Colors for Trim for Pine Walls

Sedate

• An entire branch of psychology is dedicated to the study of color and how it impacts human emotion. One of the things color psychologists suggest if you're aiming for a calming, tranquil space is to introduce cool colors. These are the shades you might see if you were walking along a mountain stream: blue, green and lilac. Think about how many doctor's offices and medical building interiors that you have seen painted in one of these hues, which is because they introduce a sense of calm. If you're looking to do that in your room, opt for a cool paint color for your trim.

Exciting

• Warm colors, on the other hand, introduce excitement, vitality and energy to a space. Warm shades are red, orange and yellow; colors found in a bright sunset. Warm colors are often used in circuses, carnivals and playrooms. In fact, red is believed to stimulate hunger, which helps explain why it is used in so many restaurants. If you want a room covered with pine walls to be an upbeat, energetic place, introduce warm trim colors.

Classic

• Think of the earth when creating a classic space. Choose a forest green, deep burgundy or navy blue as a trim color for a formal space that will be covered with other classic colors and designs. These deep, rich colors lend themselves to a traditional, classic decor.

Accentuate the Undertones

• Although all pine is essentially brown, different batches have different undertones. Some are golden, others are reddish or orange-brown. You know the primary color of your pine walls is brown, but determine the undertone you see. This is your secondary color and would make an ideal trim color. For example, if your walls have a golden undertone, choose a warm, golden shade for the trim. Doing so will bring out the best in both the walls and the trim color.