For most exteriors, color contrast is the way to go. Selecting exterior trim that contrasts with the window sash can elevate the home's visual appearance and create an interesting color dynamic that elevates curb appeal and generates character. Some color combos work better than others.
If you want a traditional, elegant and/or formal look definitely match the trim. If you want a more whimsical or fun look, such as a child's room you can match the wall. Since your walls are neutral, I don't think it will really make a big difference if they're bright white or off white.
Painting all window and door trim, crown molding and baseboards the same colour provides consistency, but is not a rule. For example, only black baseboards will anchor a room while having only black crown moulding will frame the ceiling and draw your eye up. Similarly, door casings and doors don't have to match.
Look to the undertone of your wall paint color to determine which shade of white will look best on your trim. If your wall color is warmer—with undertones of red, yellow, or orange—choose a white trim color with a similar undertone. If your walls are a cooler color—blue, green, or purple—stick with a crisp white hue.
Choosing the Perfect Trim and Door Colors
Do interior doors and trim have to match? Absolutely not! They can if you want them to, but ultimately, it's all about crafting the aesthetic you want.
While there is no unwritten rule that all exterior trim should match, matching can make a lot of design sense and make the design appear well thought-out. For example, if you go with a charcoal gray trim around a white door, painting the trim around your white-sashed windows gray creates a consistent, attractive look.
Trims that don't go together, or using too much trim, make homes look less attractive. Matching trims — window casings, door casings, baseboards and crown moldings — enhance a home's appearance. All of these should match one another in order to make your interiors look better.
White trim may be the rule in most homes, but it isn't the only option for trim color! Painting the casings and baseboards to match the wall color creates a cohesive, modern look. For example, if your walls are light gray, consider using the same gray color on the trim instead of white.
If you're wondering about black framed windows, rest assured that it is highly unlikely that black windows will ever go out of style. As previously mentioned, black windows date back to the 19th century/Victorian era. They've been around for a while, and aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Lighter Baseboards Are Often Easier to Coordinate with Other Trim. If your room has any other paneling or trim, such as wainscoting, crown molding, or chair rails, you'll typically want to match your baseboards to this trim. In many cases, this leads people to select a baseboard color that's lighter than their walls.
Straight and unadorned baseboards
Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year.
Rule #1: Trim color does not have to be the same in every room… If your floor plan is REALLY open, then yes, using the same trim color makes sense – but in that case, you might be using the same wall color everywhere anyway. Sticking with various off-whites in most of your rooms is a safe bet.
Neutral colors in the brown or gray family are a good choice. Apply different shades or values of that color throughout the areas of your home that you are trying to connect. This approach is popular because it allows you to vary the looks of your rooms but still keep a coherent style.
(1) Create exact color-match with trim for a more consistent, cohesive look. (2) Choose a lighter color if you don't want to make the blind a focal point of your window area. (3) Select a darker (or bolder) color to make the fabric a focal point of the overall window treatment.
Neutral tones are safe choices because they will match with many different designs and colors. For example, there are many shades of white, from bright to off and everything in between. A white blind allows the windows to blend into and flow with the rest of the decor.
Window frames that match your wall color is still safe but make a little more of a style statement. This is an easy way to embrace the trend of tone-on-tone looks. For a cohesive look, you can also go a few shades lighter than your wall color.
Should Their Colors Match? Generally, experts suggest using contrasting colors for the sash and the trim to make your home's curb appeal more interesting. This is also especially recommended for tall or large homes as it helps break up the facade and create a more balanced look.
Anthracite Grey windows have been so popular for so long that it seems unlikely they will ever go out of style. Grey windows can add a touch of elegance and variety to any home. Because grey is a neutral colour, it serves as an excellent backdrop for other colours, making it simple to coordinate with existing decor.
A white exterior paired with black trim is a classic look that will never go out of fashion. This versatile color scheme can work with any architectural style, whether it's a Colonial home or a modern rancher.
Joanna's favorite color for trim is the "True White" hue.
Blue Nova, Benjamin Moore
Vibrant yet refined, Blue Nova's rich blue is sure to make a statement. It's an excellent choice for accent walls or exterior trim with personality.
The most common and best sheen for interior trim is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paint finishes have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean. Semi-gloss paint finishes have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. They are easy to clean and stand up to dirt, stains, mold, and mildew.
A baseboard height that's approximately 7% of the wall height provides for a solid and definable base without being too big. The overall proportion of baseboard to wall height will be comfortable and pleasing. So in a room with a 9 foot high ceiling, a baseboard that's about 8 inches tall works.
The fascia and soffit don't need to match the trim, although it's perfectly acceptable to match them if you prefer the look. Many homeowners choose different color combinations for their soffit, fascia, and trim, but it's ultimately up to you and what design you want to achieve.
There are numerous options regarding the material and style of interior window trim. Wood is popular due to its decorative appeal, with poplar recommended for painted trim and strong-grained oak for stained. Wood composites and uPVC are other common materials, offering more variety in style and budget.