The best white trim paint for doors, windows, and baseboards
With so many shades of white, it can be challenging choosing which is the best white color for trim paint.
In this post I will be answering some frequently asked trim paint questions. For instance, “should my trim paint be lighter or darker than my walls” and “should my doors and baseboards match my trim paint”. I’ll also be sharing my favorite white paint colors.
What is the best white paint for trim?
There are so many white paints out there! It can be hard to figure out which trim paint colors to choose. Each one has a different undertone that will either give a cohesive look or clash with your walls and home decor.
For instance, Swiss Coffee from Benjamin Moore has yellow undertones and wont pair well in a room with colors on the cooler side. We actually painted our house this color.
Some white paints have green or blue undertones. It’s important to take note so you can pull those colors into your decor. Two of my favorite brands are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. They’re both quality paints and either would be a good choice.
I hyperlinked the list so each name leads to the sample of each color. It ranges from warmer toned to cooler-toned, to being super reflective!
- No. 1 – Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
- No. 2 – Benjamin Moore White Dove.
- No. 3 – Benjamin Moore Simply White.
- No. 4 – Sherwin-Williams Pure White.
- No. 5 – Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.
- No. 6 – Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White.
Is there a standard white trim paint?
No, there really isn’t a simple answer to what white paint to use, unfortunately. They all are slightly different, and it’s important to find the right warm or cool-toned color that compliments the other colors of your home!
My personal favorite white trim paint is Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. It’s a slightly warmer color that I really like in my home. It has slight yellow undertone that warms up any space. But careful not to pair it with any cool colors as it will contrast.
Another favorite of mine is Benjamin Moore chantilly lace. We used it on our kitchen cabinet trim after we updated our white cabinets. But opted for BM decorator’s white for around our window frames. We get a lot of natural light in our kitchen and wanted a bright white paint to help reflect that.
What is the best paint for trim and doors?
There is rarely is paint labeled specifically for trim, as it is usually labeled under interior paint. There is not specific trim paint, but there are qualities of paint to keep in mind! The best kinds of paint for trim and doors have gloss.
A glossier paint like satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss has higher durability. Trim is prone to collecting more dust, dirt, and scuff marks. Gloss paint makes it easier to wipe clean. The paint needs to withstand the inevitable dirtiness, and the deep cleaning we have to do every once in a while.
Should white trim be satin or semi gloss?
Knowing what sheen to choose is important when taking on a paint project in your home. Each area will work best with a different sheen.
A satin finish for instance will work best for interior walls, and a semi-gloss finish is best for trim. Semi-gloss paint is also a good choice for kitchen cabinets because of it’s high sheen. There are exceptions though.
In my home, I painted my staircase in a matte black because the stairs were in terrible shape. A gloss paint would highlight every imperfection. So there are times for matte paint, but keep in mind matte paint can be really hard to clean.
What is the best Sherwin Williams white for trim?
If you are one to prefer Sherwin Williams for your trim paint, you were probably disappointed that there were only two Sherwin Williams paints on the list above!
Sherwin Williams does have some very good white paints available. My favorite is sherwin Williams alabaster. Its a warm white that if paired with other warm tones will add the perfect neutral color palette to your home. Here are some of Sherwin Williams most popular white paint colors…
I’ve added hyperlinks to all of the color samples again. It can be hard to really have an idea of what each paint looks like on a computer screen, but it will at least give you an idea! Hopefully, it will help you narrow down what you’re looking for. That way when you’re a the paint store picking up samples you won’t feel completely overwhelmed!
What kind of paint do you use on white baseboards?
Treat your baseboards the same way you would your trim! Generally, you want your trim and baseboard paint to match. Your best choice would be choosing a strong paint like an acrylic latex or alkdy paint in a high gloss sheen.
Should you paint walls and trim the same white?
This one is really up your personal preference! There is really a lot of freedom when it comes to painting your trim white!
If you want your trim to stand out, you can add some contrast by making it a different color from your white walls.
Or If you want the trim to blend in, make it all the same color! If you choose to make it the same color, it could help give the illusion of height to your walls! It also helps bring cohesiveness throughout the room if that is what you are looking for.
Do doors and trim have to match?
Your doors and trim can match, but they don’t have to! If you choose to make your door a different color from the trim, it creates a nice subtle contrast and gives a modern look.
Though, if you’d rather have a more traditional look, making the trim and doors the same color will make everything blend and make it look more cohesive.
Can you mix white and wood trim?
Just as doors and trim don’t have to be the same color, neither does the trim throughout the entire house.
A wood and white trim mix can be a really nice look in your home! The biggest thing to keep in mind is to be methodical about it. Like if you have an open concept home where you can see into more than one room, then you should keep those the same color.
Plan beforehand which trim to keep stained wood, and which ones to paint. You should also stay consistent within each room.
If you paint the trim white in one room, you don’t have to paint it in a separate room, though if you paint the windows of the room, each window trim should be painted.
Or paint all the crown molding white and keep the window trim wood… or vise vera!
Something else to keep in mind is if you are going to have different colors walls then you’re trim and baseboard, then you probably shouldn’t also have your doors be a different color.
The general rule is that you shouldn’t have three finishes to try and coordinate. It can be done, but can get complicated if you don’t tie in each of the accent colors at least twice. If not done right, it will leave your home feeling very busy.
Should all the trim in a house match?
The trim in your house does not have to be the same throughout the whole house. Each room has its own design, and you can adapt the color of the trim depending on what looks best!
But if you do match the white trim colors throughout your home, it will give a nice cohesive look. This is especially true if each room leads into the next and the next rooms trim is in sight from other rooms.
Want to ship this look?! Simply click on an image below! *These links are affiliate links and I do make a small commission if you buy something.
This one is also up to you! Your baseboards can match your door trim color, or you can switch it up! If you make them the same color, it would bring a more traditional look to you home.
A lot of older homes do this and I think it’s quite beautiful. But there really are no hard and fast rules. Making them different colors will add some contrast and bring a modern look to your home!
Is white trim going out of style?
I think white trim is here to stay! It gives a clean look to any home and brightens up the room. It gained a lot of popularity because of it and naturally, people have started to put their own spin on things.
There has been growing popularity towards beige trim as well, but it’s not taking away any attention to white trim!
What paint sheen should trim paint be?
The best paint sheen would be semi-gloss or any other type of higher gloss paint for white trim.
It has high durability and is easy to clean! Unfortunately, the higher gloss paints usually reflect more imperfections on the surface.
Any cracks or uneven patches may show up more with semi-gloss paint, but it is still the best route to take for painting your white trim and adding a new look to your home! the only time you want to use a matte finish is if your walls or trim are in terrible shape and you don’t want to draw attention to it.
Also, if the area you are painting isn’t a high traffic area. A flat sheen can be harder to keep clean.
Choosing the right paint formula for trim, doors, and baseboards
Finding the best white paint colors can be challenging, but what about choosing the right paint formula? Each line has many different formulas that are best used for different projects.
For example, water based latex, acrylic latex, oil-based, enamel, alkyd, etc. So how do you know which to choose for your project?
The general rule of thumb is to use high gloss or enamel paint on cabinets. Acrylic latex paint can be a great choice for interior trim as it will cure hard.
Oil-based paints are the most durable paints. It will last a very long time. It’s ideal for project where you wont be re painting in the near future.
There are downsides to using oil-based paints. The odor is quite strong and it takes a really long time to dry. Although, because it is an enamel, it’s extremely strong and will be resistant to scratches, fingerprints, etc.
Your best bet for trim work is to go with a formula that uses either a water-based acrylic or an Alkyd hybrid paint in a semi-gloss finish.
Benjamin Moore Advance Vs. Sherwin Williams Emerald interior Paint
Both Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald are wonderful formulas. Bother made very differently.
Benjamin Moore advance is a waterbourne alkyd paint. While Sherwin Williams Emerald interior is a water-based Acrylic Latex Paint. Both are high quality paints and pro-DIYers each will argue their favorite.
But if we’re splitting hairs, I would have to say Benjamin Moore Advance is better for trim and Sherwin Williams Emerald interior is best for walls.
What is waterbourne alkyd paint?
Waterbourne alkyd paint that is 100% water dispersible. Benjamin Moore uses this formula in their Advance line.
The benefit to this compared to traditional alkyd paint is that it isn’t oil-based. Oil-based paints are toxic and tough to clean up.
Benjamin Moore advance is like oil-based paint (strong and long lasting), but with the added benefit of an easy cleanup. It is wonderful for trim, cabinets, and furniture.
What is acrylic latex paint?
Acrylic latex paint is a water-based paint, but with a plastic resin. This makes it more durable than traditional latex paint.
Sherwin Williams Emerald interior is an acrylic latex wall paint. It is a paint and primer in one. It has wonderful coverage. Generally if a traditional latex paint requires two coats, emerald would require one.
Because it’s a water-based paint and not an oil-based paint, it’s non-toxic and better for the environment. Clean up is much easier too.
Be sure to pin for later!
Rounding up
I hope after my post today you feel like you have a better sense for how to choose a trim paint, what sheen and formula to use.
I also hope you felt inspired by the white color recommendations and found some inspiration for your own trim project.
Want to read more about updating your home on a budget? Check out my post below!
How to choose the right white ceiling paint and 22 things you should know before painting
Painting your ceiling can be an easy task when you have the right tools, paints, tips, and tricks! It can be difficult to know where to begin or knowing what color white to paint your celiling. I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions on painting a ceiling, so this blog can be your one-stop shop for what to know before you get started! First…
Thanks so much for reading along.
Chat soon,
Kori
Thank you for sharing such useful insights! I’ve been looking for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse, and your recommendations are incredibly helpful. I appreciate the specific brands and tips on how to achieve that crisp, clean look. Can’t wait to try them out!
I found this post really helpful! I’ve been struggling to choose the right white trim paint for my farmhouse, and your recommendations make it so much easier. I appreciate the tips on durability and finish too! Can’t wait to try out some of these options. Thank you!
Great recommendations! I’ve been wanting to freshen up my trim, and your insights on the best white paints are incredibly helpful. I particularly appreciate the tips on finish types for different areas in the home. Can’t wait to try out some of these suggestions!
I absolutely loved this post! Choosing the right white trim paint can be so overwhelming, but your recommendations are super helpful. I appreciate the tips on finish types and how they affect the overall look. Can’t wait to try out the options you mentioned for my farmhouse renovation!
I loved this post! I never knew there were so many options for white trim paint. Your recommendations are super helpful, especially the tips on finish types for different areas of the house. I can’t wait to try out the suggested brands for my upcoming home project! Thank you!
Great insights on choosing the right white trim paint! I’m really leaning towards the semi-gloss finish for my baseboards after reading your suggestions. Can’t wait to see how it transforms my space! Thanks for the recommendations!
I loved your insights on choosing the right white trim paint! It’s so helpful to know the differences between finishes and why they matter. I’ve been struggling with picking the perfect shade for my farmhouse, and your recommendations are just what I needed. Thanks for sharing!
I loved this post! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse, and your recommendations are so helpful. Thanks for including tips on finish and sheen—those details really make a difference. Can’t wait to try out the options you mentioned!
Great tips in this post! I’ve been looking for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse renovations. I love the suggestion of using a satin finish for durability. Can’t wait to try it out on my baseboards! Thanks for sharing!
Loved this post! I never realized how much of a difference the right trim paint could make in a home. The suggested brands and tips for application are super helpful. Can’t wait to try out the recommendations for my upcoming project!
Great post! I appreciate the detailed comparison of different white trim paints. It’s so helpful to know which finishes work best for doors versus windows and baseboards. Can’t wait to try out your recommendations in my farmhouse renovation!
Thank you for sharing this insightful post! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white trim paint, and your recommendations are super helpful. I particularly appreciate the tips on finish choices for different areas. Can’t wait to try out your suggestions for my farmhouse renovation!
I loved this post! I’m redoing my farmhouse and finding the right white trim paint has been such a challenge. Your recommendations are super helpful, especially the tips on finish types. Can’t wait to try out the ones you suggested! Thanks for sharing!
Great post! I’ve been searching for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse renovation, and your recommendations are super helpful. I love the idea of using a satin finish for durability while keeping that fresh look. Can’t wait to try it out!
I loved your insights on choosing the best white trim paint! It’s so helpful to know the differences between finishes and how they can affect the overall look. I’ll definitely be trying out the recommended brands for my upcoming project. Thanks for sharing!
I loved this post! Finding the right white trim paint can be such a challenge, but I appreciate the detailed recommendations. The tips on different finishes really helped clarify what would work best for my farmhouse style. Can’t wait to try these out on my doors and windows!
I loved this post! Your recommendations for white trim paint are super helpful, especially the tips on finishes for different areas. I can’t wait to try them out on my farmhouse project! Thank you for sharing!
I absolutely loved this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint for different areas in the house were super helpful. I never realized how much the undertones could affect the overall look. Can’t wait to try the recommended brands on my upcoming trim project! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Great post! I appreciate the detailed comparison of different white trim paints. It really helped me choose the right one for my farmhouse renovation. Love the tips on finish and durability as well!
I really enjoyed this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint are super helpful. I never realized how much of a difference the sheen can make. Can’t wait to try out your recommendations for my upcoming home renovation!
I loved this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint are super helpful. I never realized how much the finish could impact the overall look. Can’t wait to try the suggestions for my doors and baseboards. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
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Thanks for sharing such a detailed guide! I’ve been struggling to choose the right white trim paint for my farmhouse. The tips on sheen and finish were especially helpful. Can’t wait to try out the suggestions!
Thanks for the great tips! I’ve been searching for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse renovation, and your recommendations are super helpful. Can’t wait to try them out!
I loved this post! Finding the right white trim paint can be so challenging, but your recommendations are super helpful. I especially appreciate the tips on choosing the finish for different areas. Can’t wait to try out your suggestions for my farmhouse!
Thanks for sharing your insights on the best white trim paint! I can’t believe I never considered the finish options before. Your tips on choosing the right sheen for different areas are super helpful. Can’t wait to try out your recommended brands for my upcoming home project!
I loved this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint for different areas really helped me. I never knew there were so many options and considerations! Can’t wait to try the suggestions for my farmhouse renovation. Thanks for sharing!
Great insights! I never knew there were so many factors to consider when choosing trim paint. Your recommendations for the best finishes for different areas are super helpful. I can’t wait to try out some of the brands you mentioned in my own farmhouse!
Can’t wait to try out your recommended brands for my upcoming home project!
I absolutely loved this post! It’s so helpful to have recommendations for white trim paint, especially for someone like me who’s trying to achieve that classic farmhouse look. Can’t wait to try out the options you mentioned for my doors and baseboards. Thanks for the great insights!
Great tip on choosing the right white trim paint! I never realized how much a good finish could impact the overall look of a room. I’ll definitely be trying out the suggestions you mentioned for my upcoming renovation. Thanks for sharing!
I loved this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint are super helpful. I’m especially interested in the recommendation for durability on high-traffic areas. Can’t wait to try it out on my baseboards! Thanks for sharing!
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Choosing the right white for trim really does make a big difference in how a room feels. Undertones are easy to overlook, but they can completely change the look next to wall colors. Thanks for breaking this down so clearly.
Thanks for sharing such detailed recommendations! I never realized how much of a difference the right white trim paint could make in a space. I’m definitely going to try the brand you mentioned for my upcoming home project. Your tips on finish types were especially helpful!
I loved this post! The tips on choosing the right white trim paint are super helpful. I’ve always struggled with finding the perfect shade that complements my farmhouse style. Can’t wait to try out the suggestions you mentioned! Thanks for sharing your insights!
Great post! I’ve been searching for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse, and your recommendations are super helpful. I love the tips on finishes too! Definitely considering that semi-gloss option for my doors. Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely loved this post! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse, and your recommendations are so helpful. I’m leaning towards the ***Benjamin Moore Simply White***; it sounds like a great choice! Thanks for sharing your insights!
I loved this post! Finding the right white trim paint can be so confusing with all the options out there. Your recommendations for different finishes and brands based on use really helped narrow things down. I can’t wait to try the suggestions on my baseboards and windows! Thank you for sharing!
I loved this post! I’ve been looking for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse renovation, and your suggestions are super helpful. Can’t wait to try out the recommendations on my doors and baseboards! Thank you for sharing such practical tips!
Really helpful breakdown, especially the part about undertones. That is something a lot of people overlook, and it can completely change how a space feels once everything is painted.
I also like that you mentioned pairing trim with wall colors, it makes choosing the right white much less confusing. Simple but very practical advice 👍
I really enjoyed this post! I’ve been looking for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse and your recommendations are super helpful. I appreciate the detailed tips on finishes and durability. Can’t wait to try out some of these!
Great post! I loved the recommendations for white trim paint. I’ve been looking to refresh my doors and baseboards, and your insights on durability and finish are super helpful. Can’t wait to try out the options you mentioned!
Great tips! I’ve been searching for the perfect white trim paint for my farmhouse project, and your recommendations are super helpful. I appreciate the details on finish types and durability. Can’t wait to try them out!
I loved this post! Finding the right white trim paint can be so overwhelming, but your recommendations really simplified things for me. I appreciate the details on durability and finish options. Can’t wait to start my next painting project with your tips in mind!
I appreciate the detailed tips on finishes and durability. Can’t wait to try out some of these!
Great tips on choosing the perfect white trim paint! I love how you explained the differences between finishes and their applications. I’m definitely going to try the satin finish for my baseboards. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Great tips! I’ve been searching for the perfect white trim paint, and your recommendations are so helpful. I especially love the idea of using it on both doors and baseboards for a cohesive look. Can’t wait to try it out in my farmhouse!