It never ceases to amaze us how transformative a fresh coat of paint can be. After all, the right shade can be the deciding factor between a light and airy room – and one with an intimate cocoon effect. There are many tips and tricks for choosing the perfect shade, but pros say you should never ignore a room's décor. If you ask Kevie Murphy, ornamentation is “an important part of any design scheme.”
“A stark white trim can appear harsh or unintentional,” explains the New York-based designer. “It often competes with the surrounding colors rather than supporting them, so I rarely use a bright white.”
However, with so many pigments to explore, choosing a contrasting border color may seem like one more thing to add to your never-ending to-do list, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, decorators have this detail down to a science.
The first thing you should know about choosing an interior color? Well, it should always be the very last step of your decorating process. “It depends on what you want to enhance in the room: the furniture, the textiles, or the overall palette,” says Murphy. “The cladding should support the design story, not compete with it.”
Chicago-based designer Meghan Jay agrees, saying these edges should “frame the architecture, not just round it out.” “I start by looking at the basic structure of the room,” she explains. “Is the trim prominent?”
Sometimes yes, says Jay, but sometimes no. Colorful trim can highlight higher ceilings, beautiful fixtures, or a cool archway. Still, Murphy points out that the ongoing color craze means many are adapting their ornaments to match their walls.
Jay faces a similar predicament when cleaning a room And Wallpaper. “It’s even more exciting,” she says of the traditional couple. Choosing a trim that matches the repeat of a wallpaper is often the easiest and safest way to make a statement. For example, if your wallpaper is dotted with yellow flowers, a sunflower-look decoration is a given.
Don't want to play it safe? Be inspired by Jay, who likes to think outside the box. “I'll introduce a contrasting hue that feels unexpected but intentional; one that highlights a different detail in the room,” she explains. “Imagine a calm, neutral wallpaper paired with bold red trim that's reminiscent of a nearby patterned armchair. It's harmonious yet surprising!”
For her part, Murphy likes to up the drama by pairing a darker border with lighter walls or wallpaper. “It doesn’t scream for attention,” she explains, “but it adds a subtle drama that enhances the entire space.” The New York-based designer notices an increase in charcoal gray edges and says this darker tone can “add depth without appearing heavy.” “In the right room, iron window trim or a painted color that mimics that iron look can create a striking, modern detail,” adds Murphy.
Anthracite may be the latest trendy shade, but what about good old white? Is it finally over? Not necessarily, say the professionals. While more homeowners crave depth and personality, white still has a place in that conversation. “Especially in light-filled rooms where a sharp edge can highlight the wall color,” says Jay.
When adding white trim, the Chicago designer typically turns to Benjamin Moore's Simply White. “It's neutral and bright, but has just enough warmth to feel timeless,” explains Jay. Murphy agrees, opting for softer white or cream tones because they look “cohesive and elegant.”
Regardless of the exact shade, it's important to think beyond the four walls of your room. “Even with multiple eye-catching trim options, it should feel harmonious and uplifting as you move through the home, rather than disjointed,” says Murphy.
Neutral is perhaps the most obvious way to create cohesion, but look for commonalities in adjacent rooms. A touch of blue in a dining room's wallpaper pattern could match an armchair in the adjacent living room. The result? A cool trim color that you may not have expected but leaves a transformative touch.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist who covers shopping and deals Good housekeeping, Women's HealthAnd ELLE decoramong other things. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix and nachos.