy colors.

For classic or traditional interiors, white or off-white paint can play up the trim’s historical or intricate qualities. White trim lightens and brightens the room, making the wall color “pop”. Pure white, often considered cool or blue white, is ideal for rooms with great natural light and ocean views. In northern climates or rooms with limited natural light, creamy whites with warm undertones are recommended.

Dark colors, even black, have gained popularity as a trend for trim. Dark trim gives a room more depth than white or light trim and effectively frames views when used on window casings. Dark trim contrasts well with soft aquas, powder blues, greens, and grays. Dark trim doesn’t have to be dark brown or black; it can be several shades deeper than the wall color.

In the late 19th century, homes typically featured intricate woodwork stained or varnished in colors ranging from mahogany to honey.

What is the best finish for exterior trim paint?

The optimal exterior paint sheen is satin, as flat sheens are susceptible to color loss and damage. Semi-gloss sheens have been observed to become sticky and to possess an unpleasant texture. The application of satin sheen enhances the durability and retention of paint color without unduly affecting the texture. French Roast is one of the most optimal brown paint colors for domestic exterior applications. One of the most frequently asked questions in the field of exterior home maintenance is whether it is preferable to paint or stain wood siding.

What is the most popular color of in house trim?

To create a classic, uniform look, use the same white paint color for the crown molding, ceiling, and trim. For a modern, monochromatic look, apply the same color to the walls and crown molding. Add a distinctive accent color for the crown molding to highlight its elegance and visual appeal. For example, walls in dark gray Wrought Iron 2124-10 stand out against crown molding and trim in White Opulence OC-69. The door is painted in rich Black 2132-10 for drama and contrast. After finding the trim paint color, paint it using a step-by-step guide or a video.

Should exterior house trim be lighter or darker?

Trim color can significantly impact a house’s design scheme. Painting the trim the same color as the field can create an unfinished or “wedding cake” look, while darker trim can create a “frame” effect. It’s best to keep the trim lighter than the field. Trim elements like gutters and downspouts should be painted to help them disappear into the background. The accent color adds excitement to the muted color scheme, giving life to the house and highlighting its important features.

How to pick trim color?

To create a cohesive look, paint all trim in the main areas of the house the same color. However, experiment with unique wall and trim color combinations in personal spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. Within a room, paint all trim the same unless you want to emphasize elements. For example, a salvaged antique mantel can be left unstained, while the baseboard, crown molding, door frames, and window frames are painted creamy white. To enhance wainscoting or other wall treatments, paint baseboards a similar color but all window and door frames white. Test the paint on a poster board before starting the trim.

Should your trim be lighter or darker than walls?

The choice of trim color depends on your design and vision for your space. Interior trims can be complemented with wall color and create a stylish contrast using both light and dark colors. Sarah Lloyd from Valspar suggests that darker boards look more modern and hide marks and dust, while lighter boards make the room feel bigger by creating the illusion of receding walls. Ultimately, the choice depends on your overall design and vision for your space.

Should exterior trim be white?

Black exterior trim on a white house enhances architectural features and is suitable for homes with darker siding like brown or charcoal gray. Bright white can make other colors appear more vibrant, making it perfect for highlighting a vibrant front door. Painted white brick and white-painted floorboards on the porch maintain a clean look. High contrast exterior trim colors like yellow and blue can create a dynamic, energizing effect, especially in Victorian-style houses.

To create a more subdued contrast, choose an exterior trim color a few shades lighter or darker than the siding color, combining shades from the same color family to highlight architectural details without going too bold. For example, if off-white siding is used, paint the exterior trim a light tan or taupe, which works well on traditional-style homes where a bright splash of color might look out of place.

Should you paint exterior trim the same color as a house?

Maintaining a house and trim with the same color is easier due to the lack of need for multiple touch-ups and the paint blending in seamlessly. A simple, minimalist approach allows for an elegant and elegant exterior. Opting for a dark color can make a bold statement, adding drama and making the house stand out from the rest. This approach eliminates the guesswork in creating the perfect exterior color palette and allows for a more elegant and minimalist aesthetic.

What is the best color for exterior trim?

The 12 Best Exterior Trim Paint Colors for Your Home include Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White, Sherwin Williams’ Dovetail, Dried Thyme, Mohegan Sage, City Loft, Rustic Red, and Chelsea Gray. These paint colors are crucial in exterior design and play a significant role in the overall appearance of your home. Bold, eclectic hues are on-trend, while classic shades like black and white remain timeless. Whether you’re looking for subtle, simple, or funky, these paint colors cover all bases.

Our designers are available to help with exterior trim color changes or complete overhauls. They use products they know, love, or would use on their own properties, and may earn a commission when customers buy through their links. One example is Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White, which evokes a serene countryside setting with textured landscaping and a blend of textures on the façade. The brick is enhanced with a German smear technique, using Benjamin Moore’s Creamy White to tint the masonry.

In summary, choosing the right exterior trim paint color is essential for achieving the desired look and enhancing the overall appearance of your home.