Decorating
Door trim is an architectural feature you can use to create contrast, emphasize a design style, and bring in a pop of color. It's a great way to add character and charm, as well as to give a builder-grade space a custom-designed look. There are lots of different types of door trim—from mitered and butted to painted and stained.
Whether you're looking for a timeless door trim style that'll seamlessly blend in with your home's aesthetic, or you want to make a bold statement with a dark and moody paint color, these door trim ideas provide plenty of inspiration, tips, and tricks.
Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!
Meet the Expert
- Kara Thomas is an interior designer at Studio KT.
- Lindye Galloway is the founder and designer at Lindye Galloway Studio.
01 of 16
Butted Door Trim
Add charm and character with butted door trim which consists of two boards on each side of the door and a wider, more detailed board at the top. Paint the trim a contrasting color to highlight its decorative nature and to visually elongate the walls.
02 of 16
Kerfed Edge Door Trim
For a simple, streamlined, and elegant look, opt for kerfed edges on the door trim. This style of trim works well in a minimalist interior or a space that's visually busy and doesn't need another overly ornate layer.
03 of 16
Matching Door and Window Trims
Create contrast and infuse a room with personality by painting door and window trims in a matching statement paint color. Be intentional about the color choice and pull a color from wallpaper or a fun textile in the room for a cohesive design.
04 of 16
Mitered Door Trim
Go classic with mitered door trim which uses three individual boards that meet at a 45-degree angle in the top two corners and provide a timeless look for modern and traditional spaces alike.
Continue to 5 of 16 below
05 of 16
Stained Door Trim
Instead of painting a door trim, embrace a natural aesthetic with exposed wood trim. Choose a stain that complements your furniture and interior style and extend the stain to surrounding window trim for continuity.
06 of 16
Arched Door Trim
Take an interior from builder-grade to custom designed by swapping out traditional doors for arched doors. Emphasize the soft curved shape by painting the door and arched trim in a statement paint color.
07 of 16
Flat Door Trim
Continue a modern and uncluttered aesthetic with flat door trim. Continue it on your home's exterior and pair it with minimalist house numbers, wall sconces, and hardware for some contemporary curb appeal.
08 of 16
Classic White Door Trim
Use a crisp white paint color in a semi-gloss finish on your door trim for a classic yet versatile look. Continue the color and finish on window trim, baseboards, and crown molding to complete the timeless design.
Continue to 9 of 16 below
09 of 16
Painted Door Trim in Color Drenched Room
Color drench a room and paint not just the door and its trim but also the walls, window trim, baseboards, crown molding, and even the ceiling in the same dark and moody paint color. This will create a fully immersive experience and extra cozy space.
10 of 16
Transom Window and Door Trim
Add an extra layer of visual interest to a transom window above a door with ornate door trim that has decorative corner molding. It's a beautiful way to visually frame the statement door and complement its unique design.
11 of 16
Black Door Trim
Go for a bold statement with black door trim that packs a punch while remaining timeless. It works with every design style, from modern farmhouse to traditional, and looks best in a semi-gloss finish, but extra glamorous in a high-gloss sheen.
12 of 16
Wood Door Trim
Set an inviting tone with wood door trim that brings in a natural warmth. To enhance its warm tones, pair it with aged brass hardware that dresses it up and adds a touch of shine.
Continue to 13 of 16 below
13 of 16
Painted Door Trim and Paneling
Paint door trim and decorative wall paneling the same color to create an interesting base to build upon with furniture, artwork, and decor. Continue the color onto other architectural features such as crown molding to draw the eyes up and visually extend the ceiling.
14 of 16
Craftsman-Style Door Trim
Craftsman-style door trim is simple yet makes an impact—it consists of flat boards on the sides and a wider top board with an overhang. You can paint it white or a contrasting color, but the style of trim is best known for its natural wood look.
15 of 16
Wall Color That Extends to Door Trim
Instead of matching trim to the door color, match it to the walls for seamless continuity. It looks chic and is especially striking when done in a light neutral such as beige or taupe and contrasted with a black paint color on the doors.
16 of 16
Contrasting Door and Trim Colors
For a layered look, instead of a basic white door and trim, choose contrasting paint colors that instantly add personality. In an open space with multiple doors, continue the color scheme onto all the doors and trims for visual continuity and to tie the space together.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Door Trim
- Create contrast. Kara Thomas, an interior designer at Studio KT, suggests using door trim to create contrast in a room. She recommends going darker for the trim if you have lighter walls.
- Match the door trim to your interior's aesthetic. Lindye Galloway, the founder and designer at Lindye Galloway Studio, suggests a kerfed edge for a modern and clean aesthetic. When it comes to traditional style, Galloway loves leaning into more detailed casing options.
- Maximize character. "Door trims are a better option than a simple flat casing style to give the doors plenty of character that adds to the overall charm of the room," Galloway adds.
- Add color. Thomas explains how you can pull a pop of color through wallpaper or your favorite piece of art. When it comes to door trims, Thomas explains how it's a great opportunity to go bold with a color that you've been hesitant to use for an entire space.
FAQ
What are the different styles of door trim?
The two most common styles of door trim are mitered and butted trim, but door trim comes in a variety of styles and materials.
What is the difference between door casing and door trim?
Casing is what covers the drywall and fits under the decorative door trim.
Do baseboards and door trim need to match?
They can but don't need to. Matching baseboards and door trim in a semi-gloss white paint color makes for a timeless look, but if you use a bold color, the pair can make a big design statement.
How to Choose Molding Trim for Your Home