Accent a Room With Colorful Trim

Adding colorful trim is an easy and affordable way to accent a room and give it a quick decor update. Whether you use paint, wallpaper, or another material, a pop of color along the walls, ceiling, doors, windows, or floor molding can make a big visual impact. Colorful trim allows you to highlight architectural details, define spaces, and add personality to any room.

Choosing Colors for Trims

When selecting colors for trims, you’ll want to consider the existing color scheme of the room. Complementary or contrasting colors often work best for making trims stand out. Here are some tips for choosing accent trim colors:

• For a monochromatic look, use different shades of the same color, like light and dark blues.
• Choose a vibrant hue that contrasts with neutral walls, like red or purple.
• Consider echoing the color of key furnishings, like green trim to match a sofa.
• For a two-tone scheme, pair a lighter ceiling with darker upper walls.
• In a nursery, pick a cheery accent color that fits the theme.
• For a relaxing feel, opt for calming hues like pale blue or sage green.
• In a kitchen or bathroom, use colors that pop like orange, yellow, or turquoise.
• For a cohesive look, select a color from the room’s existing patterned fabric.
• Reference the color wheel to find complementary shades that look good together.

The options are endless – have fun selecting one or more colors that will add excitement to your space!

Painted Trim

Painting the crown molding, baseboards, window frames, door casings, and other trim elements is an easy DIY project that makes a big impact. Follow these tips for painting trim:

Preparation

• Remove switch plate covers and vent covers to paint behind them.
• Lightly sand glossy trim to rough up the surface so the paint adheres better.
• Clean the trim with a degreaser and let dry fully before painting.
• Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler; let dry and sand smooth.
• Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent walls and ceiling near trim.

Painting

• Always use a high-quality primer suited for trim and molding. Allow to fully dry.
• For door and window trim, cut in the edges with a brush, then use a small foam roller on the flat middle section.
• Use an angled trim brush for vertical baseboard and crown molding edges.
• Apply paint in smooth, even coats, brushing in the same direction. Allow to dry between coats.
• For a smooth finish on intricate trim, spray paint can be easier than brush painting.
• Remove masking tape right after painting before the paint dries.

Finishing Touches

• Allow the paint to cure fully, at least 24 hours, before replacing vent covers.
• Check for any missed spots and do touch ups with a small artist’s brush.
• Add a clear polyurethane over the paint on heavily used trim for added protection.

With a few days and some elbow grease, painted trim can make rooms look crisp, polished, and purposefully decorated.

Wallpapered Accent Walls

For a bolder accent, consider wallpapering one or more walls with a colorful, patterned paper. This makes a striking background for shelving, the headboard area, or other key walls.

Prepping and Hanging

• Remove wall plates, artwork, shelves etc. and repair any wall flaws.
• Prime the wall with an adhesive primer suited for wallpaper.
• Plan the pattern layout and determine if/where you’ll need to cut seams.
• Use an adhesive wallpaper smoother and razor blade knife for clean cuts.
• Apply wallpaper adhesive evenly across the back and hang strips edge-to-edge.
• Use a plastic smoother to remove any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
• Carefully cut out areas for outlets, switches, and fixtures using an X-Acto knife.
• At inside corners, cut the paper and overlap slightly so the edges butt together.
• For external corners, wrap the paper fully into the corners.

Wallpaper Accent Tips

• On furniture accent walls, run paper from the ceiling down to the floor for a seamless look.
• To highlight molding, run accent paper from the ceiling to just below the trim.
• Use prepasted, peel-and-stick papers for easier application, especially on tricky molding.
• Consider framing paper with painted trim that matches or contrasts.
• Opt for durable vinyl or acrylic coated papers in moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms.

With some strategic planning, wallpapering select accent walls or sections can make a bold decorative statement.

Accent Trim Materials

Beyond paint and wallpaper, several materials can be used to add colorful accents along trim details. Get creative with wood, tiles, wall decals, or even lighting strips.

Wood Trim

Thin wood boards make great quick accents along a wall or ceiling.

• Stain, paint, or wood-burn a design into boards before installing for color.
• Anchor thin trim strips with construction adhesive and finishing nails.
• Accent a bookcase wall with vertical strips in a contrasting wood tone.
• Use wood above the chair rail or picture rail molding for two-tone walls.
• In a bedroom, frame the bed or headboard area with stained wood boards.
• Alternate wood types, like oak and cedar, for visual interest.

Tile Accents

Colorful ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile instantly livens up plain walls.

• Use small mosaic sheets on a backsplash wall or as shower tile accents.
• Frame mirrors or artwork with tile strips in coordinating colors.
• Accent the area around windows and doors with border tile trim.
• Replace a backsplash entirely with an accent tile that matches the trim.

Wall Decals

Reusable wall decals easily add bright accents and patterns.

• Search for geometric shapes, botanical designs, or decorative lines.
• Arrange decals along the wall similarly to chair rail or picture frame molding.
• Use solid wall decals to accentuate the edges of door and window frames.
• Accent a focal wall around artwork or behind the bed with colorful decals.
• In a child’s room, use fun decals like animals or balloons as trim accents.

Lighting Strips

LED lighting strips add a dramatic colorful glow along trim details.

• Attach to crown molding, bed frames, stair risers, or cabinet tops.
• Look for waterproof, flexible options for easier installation.
• Control settings like color, brightness, and timers via remote or app.
• Use solid colors or gradually transitioning rainbow colors.
• Hide wires along edges or corners for a streamlined look.

With so many materials to choose from, you can easily find the perfect colorful accents to make the trim details pop in any room.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colorful Trim

When painting or installing colorful accents on trim, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

• Do opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paint finishes to make the trim stand out.
• Do accentuate architectural details like niches, arches, and alcoves with contrasting colors.
• Do paint ceilings and crown molding a lighter color to create the illusion of higher ceilings.
• Do select colors that tie into existing decor items like throw pillows or art.
• Do accentuate specific walls, like behind a bed or shelving, for a focal point.
• Do use painter’s tape for clean paint lines between wall and trim colors.

Don’t:

• Don’t choose colors that clash with the overall color scheme of the room.
• Don’t paint over nice wood trim if you want to maintain a classic wood look.
• Don’t forget to remove outlet covers, switch plates, and vent covers before painting.
• Don’t paint doors a different color than the door frames without masking off.
• Don’t use flat paint finish on trim – it shows scuffs and won’t clean easily.
• Don’t leave masking tape on trim after painting or it can pull off paint when removed.

Accenting Common Spaces with Colorful Trim

Accent trim can be used to add pops of color to any room. Here are examples of colorful trim in key rooms:

Kitchen Trim

• Paint upper cabinets a contrasting color from lowers for a two-tone look.
• Use vinyl wallpaper only on the range hood as a backsplash accent.
• Paint window and door trim to match fun accent cabinet hardware.
• Accent the ceiling with painted beams or apply wallpaper inside open shelves.
• Frame the sink window with decorative ceramic tile trim.

Bathroom Trim

• Paint vanity cabinets one color and the wall behind another contrasting color.
• Wallpaper the bottom half of walls above wainscoting or tile for an accent.
• Frame the mirror over the vanity with decorative wood trim strips.
• Use removable wall decals to accent the wall behind the tub or shower.
• Paint the ceiling blue and upper walls green for a tropical oasis feel.

Bedroom Trim

• Use wood planks stained in sunny tones to accent walls around the bed.
• Paint or apply wallpaper on the wall behind the bed only as a bold focal accent.
• Illuminate crown molding with LED strip lights on dimmers for a warm glow.
• Accent niche shelves with tile that matches or contrasts the wall color.
• Paint the ceiling sky blue and the upper walls in a sandy beige for a beachy look.

Living Room Trim

• Paint the inside of bookshelves in a contrasting color to the walls.
• Use wall decals to accent the area around framed artwork or mirrors.
• Line stair risers with alternating black and white wood strips.
• Frame windows and doors with pops of citrine, chartreuse, or coral paint.
• Accent the fireplace wall with navy blue painted wood beams.

Get creative with paint, wallpaper, tile, lighting and more to accent the trim in any room. The options are limitless!

Accent Trim Color Schemes

When selecting accent trim colors, consider both the existing colors in the room and color theory. Some examples of popular color schemes include:

Monochromatic

• All shades of one color, like pale blue walls with navy trim.
• Creates a soothing, seamless look.
• Add textures for interest, like glossy paint with flat.

Complementary

• Opposite colors on the color wheel, like yellow walls with violet trim.
• Creates a vibrant, striking contrast.
• Works well for bold, lively spaces like kids’ rooms.

Analogous

• Colors located side-by-side on the color wheel, like red, orange, and yellow trim.
• Provides a colorful harmony.
• Avoid using pure hues – opt for muted shades instead.

Triadic

• Colors equally spaced around the color wheel, like blue, yellow, and red.
• Provides a bold, edgy look.
• Best for accenting one wall versus all trim.

Neutral Backdrop

• Neutral walls and ceiling with bright pops of color trim.
• Allows the trim to stand out against an understated background.
• Works in any room and with any style.

Experiment to find a color scheme that fits your style and makes the trim details shine!

When to Call a Professional

While many trim painting and accent projects can be tackled by ambitious DIYers, there are some situations where it’s best to call in a professional:

• For painting tall ceilings or second-floor trim, professional painters have the right equipment.
• If removing wallpaper reveals damaged drywall underneath, repairs may require an expert.
• For homes with plaster walls, professionals know techniques to prevent cracking.
• For accent tile installation around intricate moldings or ceilings, an expert touch is best.
• If existing trim has lead paint, experts know safe removal practices.
• For intricate crown molding designs, a professional painter will achieve seamless results.
• When unsure about electrical behind walls, call an electrician to stay safe.
• If you don’t feel comfortable climbing tall ladders or scaffolding, hire pros.
• Professionals have specialized tools, like sprayers, to achieve a flawless finish efficiently.
• For major demolition like removing wood paneling, pros can dispose of materials easily.

No need to risk injury or damage to your home – professionals can handle tricky trim projects so you can simply enjoy the finished look.

Maintaining Colorful Accent Trim

To keep your trim looking its best:

• Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint for easier washing.
• Dust frequently and wipe down trim with a mild cleaner and soft cloth.
• For wallpaper, gently wipe with a mildly damp sponge or cloth.
• Avoid harsh cleansers, abrasive sponges, or anything that can dull the finish.
• Reseal wood trim annually with polyurethane to protect the stained finish.
• Limit direct sunlight exposure, which can fade some paint colors over time.
• Repair any nicks in paint with touch up paint that matches.
• Remove stains like grease or ink promptly before they set in.
• Reattach any curling wallpaper edges with adhesive.
• Consider reapplying clear caulk around tile edging annually to prevent water damage.

With proper care, your colorful accent trim can stay vivid and freshly painted for years of enjoyment!

Ideas for Colorful Trim in Every Room

Colorful trim breathes new life into any space. Here are inspiring ideas for accent trim in each room:

Entryway

Outline front door with contrasting bright paint. Add whimsical nature-inspired wall decals around molding. Paint ceiling light robin’s egg blue for surprise pop of color.

Kitchen

Paint inside of open shelves in glossy lime green. Use removable wallpaper to accent the range hood with floral print. Frame window over sink with mosaic tile in shades of blue.

Dining Room

Use wood boards stained black to frame the dining room entry. Paint elegant crown molding metallic gold. Accent deep red walls with bronze flower wall decals.

Living Room

Paint inside of bookcases fiery orange. Install color-changing LED lights along coffered ceiling. Accent wall around fireplace with checkerboard mosaic tiles.

Bedroom

Paint upper walls in rich navy and ceiling sky blue. Install wood planks stained white around bed wall. Accent window trim with glossy violet paint.

Kids’ Room

Paint one wall blackboard paint for writing. Frame with painted rainbow stripes. Apply whimsical garden wall decals above chair rail molding.

Bathroom

Wallpaper powder room walls in black and white floral print. Paint vanity soft pink and use white wood beadboard as wainscoting.

Hallways

Paint upper and lower walls contrasting colors divided by chair rail. Line stairway wall with vertical wood planks in mixed warm wood tones.

Home Office

Paint inside of built-in bookshelves marsala. Outline arched window frame in gold paint. Accent wall with yellow trellis wallpaper.

Basement

Paint concrete block walls white before framing with stained wood boards. Accent silver heating vents with circular wall decals around them.

Whatever the room, colorful accents along the trim and molding can drastically enhance the look and style! Try out bold paint colors, striking wallpapers, eye-catching tiles, and more. With some creativity, the possibilities to accent with color are endless.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accent a Room With Colorful Trim

Here are answers to some common questions about using colorful accents along trimwork:

What colors work best for accent trim?

For trim, bold or bright shades work very well as they contrast against neutral walls to stand out. Go for hues like cobalt blue, mint green, eggplant purple, or golden yellow depending on your style.

Should I paint all the trim the accent color?

You can paint all trim the accent color for a bold look, but another option is painting just one or two key areas, like framing a mirror or armoire to highlight them.

How do I paint straight trim lines?

Use painter’s tape to mask off edges for crisp straight lines. Take your time painting and use a small trim brush for best control. Remove tape right after painting before it dries.

What sheen should I use on accent trim?

Use semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens, which make the colors pop and are easy to wipe clean. Stay away from flat, which shows scuffs.

How do I accent trim without paint?

Options like wallpaper, tile, wood boards, wall decals, or lighting strips can accent trim without any painting needed.

Should wall and trim colors coordinate?

It’s best to have coordinating colors, but not too matchy. Contrasting hues often work well to make trim pop.

How do I accent trim on the ceiling?

Painting crown molding, ceiling beams, or inside open rafters can accent the ceiling. Wallpaper or lighting can also add color overhead.

Accenting trim with color is an easy, affordable way to add major visual interest to any space. With some prep work and creativity, you can use paint, wallpaper, tile and more to make your trim details pop!

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