There’s a reason why white is the popular choice for ceilings and trim. White is classic, highlights any colour it’s paired with and focuses your attention on walls and furniture.
So often we pick a shade of white paint for trim, doors and ceilings. People forget that paint is the most inexpensive way to get creative in a space. So before you start your next paint project, consider how you can mix things up and break these common design myths.
MYTH: All trim should be white
Trim and moulding are functional – they cover the gap between the wall and floor – but are also visual, creating a finished look to a room and framing doors and windows like a picture. Different colours provide a different effect on your room.
- Neutral: Shades of beige and grey help trim become a subtle feature for a mix of tradition and modernity.
- Wood: Colour should be close to floor stain (if present) and adds a warm texture and a rustic or heritage feel.
- Black: Dramatic, high-contrast appearance creates a high-fashion, sophisticated room.
MYTH: Everything should match
Painting all window and door trim, crown molding and baseboards the same colour provides consistency, but is not a rule. For example, only black baseboards will anchor a room while having only black crown moulding will frame the ceiling and draw your eye up.
Similarly, door casings and doors don’t have to match. Having a light casing and baseboard contrast a dark door achieves a very modern look. Still, keep in mind that choosing colours that are simple will make it easier to change wall colours in time, if desired. White trim and a dark smoky door would look amazing next to any wall colour.
On the other hand, painting your trim and doors the same colour as your walls is an effective way to create a simple, modern and clean environment. It takes away the fussy, complicated surfaces that your eye sees as it takes in a space. It is also another way to make a space feel larger.
MYTH: You can’t add colour to your ceiling
We often count on our white ceilings to bounce light around and brighten a room. Colour choice can depend on the source and strength of light when you use the room the most.
- Light colours: A sky blue or blush pink for example, can help your room feel larger and airy.
- Dark colours: Colours like black absorb light and can be used to create a more intimate environment.
Some other ideas to consider are painting the ceiling the same colour as your walls or in a lighter shade of your wall colour.
Thinking outside the traditional paint conventions pushes everyone’s comfort zone when it comes to colour selection. Be bold and try new things – it’s an easy change.
FAQs
A white ceiling makes smaller spaces feel larger. For seamless color flow, select a white for your ceiling that shares a similar undertone as the wall color. Favorite whites for ceilings include White Dove OC-17, Cloud White OC-130 and Decorator's White OC-149.
What color should ceiling trim be? ›
If your crown moulding is going into a room with high ceilings, you may want it to be the same color as the ceiling to make the room appear smaller. The opposite is valid for a room with low ceilings, as a trim in a contrasting color will make the room appear more spacious.
What is the best white shade for trim? ›
Benjamin Moore White Dove is one of the most popular white colors for trim and interior painting. This classic shade of white is perfect for creating a timeless look in any room, while still providing an updated feel. It's also great for highlighting other elements within the space since it won't overpower them.
Should ceiling be whiter than trim? ›
Textured ceilings USUALLY look best in white; painting them the same white as the trim helps them belong to something rather than standing out. Ceilings with any shiplap/paneling on them 'usually' look best in white/same as the trim.
Which Sherwin Williams white is best for ceilings? ›
Enter Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW7005! Pure White by Sherwin-Williams is a beautiful, neutral white that is a great choice for anyone who wants white walls, trim and/or ceilings. It's bright and crisp but doesn't feel cold or stark.
What is the best neutral color for ceiling paint? ›
White (and by extension lighter colors) are popular and considered the “safe choice” for ceiling paint, and it's easy to see why. In addition to being a neutral tone, whites: Promote a fresh and clean look. Fit in with almost any type of room or design aesthetic.
Is extra white a good trim color? ›
Extra White is a versatile white paint that works well almost anywhere you want a bright & clean look. It can be used on everything from walls and doors, to kitchen cabinets and built-in bookshelves. We love it most as a no-fail trim color.
Should white trim be satin or semi gloss? ›
Semi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors. It's also a good choice for highly trafficked area that gets lots of wear and tear such as a mudroom.
Is alabaster a good trim color? ›
For people that prefer a softer white for their trim color, Alabaster may be a good choice! You can see Alabaster trim with gray walls in the photo below. Alabaster is also a popular choice for painting kitchen cabinets and other accents like built-in bookcases.
Are white ceilings still in style? ›
White is a timeless and versatile color that complements a wide range of interior design styles. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional aesthetic, white ceilings can adapt to various design themes.
A: The lighter your colors are, the bigger the room will feel. Stick to shades of white and cream, pastels and light neutrals in gray and taupe.
Should baseboard and ceiling trim match? ›
Many people simply choose the same style for all three types of trim to keep things simple. Most experts recommend making at least two trim elements match and then have the other be consistent in color, style, size, or material to maintain a balanced look.
What colour shade is best for ceiling? ›
Monochromatic False Ceiling Colour Combination
Shades of grey, taupe, or navy blue work particularly well for monochromatic schemes, adding depth and sophistication to your space while maintaining a sense of understated luxury.
What is the best white paint to hide ceiling imperfections? ›
Eggshell paints offer a low sheen while still absorbing most light and hiding ceiling imperfections. Satin finish: Satin paints are slightly more reflective than eggshell paints but still have a low sheen overall. Paints with a higher sheen than satin finish paints tend to highlight nicks on the ceiling.
Should ceilings be brilliant white? ›
Don't be tempted to paint the ceiling in brilliant white, as this will create a harsh line that cuts off the space. Using the same colour across the whole space can trick the eye and extend the walls upwards. This approach works particularly well in narrow hallways that may be lacking in natural light.
What is the whitest white for ceiling? ›
The 6 WHITEST White Paint Colors (TRUE WHITES)
- BEHR ULTRA PURE WHITE PR-W15. LRV 94.4. ...
- KELLY MOORE WHITEST WHITE KMW43-1. LRV 94.62. ...
- VALSPAR ULTRA WHITE 7006-24. LRV 93.586. ...
- SHERWIN WILLIAMS HIGH REFLECTIVE WHITE 7757. LRV 93. ...
- BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE OC-65. LRV 90.04. ...
- FARROW & BALL ALL WHITE 2005. LRV 91.8.
