11 Interior Trim Paint Color 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 colors.

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 color 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 and 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 and 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® Color Technology, Advance is available in all of our 3,500+ colors 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 Molding 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 molding/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 Colors?

Bright, crisp white trim offers a clean, beautiful frame in any space. Whether it’s part of an all-white monochromatic color 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 color against neutral walls—think off-whites, greiges, and taupes.

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

Other colorful 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 Color

With hundreds of white paint colors 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 color or making your trim stand out with a saturated hue. As always, be sure to audition any color—especially white—with a color sample.

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

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

Go-To White Trim Paint

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.

If you’re applying one white trim paint color 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 color 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 color 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 molding, 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 molding, 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 favorite, 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 molding, 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 molding, fireplace mantel and open door.

White Trim and Bold Walls

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

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

A bathroom with dark gray-painted walls, white wainscoting, trim and ceiling, a pedestal sink and eclectic artwork. A bathroom with dark gray-painted walls, white wainscoting, 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 colors. In bathrooms, let the walls and décor take center stage, while the trim and wainscoting 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 favorite white paint colors 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 color 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 colors we love:

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

Trim in a Monochromatic Color Scheme

Painting the walls and trim different shades of the same color 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 color scheme or choose a white with a shared undertone.

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

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

Purple:
Walls: Blue Viola 1424 | Accent: French Violet 1427 | 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 wainscoting, window and door trim. A welcoming entryway with off-white painted walls and pretty blue wainscoting, window and door trim.

Breezy Blue Trim Colors

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 favorite coastal blues for trim color:

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

A sunlit entry hallway with a dark green front door, off-white walls, pale green painted wainscoting 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 wainscoting 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 center stage? Painting trim and wainscoting the same hue can have as much impact as an accent wall. Go beyond a neutral color 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 colors to try:

Choosing the Best White Trim Paint Color

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 favorites:


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 favorite for trim paint because of its subtle touch of warmth.


For trim with cooler wall colors:
White Heron OC-57 and Decorator’s White OC-149 are two favorite trim paint colors 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 colors:
Cloud White OC-130 and Simply White OC-117 are both great choices for trim next to warmer wall colors—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 color.

Interior Paint Ideas: Colored Trim and Wall Combinations

Especially eye-catching when paired with white or neutral walls, colorful 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 color to your home without having to paint an entire wall.

Consider these combinations for a colorful 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 color 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 Color

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

The mighty impact of this one-color 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 Colors for Classic Crown Molding

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

For these iconic architectural features, consider these approaches:

  • Use the same white paint color for the crown molding, ceiling, and trim. This is by far the most popular choice among homeowners, providing an undeniably classic, uniform look.
  • Apply the same paint color to the walls and crown molding. Try this for a modern, monochromatic look, but keep in mind it may hide the details of your crown molding.
  • Add a distinctive accent color. When you choose a paint color specifically for the crown molding, 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 molding 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 color, 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: molding, 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 colors that have a blue undertone to create a cohesive look.”

Arianna Barone, Color & 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® Color Technology, Advance is available in all of our 3,500+ colors, making it a great choice for trim paint.



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

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



Q. What is the best white trim paint color?

A. Choosing a white trim paint color depends on a lot of factors, including lighting and undertones. For a goes-with-anything soft white trim paint color, we love the versatile and classic White Dove OC-17, a homeowner favorite 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 colors. To make sure you're choosing the right hue, we highly recommend starting with a color sample or asking for advice at your locally owned store.



Q. What are some choices for colored trim paint?

A. Especially eye-catching when paired with white or neutral walls, colored 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 color 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 color 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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