Stunning Paint Color Combinations for Contrast Trim

When it comes to interior design, it’s the subtle details that can make a world of difference in transforming a space from ordinary to extraordinary. One design trend that has become very popular over the past few years is contrast trim. The contrast trim paint trend involves painting baseboard trim, door casings, and interior doors in a darker color than the walls, creating a striking visual impact that adds a ton of character to your home. Of course, white trim will always be a solid choice, but if you want to try something a little different, contrast trim might be for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of contrast trim, from choosing the perfect paint color combinations to expert tips that will help you achieve a professional-looking design.

What is Contrast Trim?

Contrast trim is a popular trend today, where the walls are painted a light color (usually white), and the trim (baseboards, window frames and door frames) is painted a darker shade (typically a light greige or gray). Traditionally, most people choose to paint their interior trim white, and their walls another (often darker) color. However, by painting your trim a darker shade than your walls, you can draw attention to the architectural details of your trim, and add some major wow factor and sophistication to your home.

Paint Colors for Contrast Trim

The key to mastering contrast trim lies in selecting the right paint color combinations. In this post, I’ll be sharing some designer-favorite pairings for white walls with a subtle contrasting trim paint color (light gray or greige). But that’s certainly not the only option!

When it comes to painting your trim and doors, you can choose any color that speaks to you, from a dark charcoal or black (for a high-contrast look), to an earthy gray-green. As a general rule, painting your walls and trim two different shades of the same color is a great way to create a subtle contrast that looks amazing. For example, you can choose a light blue for your walls, and a darker blue for your trim.

Pro tip: Look for two colors on the same paint strip for color pairings that are guaranteed to work well together. You can visit your local paint store to view the paint chips and flip through paint color fan decks to find the right color combination.

The Best White Paint Colors

When choosing a white paint color for your room, there’s a few things to keep in mind. If you’re planning to use a warm trim color, like a warm gray, beige, or greige, it’s best to choose a white that has some warmth to it. A few of my favorite warm whites are:

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
• Sherwin-Williams Alabaster

If you’d rather use a cooler gray as your trim color, be sure to choose a more neutral white paint color for your walls. I don’t typically recommend using cool whites on your walls because they can make the entire space feel cold and sterile. Here are a few of my favorite neutral white paints:

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
• Sherwin-Williams Pure White
• Sherwin-Williams Extra White

The Best Contrast Trim Colors

My favorite colors to use for contrast trim are greiges because they are so versatile. They have the perfect amount of warmth to keep them from looking cold, while staying nice and neutral with their gray tones. Here are some popular choices for greiges that are perfect for creating the contrast trim look:

• Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
• Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige
• Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (aka Baby Fawn)

If you’d prefer something a bit cooler, or more of a neutral gray, here are some great options:

• Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
• Sherwin-Williams Gray Screen
• Sherwin-Williams Colonnade Gray
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray

Not sure which paint color is right for your space?

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Inspiring Color Combinations for Contrast Trim

Hit the easy button with these four gorgeous, tried-and-true  contrast trim color combinations!

Combo #1 – White Dove and Revere Pewter

This is probably my all-time favorite combination for contrast trim. BM White Dove is a fabulous warm white with greige tones that works with almost any color scheme. It pairs beautifully with the timeless classic greige BM Revere Pewter, as you can see in the swoon-worthy picture below.

Combo #2 – Chantilly Lace and Seapearl

If you’re looking for a very subtle contrast, start with BM Chantilly Lace on your walls and use BM Seapearl for your trim. Chantilly Lace is a bright, crisp, clean white that will work with pretty much any other color, including off-whites for a barely-there contrast.

Combo #3 – Extra White and Agreeable Gray

If you want to stay away from creamy whites, or your whites are leaning yellow, give SW Extra White a try for your wall color. It’s a crisp, cool white, and pairs well with light grays or greiges that lean more gray. In this next picture, you can see SW Extra White on the walls, and SW Agreeable Gray on the trim and wainscoting. Such a gorgeous look!

Combo #4 – Alabaster and Accessible Beige

For a warmer option, use the creamy SW Alabaster on your walls paired with the warmth of SW Accessible Beige on your trim and doors. Even though it has the word “beige” in its name, Accessible Beige has enough gray in it to keep it nice and muted. This is a great combination for north-facing or east-facing rooms that could use a little more warmth with their paint colors.

Combo #5 – Pure White and Accessible Beige

SW Pure White is a great option for a soft white with a hint of warmth. It’s one of my go-to white trim colors because of its neutral appearance and versatility. Pairing Pure White with a warmer greige, like SW Accessible Beige is a winning combination, as seen in this living room and hallway from @oliveandoakhome.

Tips for Using Contrast Trim Like a Pro

1. Select the Right Colors: Choose colors that complement each other and align with your overall interior design style. Test samples in different lighting conditions before making your final decision.
2. Consider Room Proportions: While contrast trim can make a room feel more spacious, it’s essential to balance the proportions. In larger rooms, bolder trim colors can be used, while smaller spaces may benefit from subtler shades.
3. Maintain Consistency: Extend the contrast trim to all the trim elements in the room, including baseboards, door casings, and interior doors, for a cohesive and polished look.
4. Highlight Architectural Details: Take advantage of architectural features such as crown molding, chair rails, and wainscoting by accentuating them with your chosen trim color.
5. Personalize with Accessories: Complete the look by incorporating decor items, such as curtains, rugs, and throw pillows, that echo the trim color, creating a harmonious and well-coordinated space.

As the contrast trim trend continues to be popular in the world of interior design, there’s no better time to transform your home with paint! By using a darker trim with light walls, you’ll create a beautiful visual contrast that brings depth and character to your living spaces. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of charcoal and white or the warmth of beige and espresso, the possibilities are endless. With a list of great colors to try and some expert tips, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning bedroom, dining room, or living room space with contrast trim.

What’s the Best Paint Finish (Sheen) to Use?

When it comes to trim work, the best paint sheen is either satin or semi-gloss. A satin sheen has a little less shine than semi-gloss paint, and is a more popular option for today’s trends. For walls, the best option is a flat sheen to hide imperfections. You can also use a satin or eggshell finish for walls, but it’s a really bad idea to use a higher sheen (like semi-gloss) on your walls.

Don’t Forget To Sample Your Paint Colors!

Just remember…no matter what you’ve read or how many gorgeous photos you’ve seen online, it’s super important to sample paint colors in your own home before committing! Samplize provides real paint samples that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only place I buy paint samples, and the best way to test colors in your home.

Need some more paint color recommendations?

For more paint color ideas, check out my Favorite Paint Colors eBook! It’s filled with all of the best paint colors in every color family from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, plus my exclusive list of the best colors for main/primary bedrooms and kitchen cabinets. Never again will you have to waste time searching the internet for the best colors…just imagine the time (and stress) you will save yourself! Get your copy of the eBook HERE.

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