The Best Paint Colors for Highlighting Moulding

November 12, 2024

Molding is more than trim; it’s a chance to give any room character, unending elegance, and architectural interest. Be it crown moulding, baseboards, or wainscoting, with the right paint color, you can really make these features pop, thereby bringing great attention to them and intensifying the style of your space. Here is a guide on the best paint colors for moulding, plus some tips to make your home’s trim beautiful.

1. Crisp Whites for a Classic Look

White is the first choice for moulding and not without reason. White gives a clean and classic look against any color of walls. In this regard, crisp white molding serves to add contrast to rooms featuring bold wall colors, while it also complements light and neutral-colored walls to give a subtle, sophisticated appearance. Some popular varieties include:

• Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace: A bright, clean white suitable for very modern or traditional settings
• Sherwin-Williams Extra White: This is an excellent color choice for contemporary spaces, with a slight cool undertone that feels fresh and modern

White mouldings not only offer a fresh, polished look but also create an illusion of higher ceilings and a spacious room.

2. Soft Grays for Subtle Elegance

For sophistication, but not the starkness of white, soft gray is an excellent alternative. Gray mouldings add depth to a room and a modern touch without overpowering other elements in the room. It also marries well with light and dark wall colors for a cool, well-balanced look. Some excellent gray shades for molding include:

• Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White: A light gray tone with warm undertones that helps tie together warm and cool color schemes
• Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray: Slightly warmer, it’s great in rooms featuring warmer color schemes or hardwood elements

Gray moulding works well in both modern and transitional spaces, as it brings freshness and sophistication to any room.

3. Dramatic Blacks for Drama and Contrast

Black molding is ideal for those who want a bold, modern look. Black brings drama and contrast to lighter wall colors. It’s an option that makes the moulding stand out in the room and creates an air of sophistication. Consider these popular black shades:

• Benjamin Moore’s Black Satin: A soft black that isn’t too harsh; great for adding depth without overwhelming the space
• Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black: Deep, true black; a striking contrast that works nicely when you have high ceilings or loads of natural light

Black moulding especially looks great in modern, industrial settings, and eclectic places.

4. Earthy Greens and Blues for a Pop of Color

If you want your moulding to add color to the room but not be too bold, you might consider earthy greens or soft blues. Earthy greens and soft blues work well in homes with a natural or bohemian aesthetic, adding warmth and personality into the space. Recommended shades include:

• Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt: A soft, muted green-blue color that is extremely soothing and versatile in working with in a coastal or rustic-inspired home
• Storm Cloud Gray by Benjamin Moore: A blue-gray tone adding depth to a multitude of color schemes

Earth greens and blues can be considered to create a relaxed and inviting feel, especially in the living room, bedroom, or home office.

5. Beiges and Taupes for a Warm, Neutral Feel

If you prefer something a bit more conventional or cozy, warm neutrals like beige and taupe are great for mouldings. Warm neutrals infuse spaces with warmth and balance. They blend perfectly with wood elements, thus complementing homes with hardwood flooring or a wood accent. Some top picks are:

• Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams: This is a versatile beige that adds warmth to a room and works great in both traditional and modern spaces
• Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball: A soft taupe with sufficient gray to render it sophisticated and neutral

Warm neutrals really shine when it comes to creating flow and a welcoming ambiance, which is why they are perfect for the common areas such as the living room or dining room.

6. Metallics for Added Luxury

For that touch of glamour, you might want to consider metallic finishes in gold, silver, or bronze for your moulding. Metallic adds an element of class and sophistication; the best avenue for adding richness and class to not only a room, but more prominently to formal areas such as dining rooms, home offices, and entryways. Metallic mouldings work quite well with wallpaper or even with textured walls, adding depth and elegance to a room. Some recommended finishes are:

• Benjamin Moore’s Metallic Gold: This adds warmth and opulence to the space
• Sherwin-Williams Precious Metal: A silvery finish that’s sleek and modern

Metallic moulding is a bold choice that works best in well-thought-out spaces where elegance and even luxury will play a larger role.

How to Choose the Right Paint Finish

Once you’ve selected the color, choosing the right paint finish can make or break moulding. Here are some tips about finishes:

• Semi-Gloss: This is a pretty popular choice for moulding; it’s easy to clean and durable, making it great for high-traffic areas
• Gloss: If you want something really high-shine that will catch people’s eyes, then you should go with gloss. It’s very reflective and adds a sleek touch but shows more imperfections than other finishes
• Matte or Eggshell: Rarely used for molding, a matte or eggshell finish might work in areas of low traffic or if you are going for an understated look

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