When selecting exterior colors for a home, one of the key considerations is whether the trim should be darker or lighter than the main house color. The trim refers to accents like windows, doors, railings, and corner boards. There are pros and cons to both lighter and darker trim that homeowners should weigh when making this decision. Getting the trim color right can enhance the home’s architecture, create contrast, and give the home curb appeal.
Should Exterior Trim Be Darker Than the House?
There are several benefits to choosing exterior trim that is darker than the main house color:
Creates Contrast and Focus
Having darker trim than the house color creates contrast that defines and accentuates the home’s architectural details. Dark trim around items like doors, windows, and eaves helps them stand out against a lighter house color. This can create visual interest and highlight these exterior features.
Enhances Curb Appeal
Darker trim can enhance a home’s curb appeal by making certain features pop. Having dark trim around the front door or framing front-facing windows can make them the focal point. This creates an inviting look to welcome guests. Dark trim against light siding also creates definition to the home’s shape and facade.
Makes Details More Visible
Lighter house colors paired with dark trim also helps highlight exterior detailing that might otherwise get visually lost, like woodwork, molding, and paneling on a home’s front. The darker color accentuates these for a more polished, finished look.
Goes With Many Styles
Having exterior trim that is darker than the siding color works well with many architectural home styles. It looks sharp with Craftsman bungalows, stately on Tudor revival homes, and elegant on Victorian exteriors. Dark trim adds stylistic depth.
Should Exterior Trim Be Lighter?
While darker trim has its advantages, there are also benefits to exterior trim that is lighter than the main house color:
Creates Soft Contrast
For a more subtle, understated look, lighter trim paired with a darker house color provides gentle contrast. It lightly accents the home’s exterior details without stark differences.
Highlights Architectural Shapes
With lighter trim and darker siding, the main structural shapes of the home pop in contrast, highlighting gables, dormers, and other interesting architectural elements.
Brightens a Dark Facade
If the main exterior of the home has a darker, richer color, lighter trim can keep it from appearing too heavy. It lightens up the facade for brighter curb appeal.
Gives a Beachy Look
On coastal homes with light siding, white trim is popular for an airy, beachy look. The light trim stands out without being overpowering.
Keeps Focus on Siding
For homes where the goal is to highlight a special siding material like stone or brick, lighter trim ensures the unique masonry remains the focal point rather than the trim.
Choosing Contrasting Trim Colors
When selecting exterior paint colors, there are a few guidelines that help in choosing between lighter and darker shades for trim:
Bolder Contrast for Larger Homes
Larger homes can more easily pull off a bolder contrast between the trim and siding colors. The substantial facade provides a good backdrop for crisp, dark trim details against a lighter background.
Muted Contrast for Smaller Homes
Smaller homes may look best with a more subtle contrast between lighter trim and dark siding colors. Too stark of a difference can look overwhelming on a tiny home exterior. Gentler contrast adds nice definition without dominating.
Match Color Undertones
Whether trim is darker or lighter than the main color, it should coordinate in undertone. Cooler grays pair well with other cool undertones like blues and greens. Warm shades like tans and browns match best with other warm red, yellow, or terra cotta tones. Clashing undertones can make the exterior look disjointed.
White is a Safe Bet
For those wary of color commitment, basic white trim is almost always a safe choice no matter the main house color. It provides classic contrast that generally complements any exterior.
Use Darker Trim for Focal Points
Even if the overall trim is lighter, specific architectural focal points can be accented with darker trim for added punch. The front door and front-facing windows provide prime opportunities to try darker trim.
House Siding & Trim Color Combination Ideas
Some popular exterior color schemes that use contrasting trim and siding colors include:
| Siding Color | Trim Color |
|---|---|
| Light gray | Black |
| Beige | Chocolate brown |
| Sage green | Pure white |
| Yellow | Navy blue |
| Brick red | Cream |
Using slightly darker trim against light or bright siding colors provides definition while preventing the trim from appearing too heavy or overwhelming.
Some examples of lighter trim against darker exterior siding include:
| Siding Color | Trim Color |
|---|---|
| Charcoal | Light gray |
| Deep green | Ivory |
| Rich brown | Tan |
| Dark red | White |
| Navy | Light blue |
The lighter trim prevents an overly dark or imposing exterior while still allowing the siding to take center stage.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between lighter or darker exterior trim comes down to personal preference and what fits the home’s style. There are smart strategies for working with either lighter or darker shades to contrast the main siding color. Key tips are matching undertones, allowing larger homes to handle bolder contrast, and keeping contrast more subtle on petite facades. Mixing and matching lighter and darker accents can provide visual variety. Proper use of light and dark trim colors highlights a home’s architecture, adds depth, and boosts curb appeal.
