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10 New Trends in Wood Trim

Updated: Feb. 07, 2024

Is the trim in your living room looking a bit drab? Maybe your exterior trim needs a fresh coat of paint. Before you make changes, check out these 10 trends in wood trim for 2018.

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shutterstock_360087827 wood trim living room with vaulted ceiling

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Keep it Simple

If you have a dramatic room—say one with vaulted ceilings—keep trim simple and let the space shine. While crown molding is still a popular look, avoid it in these types of rooms as it may make the space look too busy.

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shutterstock_215259730 bathroom wainscoting

Artazum/Shutterstock

Think in Threes

Try using three different pieces of trim to pull a room together. This popular look features base trim, a chair rail and some wainscoting for a clean, sleek look in the bathroom.

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Artazum/Shutterstock

Paint Colors With Wood Trim: Mix Dark with Light

Dark wood trim is everywhere. If you have dark wood for trim, keep paint colors light. A dark color mixed with a deep wood trim may make the room feel heavy and gloomy.

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shutterstock_436194085 thin white trim door

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Try Thin

When it comes to trim around windows and doorways, go thin. Thick trim may overpower the space, while thinner trim will make the space look clean and fresh.

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Burlap and Blue

Add a Picture Rail

Picture rails are getting an update. This type of trim allows you to hang artwork without creating holes and damaging the wall.

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shutterstock_45342838 kitchen cabinet trim

John Wollwerth/Shutterstock

Add Cabinet Trim

Trim can add some character to otherwise boring kitchen cabinets. Try some large crown molding on top of cabinets to bring new life to a tired kitchen.

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Courtesy of Trendecor

Go Gray

Move over white—gray is becoming the go-to color for exterior trim. Try mixing a deep charcoal gray with blues and blacks for a modern look.

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Serenethos/Shutterstock

Simple Baseboards

When it comes to trim along the baseboard, it’s still best to keep it simple. A modest, white baseboard is a timeless floor trim idea. Most baseboards are 3 to 5 inches high and white or ivory is still the go-to painted trim color for most homes.

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IIya Rudzis/Shutterstock

Try Cove

If you’re looking to update your living or dining room, try cove trim and then add some lighting. Cove trim is placed where the ceiling meets the wall and comes in a variety of styles.

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shutterstock_719378770 modern looking gray home trim

Artazum/Shutterstock

Go Bold

When it comes to exterior trim, think bold if you’re planning a color update. Instead of white trim, try black or even a dark stained trim for a Prairie-style aesthetic.