35 reasons to paint your woodwork

by Liz Thompson

Feel painting woodwork is a mortal sin? Wait until you see these stunning examples. Some mad trim inspo that’ll set you running to the paint store, pronto.

current mood

Glossy white woodwork creates a sleek look that complements modern interiors. Perfect paired with crystal and marble.

empty canvas

Use white woodwork to display your artwork and special artifacts. Brightly colored objects and fun mementos are the focus, walls and trim blend into the scene.

dark side of the room

Of course, trim doesn’t have to be white. Go to the dark side and add dimension to your interiors. In this look the door and shiplap ceiling are done in the same tone.

beam us up

Painted door frames, paneling, and even built-ins are a given. Add the element of surprise by painting underside of ceiling beams.

old meets new

A streamlined look, like this narrow trim painted a soft grey, creates traditional interest with contemporary feel. A nice background for mixing antiques with modern elements.

attention grabber

Make a statement with dark trim against white or cream walls. It’s the perfect way to make beautiful woodwork stand out and goes well with a neutral color scheme.

om out

Creamy white trim delivers on peace and serenity. Black and neutral pieces stick with the zen theme.

walk this way

Add interest, and give a small hallway depth and dimension with a dark grey on white. This old world vibe is polished and classic at the same time.

a shot of color

Black, grey, and white are always safe bets for painted trim. Love color? Go for it! This pale blue is unexpected and teams nicely with medium wood tones.

do your thing

Ok. This is intense and maybe a wee bit over the top. But hey, some of us roll that way.

artistic side

Another monochrome stunner. This grey on grey look is at once vintage and totally of the moment. Inspirational, to say the least.

triple up

Don’t feel you have to stick with all one trim color. White walls, grey cabinets, and black window trim makes for a stunning combo.

fade to grey

The just-right white adds depth. Look how this wall color takes on a deeper tone paired up with light trim. All the better to play up your bright décor.

stair appeal

Play up a pretty staircase with something other than white or black. A warm grey is clean and interesting.

on display

A super dark, almost-black navy makes walls and trim seem to fade away. Use this look to showcase colorful artwork, furniture, and a delicious rug.

go big

Let larger than life details speak, while white frames the scene. Oversized items, glimmering gold, bold patterns…don’t hold back.

mighty minimalism

Many minimalist homes don’t have a lot of woodwork. You can still get in on the painted trim scene by adding a hot splash of color to kitchen cabinets. Upper, lower, or both. Works in bathrooms and offices too.

not so plain jane

Who says white is plain? An all white bedroom is so elegant. Paint wainscoting, trim, and walls in the same white. A hint of black or gold seals the deal.

play favorites

Have a favorite color? Choose a room that is all yours and paint walls, woodwork, even bookshelves the same hue. Keep furniture and décor within the same color family to keep the look cohesive.

moody blues

A soft tone, like this powdery blue, gives off a blast of color while still managing to be sophisticated. Muted tones in a variety of hues co-mingle nicely.

little details

Fortunate enough to have gorgeously intricate woodwork? Hire a pro to paint it right and show that stuff off.

black and white, only better

A black and white color scheme doesn’t exactly scream funky, right? Wrong! To jazz up your BW space, paint below the chair rail black, above in white. Doors get a half and half look too.

go deep

Deep purple is mysterious and romantic. How fabulous is this wood paneling in eggplant? Risky but refined.

frame up

Amazing how light and airy dark woodwork can make a space. Moldings stay white while window frames get a coat of

black paint

. Navy, charcoal, or deep green would work as well here.

perfect pair

Painted trim is a great way to complement wall paper. This grey-white hue grounds the look and keeps walls from becoming too busy.

color cocoon

Slate blue creates a cozy backdrop for patterns and fresh hues. Balance it out by choosing lighter colors for the rest of your scheme.

blush or bashful

Ballet slipper pink paired with a warm, neutral greige? Too cute!

fine line

Edgy, dramatic, yet oh so simple. Glossy black on matte white walls is a humble thing of beauty.

sweet surprise

Go for a bit of the unexpected. Pale yellow trim against lavender walls? Absolutely dreamy.

icy inspiration

All white on trim and walls isn’t boring. It means you can go kind of crazy with furniture and artwork. Emerald green, peacock blue, fuchsia…the choice is yours.

blend in

Painting trim and walls in the same matte hue is a minimalist take on saturated color. Sparse furniture and sleek lines let the floor do the talking in this fun scene.

stand out style

Make pretty woodwork stand out in an understated way by using a slightly darker shade than walls.

bright is right

Nothing makes a room pop like brilliant white on white. Use this look to update an older interior, bring a dark space to life, or highlight bold design elements.

color block

For a super fun look, paint each room a different color with matching trim. Leave just door jams white for contrast.