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Choosing Paint Colors to Pair with Dark Wood Trim

The first thing I fell in love with in our home was the original dark wood trim. Do you have wood trim and hate it? Let’s discuss choosing paint colors to pair with dark wood trim.

White wall in a living room with text overlay

Have you just moved into an older home with original dark woodwork? Are you thinking of painting it white? Once you paint the wood trim, it’s really hard to go back. Before you paint your trim, I’d love you to read this post. The right paint colors for your walls can make all the difference.

Our home was built in 1927 and the dark wood trim is original to the home. The home owner, who was a builder, sourced all the wood from Maine. This is one of the charming details of our home – beautiful wood doors, a heavy mantel, columns that lead into the dining room, extra wide skirting board, picture rail (we added this feature back into many of the rooms), beautiful built-ins, and lovely old wood doors.

Living Room with white walls and fireplace

Since moving in 7 and a half years ago, we’ve made design decisions to highlight the warm wood detailing – updating the fireplace, using white slipcovered furniture, and painting the walls. Focusing on just the right paint colors really helped. When we moved in the wall colors were warm but dark colors – the hall was green, the living room and dining room a dingy beige, the kids rooms – yellow and pink. The colors didn’t really highlight the wood.

Why I love Dark Wood Trim

  • It gives a very classic look.
  • Adds warmth and character to a home.
  • When paired with light wall colors it adds drama.

Paint is the easiest and most affordable way to transform any room. So if you hate your dark wood trim, it might actually be the wall color that is competing with it for your eye’s attention.

Making Dark Wood Trim a Feature Using Wall Paint Colors

  • The key to selecting paint colors to pair with dark wood trim is the following: go really light and bright or really dark and moody.
  • Do not pick paint colors with lots of yellow or orange under tones as it will make the trim look dirty and dingy. Equally muddy colors will do the same thing.
  • Stick to clean whites or creamy whites.
  • If you select a cool paint colors it might conflict with your warm woodwork. I had this issue with Revere Pewter. I never really loved it in our home with the wood trim despite loving it in homes online with white wood trim.
  • Dark mid-range paint colors in jewel tones look stunning with dark wood trim. It brings out the warmth of the wood.

This post might feel a bit long because I want to pack EVERYTHING I’ve learned over nearly an 8 year period. I will also be showing you what most of the colors look like in rooms with wood trim. All the paint colors mentioned are by Benjamin Moore but this isn’t a sponsored post.

Please Note: If you don’t have dark wood trim, these colors also pair beautifully with white trim.

My Favorite Neutral Paint Colors with Dark Wood Trim

Neutral Paint Color Swatches

Mascarpone AF-20

White Paint Swatch

This use-anywhere shade of off-white taps a soft yellow undertone to achieve the versatility and creamy richness of its namesake cheese.”

– Benjamin Moore
Dining Room with white walls and and antiques

This creamy white is versatile. We’ve used it in our living room and dining room, which opens into each other through ornate wood columns. Our living room is north facing and doesn’t receive much sunlight while our dining room is south facing and very sunny.

Living Room with white walls and a bar cart

Muslin OC-12

Muslin Paint Swatch

“This color is part of the Off-White Color collection. Inherently sophisticated and endlessly versatile, the Off-White collection offers subtle nuances of whites that suit tranquil, serene environments…”

Benjamin Moore

This is named after a cotton nubby fabric with warm undertones. I remember using muslin when draping patterns at college in the theatre department. It’s a wonderful color when you’re looking for something neutral and restful.

Front hall with dark wood work, black lantern pendant light, and dark wood staircase

We’ve used this color in our front hall and our upstairs hallway. It is calming and welcoming.

Vintage Dresser with marble top, brass lamp, books and flowers on top.

White Dove OC-17

White Dove Wall Paint Swatch

“Unerring style defines this classic, softly shaded white. Light and luminous, it is a favorite choice for moldings and trim.”

Benjamin Moore

This is such a pretty shade and would look wonderful with wood trim. Our kitchen cabinets are actually painted this color but wanted to include it because it’s such a pretty and soft white and pairs beautifully with brass hardware.

Kitchen with dark wood floor, white cabinets, white counters, and dark stools.

Chantilly Lace OC-65

Chantilly Lace Wall Color Swatch

“As delicate and refined as the lace it was named after, this crisp, clean white evokes images of pure silk, soft linen and simpler times.”

Benjamin Moore

I used this in my basement studio, but it would look beautiful with dark wood trim. I was told that this is the whitest of the Benjamin Moore whites.

Studio with work bench, white walls, and abstract paintings

Simply White OC-117

Simply White Wall Color Swatch

“Fresh as the first snowfall, this clean, crisp, multi-purpose white is a perennial favorite for trim, ceilings, and walls.”

Benjamin Moore
Sunroom with white walls, blue table, neutral chairs, white floor, white pendant light

I love this color soooooo much that I’ve actually used in three separate rooms: our sunroom (pictured above), the boys’ playroom, and our now bedroom. It is a wonderful white that looks good in any lighting conditions and pairs so well with any room decor.

It’s so versatile. I recommend this color to many clients and also found out that Serena & Lily uses it in their showrooms because it pairs so well with their wallpapers and furnishings. I’m actually planning on repainting part of John’s room this color.

You can see the playroom with this color:

Playroom with dark wood trim, white walls, leather couch, blue swivel chair, and ottoman

Another view point:

Leather couch with faux fur white throw, linen pillow, teddy bear, and white walls

The kids’ shared bedroom was also painted in this color (it’s a north facing room) so really helped brighten the space.

Boys Bedroom with white walls, twin metal beds, ticking stripe duvets and nautical pennants

As you know, this has now become our bedroom and we’re currently working on the space. You can see the plans here and new lighting here.

Super White PM-1

Super White Paint Swatch

“Also known as Super White OC-152. A brilliant, almost sparkling white, this clean shade suggests clarity and simplicity.”

Benjamin Moore
Boys playing in playroom with white walls and white shelves

I love this white. It’s clean and classic. I often use it on trim and built-ins. The shelves and built in radiator cover in the playroom are painted in this hue.

Well, those are some of my favorite neutrals. Let’s now talk about moody and bold!

My Favorite Bold Paint Colors with Dark Wood Trim

Bold Wall color swatches

Hidden Sapphire CSP-690

Hidden Sapphire Paint Swatch

“Many say the Duchess’s lost sapphire was ground down to create priceless pigments sold to renowned painters.”

Benjamin Moore

This color is available exclusively in the Aura range. We just used it in our son’s bedroom and it makes his room feel cozy and rich.

Boy and his dog in his bedroom sitting on bed

It’s the prettiest sapphire blue color. The wood trim in here is slightly lighter than the rest of our home but it pairs beautifully.

Boy and his dog sitting on a bed

Black Beauty 2128-10

Black Beauty Paint Swatch

“This color is part of Color Preview. A collection of bold, saturated colors that brings spaces to life for those looking to illuminate their world with pure, extraordinary color.”

Benjamin Moore

This color is a soft black. It is great for a family room where you want to “hide” the TV. A statement wall to hang black and white prints or a cozy bedroom. I actually used this color in Kjeld Mahoney’s Gallery on an accent wall:

Gallery with black walls

Image Via Kjeld Mahoney Photography

Sherwood Forest 2048-10

Sherwood Forest Paint Swatch

“Extraordinarily enchanting, this deepest green taps a heavy dose of black to achieve its magical, almost medieval quality. A great grounding color, it is rich and memorable.”

Benjamin Moore

This color is magical. I used it in a client’s home in their game room. It looked stunning with their dark wood trim and pool table.

Beau Green 2054-20

Beau Green Paint Swatch

“This color is part of Color Preview. A collection of bold, saturated colors that brings spaces to life for those looking to illuminate their world with pure, extraordinary color.”

Benjamin Moore

This is a jewel box color to me! I could see it with heavy wood paneling in a library or office.

Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20

Gentleman's Gray Paint Swatch

“Formal and masculine, this blackened blue leans toward classic navy, suggesting beautifully tailored suits and traditional pea coats.”

Benjamin Moore

This is a wonderful and very masculine color. I can see it on paneling, shiplap hung horizontal or vertical, and picture it with heavy library tables. My friend used this in his antique shop and it was exquisite with all the old pieces.

Marine Blue 2059-10

Marine Blue Paint Swatch

“A deep, blackened navy, this regal maritime-inspired shade captures the timelessness of naval uniforms and classic pea coats.”

Benjamin Moore

What a classic navy! I could see this in any room for a timeless appeal.

Should You go Neutral or Bold in your Room?

This is a very personal question. Here are some guidelines I use to choose what type of color to use:

Neutral and Light Colors

  • Make rooms feel larger and brighter
  • They can make a space feel calm and restful
  • If you have a lot going on in a room with color on furniture and rugs a neutral wall color might be best.
  • Airy
  • Light reflecting

In our home and client’s homes I use neutral and whites when I’m working in larger open areas, big rooms, using wallpaper on an accent wall. I use neutrals when I want a space to be calm and quiet or when I want to bounce light. For example our bedroom, is very dark but the light color of Simply White brings light.

Bold and Dark Colors

  • Contract a space making it feel smaller
  • They can make a space feel cozy and warm
  • If you’re using lots of whites and have light colored floors and dark room can feel clean and crisp.
  • Adds depth and drama

I LOVE having a room that is ultra cozy. Think an office, a small bedroom, a little bathroom. Bold, dark colors look great in these instances. I think it all comes down to how you want to feel in your room. If you want to feel cozy and have a room that feels like a hug then go bold.

This was my husband’s old office:

Office with dark blue walls, brass lamp and leather chair

You can also do one accent wall in a bold color and paint the rest light.

I hope this post was helpful in finding new wall colors to go with your dark wood trim. Whether you choose neutral or bold I think your rooms will come out great. Please share your spaces with me! I can’t wait to see how they come out. If you have more questions please reach out. Also, if you need design help I offer eDesign and in home design services.

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31 Comments
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Elaine
Elaine
4 years ago

Hmm. This is an east facing room but now thinking of doing this wall in the Black Beauty and the other walls in Simply white, We have a farmers porch and it makes this room a bit dark!

image.jpg
Elaine
Elaine
4 years ago

Thanks Danielle, that’s good to know. I am still in the figuring it out stage! I will soon get some paint chips and figure it out. No rush but looking for a change!

Elaine
Elaine
4 years ago
Reply to  Elaine

And yes, that is a cord cover, This room was tough to do. Long and narrow room and did not want the TV over mantel but we had few choices…

Sonya
Sonya
4 years ago

Like you, we have unpainted wood trim throughout our home. When we moved in five years ago, I was tempted to paint out the trim but now love it as it is.
As I have worked through painting the rooms in our house, I have been pleasantly surprised at how much quicker it is when you do not have to paint the trim!

Mira
Mira
3 years ago

LOL I literally did the exact opposite of everything you recommended, and my place looks great. LOL I have the same medium-dark wood Craftsman trim and doors and I went with warm neutrals, in mid tones, and muddy colours. 😀 My overall palette colour scheme is reds, golds, greens. It looks totally beautiful and organic and classic. I used Benjamin Moore colours: Powell Buff, Woodstock Tan, Earthly Russet, Yorkshire Tan, Roxbury Caramel.
To each his own, I guess.

Cindy
Cindy
2 years ago
Reply to  Mira

I’d love to see pics of your color combinations 😁

Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson
2 years ago

Can you please tell me the name of the paint color in your husbands old office ??? It’s beautiful!!!

Maya
Maya
2 years ago

What is the color used in the picture of your husband’s office? Thanks for this post—it’s been super helpful!

Renae
2 years ago

Such great ideas. I would love it if you would share this on The Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. https://www.peacockridgefarm.com/category/fabulous-friday-link-party/
Hugs to you.

Terry
Terry
2 years ago

Thank you for this blog. I have to tell you one of the reasons I started following you is because you did not paint all that beautiful wood trim. You are my soul sister.

Lynda
Lynda
2 years ago

what is the color of the walls in the playroom?

Sara
Sara
2 years ago

Just ordered a ton of samples based on this post — thank you! Can’t wait to figure out which white will brighten up my woodsy living room.

Mary-Helen Black
Mary-Helen Black
2 years ago

Love your explanation of the use of light colors and bold colors for dark wood trim. Would like to know what finish you use: eggshell, satin or flat. I’m struggling with a small curved stairwell that has a rectangle six pain window, dark wood door with window with sheer on it & a french door at the top. I know it should be a cream or white but I want to do a green or blue.

absulli
absulli
2 years ago

Love this post! beautiful home!! We kept all the wood trim in our split level. Many people thought we were crazy. Throughout the house, there are plantation shutters and doors in antiqe walnut color range (medium wood stain?) We used swiss coffee as our white in the entry hall and the mid level (living room, kitchen, dr). It was the best white for the walls there, which have imperfections. If I had newer walls there, I would have gone for an even brighter white. But, the swiss coffee works very well. For my daughters room we used victoriana (almost used… Read more »

dgamma
dgamma
7 months ago
Reply to  absulli

Beautiful colors and creative! I did a plank accent wall in dark walnut, but didn’t want white, and this gave me some great ideas of thinking about gray. Hope you’re still enjoying them.

Katherine
Katherine
1 year ago

This is a great post! Thank you! We are buying an old Victorian with dark wood trim, and I want to paint the walls a white color. I’ve used white dove in the past two homes that we’ve lived in, but I’m ready to try something different. Do you think chantilly lace would create too stark a contrast against the dark wood trim in a living room and dining room? (The dining room fireplace is also surrounded by dark wood trim) There is a narrow dark wood crown molding in the house that I think I’d opt to paint white,… Read more »

Katherine
Katherine
1 year ago

Thanks, Danielle! I know there’s no way around holding up samples on the walls to see how they look, but I appreciate your input and will check out some of the rooms you mentioned to get a better sense of the different white paint options. Thanks again!

Melissa Arnott
Melissa Arnott
1 year ago

Hi. Is Seraphanite similar to Gentleman’s Gray? My son has a small 11×11 room and only has one window (with midcentury furniture and a pop tent on his bed lol). I am really afraid to go dark on all the walls because I am afraid it will close the room in. His room is currently white.

I was thinking a dark color and light gray curtains.

Any thoughts?

lisa
lisa
9 months ago

what color is on the wall in the room with fireplace. This is the exact tone I am looking for.