Interior trim ideas or woodwork colors should compliment the walls. Sometimes this can be a challenge to get the right blend of colors for your woodwork and walls. Choosing the foundation paint for your walls is one of the most important aspects of decorating a room. Often I spend as much time picking out my woodwork tone as my foundation color.

A simple way to go about matching your woodwork with your wall paint is to think in light tones or darker tones.

The picture shows you a few different shades in the neutral family. Whatever color you are looking at for your walls, there are a few ways to go about selecting your trim paint.

• Lighter or darker shade
• Semi-gloss, flat, or satin paint
• Choose a different complimentary color for your woodwork
• Know your color tones if painting actual wood

Have you ever painted a wall and gone ahead and painted your woodwork, only to find out afterwards the woodwork color doesn't really blend in with the wall? It might be too light, to dark, or just plain ugly! Believe me, I have done this. Knowing how to blend your walls with your trim is a great way to have a wonderful balanced foundation for any room.



I found the easiest way to pick out your wall and complimentary woodwork is to use samples from your base foundation color, go with a different yet complimentary color, and even match your trim color with some of your other accents and accessories. Today's decorating allows you to use your own personality when creating any room. Let's walk through a couple of easy steps when painting your woodwork.

1. Woodwork should be painted after the walls are painted.



2. A suggestion for protecting your walls is to put a thin strip of masking tape along all base of walls. This will protect your new paint on the walls.



3. Protect your floors with newspaper or plastic strips. You can purchase the painting strips at any paint store or major chain store.



4. Start at one end of the room and work your way around the room.



5. Use a one to two inch brush and work slowly. I will also use an artist brush if there is a lip on the woodwork.

These simple interior trim ideas and tips can help you when picking out a color for your woodwork. If you are doing a bright and statement color on your walls, a white finish on your woodwork looks stunning.

To recap the main points, whatever color you decide for you walls, match the trim paint with a lighter or darker shade in that paint family, a different complimentary color to your wall paint, or if painting actual wood, blend in the right shades of the wood to match other decor.

Take a look at the page on matching wood tones and grains with color, This will give you some ideas for taking your wood and creating a great look for any room. Taking these interior trim ideas could save you some time, money, and also a lot of headaches.