How to Choose Trim for Your Home

Whether you’re building a new home, finishing an addition, or merely revamping the exterior of your existing home, one of the most important considerations of any home exterior project is maximizing curb appeal. The work isn’t finished once you’ve chosen your favorite vinyl siding or paint color, however. Finding the exterior trim that best suits your home can push curb appeal from “just okay” to “charming”.

When choosing trim, there are two main considerations – what type of trim best suits your home, and what color should it be? The following tips can help you answer both of these questions.

Finding the Correct Trim

Determine which trim types you need. Are you replacing window moldings on an entire home? Searching for trim to fit in seamlessly with an existing home’s scheme? Deciding on a trim system for a new build? Determining whether you are in need of trimboard, window, garage or entry door moldings, or decorative moldings should be the first step.

Complement your siding. Trim systems that are chosen by professionals are an easy way to make sure the exterior of your home has a uniform look. However, all of that is for naught if the trim fails to complement the siding you’ve chosen. Place a sample of your preferred trim next to your siding and ensure that the widths correspond in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Consider the style of your home. Is your home a Victorian? A Craftsman? Some simple research on trims typical to the style of your home can be a great way to get a feel for the width and decorative elements that best suit your home.

Choosing the Best Color

When choosing trim, there are two main considerations – what type of trim best suits your home, and what color should it be? The following tips can help you answer both of these questions.

Finding the Correct Trim

Choosing the Best Color

Once you’ve chosen the type of trim that best suits your home, it’s time to find a color. What are some things you should consider when searching for that perfect color scheme?

Again, consider the style of your home. This bears repeating – styles such as Victorian, Queen Anne, and Arts and Crafts have traditional color schemes that, when used correctly, can help the home feel appropriate to its style. A quick search online, within the home’s records, or with the proper local or national style society can return tried and true color schemes that will perfectly complement your home.

Consider permanent elements. If your project is a remodel, consider roofs, windows, driveways, or other elements that didn’t change – your trim color should complement those elements. Is the existing palette warm or cool? Any trim you choose should stick to that same tone.

Keep homeowners’ associations (HOA) or neighborhood associations in mind. Many homeowner’s or neighborhood associations limit siding and trim colors to several that allow homes in the neighborhood to complement each other. Be sure and check to make sure your chosen palette is approved before proceeding. Some associations provide samples of complementary color schemes that may just lead you to an easy solution for your trim color dilemma.

Once you’ve chosen the type of trim that best suits your home, it’s time to find a color. What are some things you should consider when searching for that perfect color scheme?