The best paint for interior trim and baseboards is an acrylic enamel or waterborne alkyd in a semi-gloss sheen. This combination provides a hard, durable finish that withstands frequent scuffing and cleaning while balancing a polished look without highlighting minor imperfections.
The best paint type for trim is a waterborne alkyd paint like Advance® Interior, which goes on smooth and cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish and is available in over 3,500 colours.
Lakeland Paints are undoubtedly the best paint for asthma sufferers - and have been for the last 36yrs. They were the World's first Zero VOC paints, were awarded 4 major Ecology & Environmental Awards and are 100.0% VOC-free, odorless, and formulated to minimize and eliminate respiratory distress & irritation.
For interior trim, use an acrylic enamel or waterborne alkyd paint in a semi-gloss or satin finish. This combination delivers a durable, scuff-resistant, and washable surface that handles high-traffic use while providing an attractive contrast to flat or eggshell wall paint.
Choosing Paint Sheen Based On Use And Traffic
It's forgiving on imperfections, easy to clean and gives you that soft, elevated look. Semi-Gloss (Trim Paint): Best for baseboards, moldings, doors, cabinets and high-traffic zones like hallways and mudrooms.
For baseboards, satin is the superior choice over eggshell. Baseboards are in high-traffic areas that endure frequent scuffs, kicks, and vacuum bumps. Satin provides higher durability and makes it much easier to wipe away dirt and scuff marks.
If you're looking for the exact height to go with, you can use the 7% rule – choose a height closest to 7% of the overall height of your room. So here are some examples: For a room that is 7ft in ceiling height (84 inches), you would use a baseboard height of roughly 5.88 inches or taller.
Both paint brands are excellent, but they excel in different areas: Sherwin-Williams is generally favored by professionals for its durability, smooth application, and longevity, while Behr is the top choice for DIYers due to its budget-friendly price and convenient availability at The Home Depot.
You'll only need one coat of primer, but plan on applying two (possibly three) coats of paint when painting baseboards and trim, and be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before moving onto the next.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Top 9 Zero-VOC Paint Brands
Epidemiological studies among paint industry workers have reported respiratory symptoms, such as cough, dyspnoea, chest tightness, wheezing and reduced pulmonary function in both restrictive and obstructive dysfunctions.
Common indoor asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning supplies, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pest droppings. The most actionable ways to manage these include:
Yes, Sherwin-Williams is generally considered on par with Benjamin Moore, and both are top-tier, premium paint brands. While professional opinions vary, Sherwin-Williams is often favored for its application and frequent sales, whereas Benjamin Moore is praised for superior color depth and long-term durability.
The current trend for baseboards favors minimalist, clean, and seamless designs. The most popular styles are tall, flat-stock profiles with square or slightly eased edges, frequently painted the exact same color as the walls to elongate the room visually.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
The best way to paint trim is to follow a strict "Prep over Paint" routine to ensure an even, long-lasting finish.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
We will walk you through some of the most common beginner mistakes when installing trim molding and how to avoid them so your next project goes smoothly.
Sherwin-Williams and Home Depot (which primarily sells Behr paint) cater to different needs. Sherwin-Williams offers premium, professional-grade finishes with exceptional coverage and expert support. Home Depot’s Behr brand is heavily favored by DIYers for its budget-friendliness, wide color selection, and easy one-coat coverage options.
The BEHR® Professional Products & Services Program is committed to meeting the nationwide needs of professional painters, contractors, remodelers, and property owners/managers through high-quality products and services.
Based on 2026 industry ratings, Benjamin Moore is frequently ranked the highest overall for quality, durability, and color, with their Aura line often cited as best-in-class. Sherwin-Williams (especially Emerald) is a top competitor often ranked #1 for consumer satisfaction, while Behr (at The Home Depot) is highly rated for performance and value.
Most residential baseboards are between 3.25 and 5.25 inches tall, with 4.25 inches being a popular choice for standard 8-foot ceilings.
Yes, carpet does go under the baseboard. The standard professional practice is to install baseboards first, holding them slightly off the subfloor (about 38three-eighths38 to 12one-half12 of an inch). This allows installers to tuck the carpet and padding securely underneath for a seamless, clean edge.