Can Molding Be Painted the Same Color as the Walls?

Architectural

• Detailed trim in all its glory looks beautiful when painted the same color as the walls. When trim work is wonderfully well proportioned and detailed, painting it the same color as the walls will create a special yet understated architectural shadowing. Throughout the day, as the lighting in your home changes, so does this shadowing.

Harmonious

• Painting the walls and trim one color creates a simple and harmonious backdrop. It is unobtrusive and easy on the eyes, allowing artistic freedom with accents like art and accessories without conflict.

Scale and Proportion

• Contrast between trim, walls and your ceiling can be jarring, especially if you have low ceilings. Add in an additional chair rail and visually the room looks choppy and out of proportion. Painting walls and trim one color creates harmony and visually expands the space. Utilizing scale and proportion with paint is perfect for homes with low ceilings and little natural light.

Reasons Not to Match Paint

• Sometimes a better decision is to paint the walls and trim different colors. If your view is stunning, for example, darker trim color around your windows can act like a picture frame. A strong color contrast gives the woodwork more presence. Ask yourself if the trim warrants the extra attention.

  Painting trim a few shades lighter and one gloss level higher than the wall color is a chance to give nondescript trim a little sparkle, and helps draw the eye upward.

  Tracing the outlines of the room with different colors will define its dimensions and evoke a feeling of atmosphere that differs from traditional shiny whites or textural stained wood tones.