Design Ideas for Painting Baseboards

Matching Wall

• Paint the baseboards the same color as the walls to emphasize the hue covering the walls or when it is desirable to minimize the appearance of the trim. This will draw the eye to the entire room rather than to the trim framing the walls and floor. Painting the walls and baseboard the same color will also reduce labor and cost, as everything can be completed at the same time using the same paint.

Mild Contrast

• Vary the color of the baseboard from the rest of the room to draw attention to the trim and create visual interest. Do this by choosing a color of paint for the baseboard that mildly contrasts with the rest of the room. For example, painting the baseboards a slightly darker hue of the same color used on the walls allows for a framing effect, while still managing to support the overall color scheme established with the walls. Take care that the color you choose for the baseboard accentuates not only the wall but also the floor, as the baseboard comes into contact with both.

Sharp Contrast

• Rather than settling for a slight contrast, pick a color that dramatically differs to create a dynamic effect that will stand out to those entering the room. Painting the baseboards black in a white room will instantly draw eyes to the baseboard and any trim painted in the same way. Alternately, painting the baseboard a brighter hue than the rest of the room can create an interesting contrast. A room painted a deep red, with baseboard and trim stained to a deep gold, will create a dramatic contrast. As with creating a mild contrast, take care that the baseboard color works well with the floor.

White

• When you are unsure of color choice, white is a valuable option. A white baseboard can give the room a clean line where the floor and walls meet, and as a neutral tone white goes well with others colors. As with any color you select, different tones of white will interact differently with different colors, so you can benefit by taking the time to try color samples.