One of the most common topics we’re asked about is paint color! There are so many paint colors and finishes out there, it can be difficult to figure out what is best for your specific project. We hope our blog can be a resource for you as you embark on a new design project, so today we’re answering a question on wall and trim paint tips!
Should trim and walls be the same color?
For all all-white room, do the walls and trim need to be the same white color to get the same great look you have in all of your projects?
Our general rule of thumb says yes. The only time this would differ is if you wanted a subtle accent wall color that wasn’t white. However, almost as important as color is paint sheen!
We almost always use the same paint color on the walls and the trim. However, we opt for two different finishes. If you want to have an all-white room, paint any drywall in a flat finish and paint trim and millwork in a satin finish. The trim includes baseboards, door and window casings, millwork, and interior doors.
You’ve probably heard that a flat finish can be more difficult to keep clean, which is true! However, it’s our preferred finish for walls and what we use in most of our projects you see on Instagram. Another perk of flat finish paint is that it can be more forgiving on older walls! Satin and eggshell finishes can subtly highlight any unwanted texture or blemishes in the drywall.
Paint preferences can also depend on the room you’re in! In a bathroom, go up a sheen to eggshell for your walls, ceilings, and trim. For a kitchen, paint your cabinets a satin finish, and paint walls and ceilings a flat finish in the same color.
One of our favorite hues for white paint is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. It’s soft and luminous, and is such a pretty choice for all-white rooms!
Thanks for reading this month’s interior insights post about wall and trim paint tips on the mgd log! We’ll be answering a frequently asked question every month, straight from our followers on Instagram.
For more paint content, check out our white paint guide, neutral paint guide, and dark paint guide on the blog. We’ve rounded up all of our favorite interior hues!