Struggling to find the best paint colors to complement wood trim? Our guide will help you select shades that either make your trim pop or blend it seamlessly into your walls for a smooth, cohesive look.
Wood trim can be a dream come true or a bit of a headache, depending on your style.
Some wood trim is gorgeous and historic, a piece of art worth keeping. Others, well, not so much.
Whether you adore your wood trim or just can’t bear the thought of painting it, it does pose a bit of a challenge when choosing wall colors.
The good news? You can either highlight your trim with a striking contrast or make it disappear into your decor. The right paint can make all the difference.
Pop Vs Blend
First things first, decide if you want your wood trim to be the star of the show or more of a background player.
Make it Pop: If you want your trim to really stand out, go for wall colors that contrast with it. Think different tones or color depths that make the wood trim the main attraction.
Blend it In: If you prefer to downplay the trim, choose a wall color that blends with it. This way, your eyes won’t focus on the trim, giving your room a more unified look.
Whether you’re aiming for bold and beautiful or subtle and seamless, picking the right paint color to go with your wood trim is key.
So go ahead, grab those paint swatches, and start experimenting!
Colors to Make Wood Trim Pop
To create a vivid contrast with your wood trim, pick paint colors that will really stand out against the wood’s natural warmth.
Here are some top picks to achieve this look.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Alabaster is a warm but bright white that pops against darker wood tones, making them stand out beautifully.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White
Decorator’s White is a crisp, cool white that highlights woodwork and makes architectural details shine.
Behr Silver Bullet
Silver Bullet is a light gray with cool undertones that pairs well with both light and dark wood trim without stealing the show.
Valspar Blue Arrow
For a hint of modernity in traditional settings, Valspar’s Blue Arrow offers a delicate blue-gray shade that stands out against warm wood.
It’s a fresh choice for those looking to spice up their decor.
Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray
Wickham Gray is a soft gray with blue undertones that plays nicely with lighter wood tones, giving your space a fresh and airy vibe.
It’s perfect for creating a tranquil setting that still feels connected to nature.
Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt
Imagine a calm, peaceful escape—Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt brings this vision to life.
This light green-gray paint not only highlights the rich tones of wood but also infuses your room with a sense of serenity.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt.
Behr Gentle Rain
Behr’s Gentle Rain is a soft blue-gray that whispers elegance.
It subtly contrasts with the wood trim, highlighting its natural grains and colors without overwhelming the senses.
Colors to Downplay Wood Trim
If you’re aiming for a more unified or subtle look, choosing paint colors that blend with the wood trim is the way to go.
Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige
Kilim Beige is a warm beige that cozies up beautifully with light to medium wood trim, creating a welcoming, homely vibe.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige.
Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan
Rich and warm, Benjamin Moore’s Lenox Tan is perfect for deeper, richer wood tones.
It merges the walls and trims into a cohesive backdrop, enhancing the room’s overall harmony.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan.
Behr Wheat Bread
Opt for Behr’s Wheat Bread to complement your wood accents subtly.
This beige-gray shade supports the natural charm of your space by blending effortlessly with the wood.
Valspar Sandstone Gray
Choose Valspar’s Sandstone Gray for its refined subtlety.
This muted taupe shade coordinates well with most wood finishes, maintaining a polished and understated aesthetic.
Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige
Balanced Beige is a mid-tone beige that provides a warm, understated backdrop. It subtly enhances a wood’s natural beauty.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige.
Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois
Soft Chamois is a very light, creamy beige that creates a soft transition between wood trim and walls.
It’s great if you’re looking for a light and airy feel.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois.
Behr Toasty Gray
Toasty Gray is a neutral gray with warm undertones that complement wood trim. It keeps your room balanced and natural.
Valspar Smoked Oyster
Embrace tradition with a twist using Valspar’s Smoked Oyster.
This warm, rich gray complements deeper wood tones, perfect for crafting a space with a classic yet distinct character.
Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan
Canvas Tan is a light brown with warm undertones that blends effortlessly with natural wood trim for a seamless and cohesive look.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Sherwin Williams Canvas Tan.
Benjamin Moore Alexandria Beige
Deep enough to pair with darker woods, this beige offers a sophisticated backdrop that subtly enhances woodwork.
Get a 12″x12″ peel-and-stick sample of Benjamin Moore Alexandria Beige.
To Finish
Choosing the right paint color to pair with wood trim depends largely on the effect you want to achieve.
Whether you’re looking to draw attention to the craftsmanship of your woodwork or create a cohesive, integrated look, there’s a color out there to suit your needs.
Don’t forget to test paint samples alongside your wood trim to see how they truly look in your space!
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Morgan is passionate about home decor and paint colors. She has been sharing DIY home decor tips since 2012 at CharlestonCrafted.com. From there, she learned to love paint colors, and the Paint Color Project was born in 2022!