When choosing trim color, you want a color that will make an impression. The molding or trim set the tone for the room, they can make a wall look larger or smaller and add distinct character to the room. Along with being ornamental they also will hide unsightly gaps that are unavoidable in most homes.

When painting your trim it is a good idea to use the same color throughout. This will create a continuity and flow through your home.

Similarly it is a good idea to keep all the trim in the same room the same color. Although if you have a particular element you want to stand out it is ok to make an exception. A good example would be an antique mantel, it could be stripped bare while the rest of the trim in the room are painted.

Maybe you have a stone mantel you may decide to paint the floor trim a similar hue while leaving window and door frames another color.

Never go out and buy massive quantities of paint, you will want to buy small amounts and create a test board of your wall and trim colors first. You can do this inexpensively by purchasing a couple of poster boards then painting them with the trim and wall paint, next place them side by side to get an idea of how they will work together.

The best finish to choose for window or door frames is a glossy or semi-gloss. Flat paint is not very durable and glossy paint plays well with light and shadows.

Regardless of the color on your walls white is a perfect color for your trim. For dark colors the white trim will lighten and brighten the room while supplying contrast that is visually stunning. On the other hand if you have white or light colored walls the light trim will make the color appear crisp and clean.

Always keep in mind that white is not always true white. White comes on all kinds of variations like eggshell and off white. In addition the lightest blue may actually appear white when compared to your wall color.

Choosing the right white is fairly simple. Take a sample of the paint color you will use on the wall place it next to the different shades of white or pastels and pick your favorite combination. Warm variations of white will go nicely with warm, dark or warm neutrals. By the same token cooler whites will pair well with cool colors both deep and more toned down hues.

When you paint the trim wood darker than the wall you draw attention to that particular area. For instance window and door frames that are extremely dark will detract attention from the walls. If color is your passion try using a color for the trim that contrasts but is equal in intensity to the walls.

Lots of things in a room can be good for color, your favorite dinette set, table runner, window coverings and art work are all good places to look. Major surfaces like walls and floors need light or bright tones, window and door frames a little darker and window sashes and skirting need a medium tone.

When the walls are light, in color you can highlight windows, doors, and other features with a darker tone. The dark trim around a window takes the out doors and frames it much like a mat in a frame. Walls that are light with darker trim in confederate blue, soft greens, mustard yellow or dark red will bring the colonial days into your living room.

When the trim is darker than the walls it draws the eye to them make sure you want your woodwork receiving this attention.

Homes built in by-gone eras like the late 1800's or early 1900's were designed with beautifully intricate woodwork. This trim would be stained or varnished to a medium brown or honeyed hue. This is especially true of the Victorians and Arts and Crafts style homes.

By the 50's and 60's Ranch Style homes were built with trim that was narrower and less intricate. However this molding but would still retain the natural look of wood. Thus allowing the texture and grain of the wood shine through, creating warm inviting interiors.

Decide first if you will stain or varnish any of the wood in the room. This will have an impact on the other color choices you make. Stains are great for leaving wood looking natural; the grain is allowed to shine through the color. The colors are endless ranging from bleached to dark brown or ebony.

Stain much like paint should be chosen based on the effect you want it to have on the room. Darker colors will appear heavy and possibly brooding while lighter colors can bring in a sunny feeling. The advantage to stain is that is allows the use of color without interfering too much with the natural look of the wood and gives you added texture.

Always test a stain in a discreet area to make sure you like the color, they way it looks in your home may not be what the brochure or sample showed at the store. If you come upon wood that was previously stained you can save your self some work by trying a commercial wood cleaner to bring it back to life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Leon Tuberman has been in the interior decorating and funishings field for almost 40 years. He owns a furniture store that carries American crafted handmade furniture for every room in the home. Whether you're looking for solid wood dining room furniture or Mission style bedroom set you're sure to find everything you need.