Why Painting Trim the Same Color as the Walls can be a Great Idea

by Melissa Vickers May 03, 2021

Painting trim same color as walls? What can I expect? Will this be the look I envisioned?

This is a design trend gracing the most stylish décor magazines and homes. With paint colors, this monochromatic look can transform any room in your home into a unified and elegant space.

But, you may have reservations or feel nervous about painting. It feels natural to paint the walls. But, the trim?

Painting your walls the same color as your trim can create the ultimate design impact and change your space. Set aside your trim-related fears and read on. This the ultimate guide to encourage you to take the leap and begin painting!

You Should Paint Your Trim the Same Color as Your Walls if

You are open to trying a bold design
You embrace a monochromatic look
You love color (and won't easily tire of your chosen hue)
You don't mind painting over wood or other materials

Remember painting your trim the same color as your walls is a bold design move. You should feel comfortable adding color to an entire space in your home.

You Should Not Paint Your Trim the Same Color as Your Walls if

You prefer a traditional style with distinct wall and trim colors
You dislike a monochromatic look
You don't love color or tire easily of color
You adore wood and all its grainy details
You have historic molding or trim you don't want to paint

Looking into a historic home with wood molding, trim and stairs.

If you have reservations about painting over the trim with paint, honor those feelings. While paint can always be removed from trim, it is a process. And, depending on the quality and state of your wood, it could alter the stain or appearance.

Painting your walls the same color as your trim also encourages you to welcome a bold or monochromatic look. So if you love wood or prefer white molding, this may not be the trend for you!

Painting Your Trim Is an Easy Process to Execute

Now that you have set your own expectations and feel confident about painting trim the same color as your walls, how can you begin the process? This fun idea is easy to execute if you pay attention to detail and follow the process.

First you will need to prepare and paint the walls. If you paint the walls in tandem, this could be an easier process because you will have the exact paint on hand to do the job.

But, if you match the trim at a later time, double-check your paint color has not been discontinued and that you have chosen the correct hue. Paint the walls and let dry.

Tackle the Trim

To paint the trim, it is crucial that you clean the wood and remove any previous paint layers. If you want to learn how to get wood off paint trim, check out this step-by-step guide.

Ready to paint your match your walls and trim? Here are the top reasons why you should consider this design idea:

Go White and Reflect the Natural Light

White trim helps to reflect natural light. While white can often be called a "safe" design choice, it still creates an impact. Painting your trim white to match the walls is a great way to "dip your toe" into this design trend.

White living room, light wood floors, white rug, white sofa, one wall is full window so the room is bright.

If you're fearful of bold colors or creating a dramatic look, white is a bright and effortless choice. White can also create a dramatic impact your home needs.

For example, if you have dark wood trim in a room with little or no natural light, you may feel repressive or constricted. By simply painting this trim a brilliant white to match the walls, you can open the space and give the illusion of more natural light.

Choose the Right White

And just because you're using white paint, don't skimp on quality. These are some of the best brands to use for your paint colors and trim.

Update the Outdated

Updating outdated finishes in your home can be costly, time-consuming, and a real hassle. These are just some of the outdated looks that paint can transform:

Outdated trim or molding
Molding that just is not your style (i.e. intricate design, modern, etc.)
Paneled walls

Instead of budgeting and undergoing an expensive renovation project, paint can be the ultimate and cost-effective resource. You may even find the finish you hated to be a newfound design opportunity.

Transformational Design

For example, an outdated wood panel wall can make a bedroom feel camp-like, cool, and uninspired. But painting this wood and matching trim a deep emerald green or other jewel tones completely transforms the space.

The color creates a warm and inviting glow. And the once outdated wood instantly becomes luxurious. Sometimes, good design is working with what you have.

Get Cozy

Do you live in an apartment or small home? Or, are you facing design challenges decorating a small space? Painting the trim the same color as the walls is the perfect trick for these small spaces.

When trim is a different color than the wall it tricks the eye and creates lines. These lines can break the flow of a space and actually make the room feel like it recedes.

For example, a white chair rail in a small room cuts the space in half. It can make the room feel more box-like and smaller than the space really is.

Trick the Eye

By painting the walls and trim the same color, you are fooling the eye into cohesion. The space appears as one large area and your eye is drawn upwards. You don't stop at the chair railing or the ceiling molding.

If you are not afraid of bold color, now is the opportunity to choose a hue with personality. You can go dark with deep browns or greys. This would add create romantic yet masculine energy in an intimate space like an office or library.

Or, you can go light and airy with buttery yellows or light greens. This would work well in a narrow hallway, powder room, or dressing room. Depending on your design taste and color preference, there is no shortage of shades to choose from when painting a small space.

Hide Imperfections

Do you have kids? A dog? Or, maybe just a clumsy family member?

Your trim has likely seen better days. As one of the areas most prone to staining, knicks, and wear and tear, trim needs extra care and attention.

Add a Fresh Touch

And, the same goes for your walls. You may paint your walls every three to five years. Or, you are in desperate need of a touch-up.

But either way, painting the trim the same color of your walls can take the stress out of perfection. By choosing the same color, the paint creates a cohesive and monochromatic look that hides imperfections.

So, that knick on your trim baseboard? Or that scratch on your white wall? Not a problem!

Envelop the Area

While some lighter paint colors may not be as forgiving, any singular color choice helps to envelop your space in an impactful hue. This tricks the eye into seeing similarities and not stark differences like chips, stains, or other distractions.

Unify the Space

Cohesive is the "buzz word" when painting your walls the same color as your trim. This design idea helps to unify your space. Now, unifying a design scheme doesn't mean boring.

For example, you may want to paint a room that has an unusual layout. Or maybe, the room has a particular trim around the fireplace and a completely different trim around the windows or doorframes. Or, maybe you have a lot of pattern mixing or color combinations at play.

Painting the walls the same color as the trim helps to create unity in these spaces. Instead of paying to replace that mismatching molding or recovering furniture, paint can elevate the design scheme.

Add a Historical Touch

Do you dream of living in a historical home? Or, do you love antiques? Did you know that the Victorian era helped introduced some of the more ornate and detailed moldings you still see in houses today?

Back in the Colonial and Victorian eras, many homes had some form of trim or molding. This was particularly popular in grand entertaining rooms like the dining areas or parlors. It was common then to paint the molding and trim a similar shade to the walls.

Choose a Historical Hue

Want to incorporate the historical touch into your design scheme? You can try using historical colors like sky blue, rose, or cremes.

Make Off-the-Shelf-Finishes Look Luxurious

Your living room may have a collection of mismatched bookcases. Or perhaps, you have created your own entertainment center by pushing furniture pieces together. By painting your walls and trim and these pieces the same color, you instantly make store-bought items appear custom-made.

This creates a luxurious space that feels well-planned and tailored to your home and needs. So, if you have always dreamed of floor-to-ceiling built-ins or window seats, painting these items to match to walls and trim can do the trick without the high expense.

Express Your Color Story

Do you have a favorite color? Maybe you're always dressed in yellow or drawn to pink? Don't be afraid to bring your favorite color into your interior.

Wall and floor are painted in rainbow stripes

Designing a space you love often has a lot to do with color. Did you know there is research that supports color can change your emotional state? Color has the power to affect your mood and feelings.

Design a Space You Love

With this much power, be sure to express your color story across walls and trim. By choosing your favorite color, you are crafting an interior you will instantly feel comfortable and inspired by.

Colorful accents like abstract prints can be your inspiration for a design scheme. If you are in need of color guidance or direction, consider pulling shades from home décor accessories like throw pillows, curtains, or furniture.

Create Miniature Worlds of Color

You may have chosen your favorite color to paint a particular room's walls and trim. But, would painting the whole house this same shade be overkill?

Or, maybe you have a multiple shade color scheme. Or, if you are a true color lover, it may be hard to pick just one hue. Don't worry about making a decision.

You can choose them all. If you have multiple rooms in your home or clearly divided spaces, you can create color in each area. If you have different trim, molding, or finishes in each room, this can also help to unify your space.

Complimentary Pairings

For example, you can choose complementary shades of blue for each room. Perhaps you paint your bedroom walls and trim a bold deep blue. While you paint the ensuite bathroom walls and trim a soft light blue.

These two spaces nearby in similar shades will create an impactful color story in your home. If you're unsure what color to choose, you may benefit from a professional paint selection and design assistance.

Painting Trim Same Color as Walls? These Tips Can Elevate Your Home Design

Painting trim same color as walls? Hopefully, you are convinced to try this bold design idea.

But, remember to set your expectations. You should be open to color, a monochromatic look, and a big design impact. Choosing white walls and trim can welcome natural light.

Painting your walls trim can hide costly imperfections and help you to avoid an extensive renovation project. Don't be afraid to go bold or introduce new colors or patterns into your design.

If you are interested in painting your walls the same color as your trim, but still feel unsure, get in touch. Your space should feel inspiring and just like home. We can discuss your interest areas and ways to create your perfect space within budget.