When you’re planning a color scheme for your room, it’s important to take baseboard color into account. Though baseboards are often overlooked, their color can have a major impact on the final look of the room. Not only do you need to choose a coordinating shade, but you also need to decide whether the trim should be darker or lighter than the walls. Here are some things to think about when deciding how dark you want your baseboards to be, brought to you by the pros from Forever Builders, the experts in painting services Orange County homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship and unmatched service.
White Baseboards Are Always Popular
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time considering coloring palettes and design, white trim is always the easiest option. This is a simple, classic look that works with any color of wall. It typically means your baseboards end up a lighter color than your wall, but since white is such a neutral color, even a high color contrast won’t be too distracting.
Darker Baseboards Are More Traditional
If you’re choosing any baseboard color besides white, darker trim is traditional. This design concept dates back to Victorian times, when people favored dark natural wood for their baseboards. A darker color can frame your walls and transition from the paint to the flooring. For example, if you’re painting your walls a soft dove gray, a deeper charcoal gray can look very elegant.
Dark Baseboards Call Attention to Your Trim
In addition to considering popular baseboard colors and traditional design tips, it’s also important to think about how much of a design statement you want your baseboards to make. When baseboards are significantly darker than your walls, they attract a lot of attention. If you have distinctive trim, such as extra-tall or decoratively carved baseboards, you might want to consider a darker color. The high contrast between a light wall and a dark baseboard pulls the eye toward your baseboards and highlights architectural details in your home.
Lighter Baseboards Are Often Easier to Coordinate with Other Trim
If your room has any other paneling or trim, such as wainscoting, crown molding, or chair rails, you’ll typically want to match your baseboards to this trim. In many cases, this leads people to select a baseboard color that’s lighter than their walls. It ensures the room looks cohesive without having heavy, dark colors running across all the walls.
There Are No Strict Rules You Need to Follow
Ultimately, baseboard color is entirely a matter of personal preference. Despite what you might have heard, there are no strict rules about how dark or light baseboards need to be. The most important thing is to choose a color that works well with the rest of the room. With a properly designed color palette, either lighter or darker baseboards can look stunning. To find the right choice for your home, you’ll just need to consider what colors you like and what your design goals are.
If you’re ready to refresh your baseboards, it’s a good idea to hire experienced professional interior house painters to ensure you’ll get high-quality results that last for years. Make sure to hire professionals with years of experience with home remodeling. Orange County homeowners can rely on the team from Forever Builders for outstanding workmanship and exceptional service that fits their budgets. To learn more about our painting services, call one of our friendly team members today.