Room Paint Ideas for Stained Trim

White Ash

• When it comes to home decorating, this is probably the lightest color of wood that you can find. It's so light, it's nearly white. This color could look strange when placed against real white paint, because the contrast between the white paint and the light trim could simply make the white trim look dirty. Look for darker colors to pair with this trim. The more contrast the better, so narrow your focus to sophisticated colors like blue, gray-green and gray-brown.

Honey Blond

• This yellow-gold wood color will work well with paint colors that are also warm, such as shades of copper, warm tan and red. Any one of these color combinations will create an overall warm color scheme, perfect for an intimate setting like a family room or den. Alternatively, you can seek to contrast the warmth of the trim with a cooler color like blue. Blue and yellow together make a dramatic color scheme for a room like a bathroom or kitchen.

Cherry Red

• Red woods like cherry usually stain to a dark red-black or warm red-orange. These woods are often on the darker end, so look for warm, light paints to contrast with the darker color of the wood. Examples of paint colors that work include light copper, warm beige or even a light sage green, the complement of red.

Dark Brown

• Some browns are so dark they look black. Don't try to find a dark paint that will match with this dark trim--your room will become too heavy and drab. Instead, look for very light colors that will contrast with the dark brown trim -- for example, a heavy, warm cream. Under ordinary conditions, cream colors can be rather dull, but when placed against a dark brown trim, cream looks sharp and crisp.