11 Interior Trim Paint Colour Ideas & Inspiration

A pretty golden yellow-painted entryway with a mounted hat rack, and a white open door and trim, looking into a light gray-painted kitchen. A pretty golden yellow-painted entryway with a mounted hat rack, and a white open door and trim, looking into a light gray-painted kitchen.

From crisp, classic shades of white to saturated hues that make decorative features pop, embrace the design power of interior trim colours.

Painted trim can stand as the hero or play the perfect supporting role. Whether you want to play it safe or be adventurous, we’ve got the tips and tricks to inspire and inform—and help you find the perfect trim paint and colour for your project.
A two-tone wall painted light-sage green on the upper wall and off-white on the lower wall, with off-white trim, a dark blue door and inset shelves holding glass vases and trinkets. A two-tone wall painted light-sage green on the upper wall and off-white on the lower wall, with off-white trim, a dark blue door and inset shelves holding glass vases and trinkets.

What Is “Trim Paint”?

Here’s the truth: There is no such thing as “trim paint.” The quality paint you use on your walls or ceiling is perfectly fine to use on trim, with many homeowners opting for a higher sheen to differentiate from the paint on their walls. If you have questions about which paint to use, the experts at your locally owned store can help you choose the product that best suits your project.

While any of Benjamin Moore’s premium paints can be used on trim, professional painters and DIYers alike love Advance® Interior, as it cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish with outstanding coverage and hide. Engineered with Gennex® Colour Technology, Advance is available in all of our 3,500+ colours and is a great choice when it comes to trim paint.

A cozy, sunlit living room with white-painted walls, a dark green ceiling and trim, leather chairs and printed rug, a wood mantel, window trim and door. A cozy, sunlit living room with white-painted walls, a dark green ceiling and trim, leather chairs and printed rug, a wood mantel, window trim and door.

What Types of Trim Moulding Are There?

Trim has many forms. Here’s a quick rundown of trim-related terms:

  • Baseboards/floor trim: Trim installed at the bottom of the walls.

  • Crown moulding/ceiling trim: Trim installed at the top of the walls.

  • Window mullion: A mullion is the part of a window that forms a division between units of windows or screens. While not officially trim, homeowners often paint mullions either white or black.

  • Window casings/window trim, and door casings/door trim: Trim installed around openings such as doors and windows.

  • Wall trim: This type of trim is not at the top, bottom, or openings of walls, but rather applied to walls for aesthetic design. Think chair rails and picture rails.
Beautiful dark navy blue-painted French doors with blue-gray trim stand out in this sunlit cool gray-painted dining room with a long black table and chairs. Beautiful dark navy blue-painted French doors with blue-gray trim stand out in this sunlit cool gray-painted dining room with a long black table and chairs.

What are the Most Popular Trim Paint Colours?

Bright, crisp white trim offers a clean, beautiful frame in any space. Whether it’s part of an all-white monochromatic colour scheme or the perfect contrast to a bold, statement-making paint, there is no doubt that white trim paint is a classic go-to option for many homeowners.

If you want your trim to pop, use a bolder trim colour against neutral walls—think off-whites, greiges, and taupes.

In this dining room, two paint colours accentuate the statement-making French doors: Hale Navy HC-154 on the door’s mullions and Smoke 2122-40 on the trim.

Other colourful trim paint options we love:

An all-white painted bathroom with two white-trimmed windows over a clawfoot tub and white-painted doors and ceiling. An all-white painted bathroom with two white-trimmed windows over a clawfoot tub and white-painted doors and ceiling.

What Paint Finish Should I Use on Trim?

Paint finish affects the overall look of any painted space. In this bathroom, the walls, trim, ceiling, and doors are all painted in White Heron OC-57, so sheen is important for adding dimension and contrast.

When choosing the best sheen for interior trim, popular choices include satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Higher sheens offer more durability, increased stain resistance, and a finish that stands up to repeated washing—a bonus for trim that’s vulnerable to wear and tear in high-traffic areas.

If you’re unsure which finish is right for your space, ask for a recommendation at your locally owned store.

11 Ideas for Trim Paint Colour

With hundreds of white paint colours to choose from, selecting the best hue for your trim can seem daunting. Read on for our best tips on finding the perfect white trim paint colour or making your trim stand out with a saturated hue. As always, be sure to audition any colour—especially white—with a colour sample.

Keep in mind that lighting plays a major role in how paint colours appear. Using one white paint colour for an entire space may keep colour combinations simple, but the lighting still needs to be considered. Head to Selecting Colour By Direction for expert tips on how to navigate natural light and its impact on colour choice.

Varying shades of white paint colours on walls, trim, and wainscoting, and a white chair by window. Varying shades of white paint colours on walls, trim, and wainscoting, and a white chair by window.

Go-To White Trim Paint

Look to the undertone of your wall paint colour to determine which shade of white will look best on your trim. If your wall colour is warmer—with undertones of red, yellow, or orange—choose a white trim colour with a similar undertone. If your walls are a cooler colour—blue, green, or purple—stick with a crisp white hue.

If you’re applying one white trim paint colour throughout your entire home, consider using one of these versatile picks:

A bright, white-painted hallway with elegant board and batten walls, a piece of framed art, a table, tan striped rug, and dark wood floor. A bright, white-painted hallway with elegant board and batten walls, a piece of framed art, a table, tan striped rug, and dark wood floor.

All-White Trim: A Classic Look

Can a white paint colour be bold? It can if you use it all over a room on the walls, trim, and ceiling.

To get this classic yet modern look, use your chosen white paint colour in your entire space, switching up the sheen to draw attention to architectural details and the room’s dimensions, like we did here with Simply White OC-117.

A serene living room with a greige-painted upper wall, white lower wall, mantel, and moulding, a mirror, clay vase, and wood chairs on a white rug. A serene living room with a greige-painted upper wall, white lower wall, mantel, and moulding, a mirror, clay vase, and wood chairs on a white rug.

A Take on White Trim and Gray Walls

Endlessly versatile and always a homeowner favourite, gray walls pair well with white trim. Make sure your selected hues share an undertone for a cohesive look.

Gray wall and white trim pairings you’ll love:

A striking two-tone painted living room wall with navy blue on the top, yellow on the bottom, beautiful white trim and moulding, fireplace mantel and open door. A striking two-tone painted living room wall with navy blue on the top, yellow on the bottom, beautiful white trim and moulding, fireplace mantel and open door.

White Trim and Bold Walls

White painted trim lets a vibrant wall paint colour be the star of the show, while highlighting intricate moulding and millwork. Here, homeowner favourite Downpour Blue 2063-20 provides an elegant contrast against Simply White OC-117, a former Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year beloved for its subtle wink of warmth.

Other colour combinations we recommend for bold walls and white trim:

A bathroom with dark gray-painted walls, white wainscotting, trim and ceiling, a pedestal sink and eclectic artwork. A bathroom with dark gray-painted walls, white wainscotting, trim and ceiling, a pedestal sink and eclectic artwork.

White Trim Paint for Bathrooms

Bright, crisp white trim offers a beautiful frame for walls with deeply saturated colours. In bathrooms, let the walls and décor take center stage, while the trim and wainscotting play a supporting role in a clean white hue.

Here, blue-toned Baby’s Breath OC-62 trim pairs nicely with Stormy Sky 1616 walls. Other favourite white paint colours with blue undertones:

Dark gray-painted trim and radiator contrast nicely against white walls in this eclectic style living room with a pink sofa and modern chandelier. Dark gray-painted trim and radiator contrast nicely against white walls in this eclectic style living room with a pink sofa and modern chandelier.

Gray Trim, White Walls

Flip the script on the traditional saturated wall colour with white trim and try a white wall with gray trim. Whether you choose a soft greige or a rich charcoal, gray paint will draw the eye up and add dimension and visual interest.

Gray trim paint colours we love:

Pretty two-tone green painted corner walls with wainscotting on the upper walls, white trim, and a black desk and chair. Pretty two-tone green painted corner walls with wainscotting on the upper walls, white trim, and a black desk and chair.

Trim in a Monochromatic Colour Scheme

Painting the walls and trim different shades of the same colour can help make smaller spaces feel larger. This monochromatic approach blurs the edges of the room and tricks the eye, a great choice for pantries, entryways, bathrooms, and smaller bedrooms. To maintain a cohesive appearance, keep the trim within the colour scheme or choose a white with a shared undertone.

To get the look, try one of these monochromatic colour schemes:

Blue:
Walls: November Skies 2128-50 | Accent: Evening Dove 2128-30 | Trim: Lily White 2128-70

Purple:
Walls: Blue Viola CC-940 | Accent: French Violet CC-960 | Trim: Violet Sparkle 1422

Green:
Walls: Sagebrush CSP-770 | Accent: Secret Path CSP-800 | Trim: Halo OC-46

A welcoming entryway with off-white painted walls and pretty blue wainscotting, window and door trim. A welcoming entryway with off-white painted walls and pretty blue wainscotting, window and door trim.

Breezy Blue Trim Colours

In spaces with a lot of natural lighting, bring a bit of the outdoors inside with a pastoral blue trim color. Stick to pales and pastels for an especially airy look, or go a shade deeper, like we did here with Whipple Blue HC-152.

Some of our favourite coastal blues for trim colour:

A hallway entrance with rich, dark green painted wainscotting, trim and built-in drawers underneath a window, and pale green painted wall cabinets. A hallway entrance with rich, dark green painted wainscotting, trim and built-in drawers underneath a window, and pale green painted wall cabinets.

Pack a Punch with Green Trim

A classic rich green trim can work wonders in any space. Here, Forest Green 2047-10 trim in a hallway creates a visually intriguing sightline for all who enter.

Other jewel-toned green hues we love for trim:

This black-and-white styled room features white-painted walls, ceiling and door with black trim and black decorative hinges on the door, a black chair and black-and-white striped rug. This black-and-white styled room features white-painted walls, ceiling and door with black trim and black decorative hinges on the door, a black chair and black-and-white striped rug.

Black Trim Amps Up the Drama

For a fresh take on a classic colour scheme that seems plucked straight from French design, use thin lines of black paint to delineate a space and create depth in an all-white room. Add black-and-white accents, like we did here with a striped rug, to make the look really pop.

Love this style? Try it yourself with one of these black-and-white paint colour combinations:

A sunlit entry hallway with a dark green front door, off-white walls, pale green painted wainscotting and trim, and a side room in neutral tones seen through an open doorway. A sunlit entry hallway with a dark green front door, off-white walls, pale green painted wainscotting and trim, and a side room in neutral tones seen through an open doorway.

Soft Green Trim for an Earthy Look

Ready to let your trim take centre stage? Painting trim and wainscotting the same hue can have as much impact as an accent wall. Go beyond a neutral colour scheme by using a green-gray like Mountain Air CC-636, which creates a nice contrast against Dune White CC-70 walls in this entryway.

Other green-gray paint colours to try:

Choosing the Best White Trim Paint Colour

If a classic, timeless look is what you’re after, then all-white painted trim is a smart choice. On your quest for the perfect white paint for your interior doors and trim, consider these handpicked favourites:


White Dove OC-17

White Dove
OC-17

For a goes-with-anything soft white trim:
A versatile classic, White Dove OC-17 is a homeowner favourite for trim paint because of its subtle touch of warmth.


For trim with cooler wall colours:
White Heron OC-57 and Decorator’s White OC-149 are two favourite trim paint colours for walls with cool undertones—think greens, blues, violets, and cool grays.


Cloud White OC-130

Cloud White
OC-130

For trim with warmer wall colours:
Cloud White OC-130 and Simply White OC-117 are both great choices for trim next to warmer wall colours—think reds, oranges, yellows, beiges, and tans.


For bright, clean, white trim:
Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Super White OC-152 top our experts’ list for a super-crisp white paint colour.

Interior Paint Ideas: Coloured Trim and Wall Combinations

Especially eye-catching when paired with white or neutral walls, colourful trim adds character and depth to any space. Whether you go for a whimsical look with a pale or pastel hue or add drama with a jewel tone, painting the trim is an easy way to add a pop of colour to your home without having to paint an entire wall.

Consider these combinations for a colourful look that makes an impact.

White Down OC-131   Grant Beige HC-83

Warm, welcoming, and inviting:
Layer warm neutrals to keep any space soft and subtle.

Proposed pairing:
White Down OC-131 on the wall (left) and Grant Beige HC-83 on the trim (right).


Horizon OC-53   Van Courtland Blue HC-145

Refreshing and calming:
Take advantage of the relaxing qualities inherent in dusty blues and modern cool grays.

Proposed pairing:
Horizon OC-53 on the wall (left) and Van Courtland Blue HC-145 on the trim (right).


Atrium White OC-145   Onyx 2133-10

Modern and high contrast:
Black trim against white walls is hugely popular for interiors and exteriors.

Proposed pairing:
Atrium White OC-145 on the wall (left) and Onyx 2133-10 on the trim (right).


Crystalline AF-485   Cushing Green HC-125

Monochromatic and cool:
For a slick look, paint the trim a few shades darker than the wall, staying in the same colour family.

Proposed pairing:
Crystalline AF-485 on the wall (left) and Cushing Green HC-125 on the trim (right).


An opulent dining room with blue-painted walls, ceiling and fireplace, and a chandelier over a large wooden dining table and chairs. The style is classic with an exotic twist. An opulent dining room with blue-painted walls, ceiling and fireplace, and a chandelier over a large wooden dining table and chairs. The style is classic with an exotic twist.

Paint Walls and Trim the Same Colour

“When using one colour for the walls and trim, we love painting the interior doors the same colour as well for a completely uninterrupted look,” says Benjamin Moore colour expert Arianna Barone. “When using bolder hues, it allows you to be more immersed in the colour.”

The mighty impact of this one-colour approach is beautifully illustrated in this dining room, painted entirely in Spectra Blue 2049-50.

A room with soft black painted upper walls and white lower walls with white trim and an open black door leading to a hallway in neutral hues. A room with soft black painted upper walls and white lower walls with white trim and an open black door leading to a hallway in neutral hues.

Paint Colours for Classic Crown Moulding

Intricate crown mouldings deserve to be a focal point in any room.

For these iconic architectural features, consider these approaches:

  • Use the same white paint colour for the crown moulding, ceiling, and trim. This is by far the most popular choice among homeowners, providing an undeniably classic, uniform look.
  • Apply the same paint colour to the walls and crown moulding. Try this for a modern, monochromatic look, but keep in mind it may hide the details of your crown moulding.
  • Add a distinctive accent colour. When you choose a paint colour specifically for the crown moulding, you’ll draw attention to its detail, highlighting its elegance and visual appeal.

Here, walls in dark gray Wrought Iron 2124-10 stand out against crown moulding and trim in White Opulence OC-69. The door is painted in rich Black 2132-10 for even more drama and contrast.

A bright and airy light-gray painted bedroom with white wall trim and ceiling, a modern four-poster bed, a fun cheetah animal print sofa, and wicker chandelier. A bright and airy light-gray painted bedroom with white wall trim and ceiling, a modern four-poster bed, a fun cheetah animal print sofa, and wicker chandelier.

How to Paint Trim

After you’ve found your trim paint colour, it’s time to get painting. For tips on how to paint trim, head to our full step-by-step guide or view our how-to video.

Step 1: Stock up on supplies. At the least, you’ll need painters tape, a quality primer (we recommend Fresh Start®), and your choice of premium interior paint. You’ll also need the best brushes for painting trim: 1½- and 2½-inch angle sash brushes.

Step 2: Inspect the trim. Before you prep your trim for painting, check it for any nicks or damage. Your locally owned store can help you decide how to make any necessary repairs.

Step 3: Prepare the surface. If your trim has an existing glossy finish, sand it lightly to help the trim accept the new coat of paint. Finish all prep by wiping the trim with a damp sponge and allowing it to dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Apply the paint. Protect your walls by taping off the wall area adjacent to the trim. When you are ready to paint, start from the top and work down in this order: moulding, window trim, door frames, and baseboards.

“Our top tip for choosing white trim paint is to align with the same undertone as your wall. For example, if you have blue walls, look to white paint colours that have a blue undertone to create a cohesive look.”

Arianna Barone, Colour & Design Expert

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Can you use Benjamin Moore paint as trim paint?

A. Of course. Since there is no such thing as “trim paint,” the quality paint you use on your walls or ceiling is perfectly fine to use on trim, with many homeowners opting for a higher sheen to differentiate from the paint on their walls. If you have questions about which interior paint to use, the experts at your locally owned store can help you choose the product that best suits your project.



Q. What is the best paint for interior trim and doors?

A. While any of Benjamin Moore's premium interior paints can be used on trim, professional painters and DIYers alike love Advance® Interior, as it cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish with outstanding coverage and hide. Engineered with Gennex® Colour Technology, Advance is available in all of our 3,500+ colours, making it a great choice for trim paint.



Q. Should I paint my trim and ceiling the same colour?

A. Many homeowners like the streamlined, cohesive look (and ease!) of matching their interior trim paint and mouldings to their ceiling colour. That said, choosing paint colour is always highly personal, and many diverse colour combinations are worth considering for trim, mouldings, and ceilings. To choose colour with confidence, use colour samples to observe how your selected hues look before purchasing paint.



Q. What is the best white trim paint colour?

A. Choosing a white trim paint colour depends on a lot of factors, including lighting and undertones. For a goes-with-anything soft white trim paint colour, we love the versatile and classic White Dove OC-17, a homeowner favourite because of its subtle touch of warmth. If you want bright, clean white trim, Chantilly Lace OC-65 and Super White OC-152 top our experts' list of crisp white paint colours. To make sure you're choosing the right hue, we highly recommend starting with a colour sample or asking for advice at your locally owned store.



Q. What are some choices for coloured trim paint?

A. Especially eye-catching when paired with white or neutral walls, coloured trim adds character and depth to any space. Whether you go for a whimsical look with a pale or pastel hue or add drama with a jewel tone, painting the trim is an easy way to add a pop of colour to your home without having to paint an entire wall.

Black trim against white walls is hugely popular for interiors and exteriors. Use Atrium White OC-145 on the walls and Onyx 2133-10 on the trim or go for a monochromatic cool colour scheme with Crystalline AF-485 on the walls and Cushing Green HC-125 on the trim.



Neutral living room with white walls and an off white wall mantel, and a white circle coffee table in between two cream couches.

Ideas and Inspiration for Interiors

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