When it comes to interior design, trim is one of the most powerful tools you can use to transform a space. From door casing to panel moulding, the right trim elevates your walls, windows, and ceilings, adding depth, proportion, and style.
But with so many trim profiles, finishes, and applications available, how do you know what’s right for your home? Whether you’re building new, renovating, or simply updating one room, this guide will help you choose trim that suits both modern and classic home styles.
Why Trim Matters
Trim isn’t just decoration; it’s part of your home’s millwork that frames and defines the architecture of your space. Trim hides seams, protects surfaces, and gives every room a polished, intentional finish.
- Baseboards protect walls where they meet the floor.
- Door casing and window casing help cover drywall and frame edges on each opening.
- Wainscotting and Chair Rails add texture and dimension, but also provide wall protection from chairs and furniture.
Together, these elements can make a room feel taller, brighter, cozier, or more formal, depending on your design vision.
Step 1: Match Trim to Your Home’s Style
The first step is to decide whether you want your trim to lean modern, transitional, or traditional. At Royal Door & Trim Supplies, our curated trim packages make it easy to select a consistent style across your home.
Modern Homes
For contemporary or minimalist interiors, opt for flat baseboards and square-edged door casing. A simple shaker-style door paired with white or gray walls, with black hinges, and streamlined trim creates a clean backdrop that can be dressed up with bold paint colours.
Molding ideas for modern spaces:
- Board and batten wall panelling paired with simple modern panel moulding will help add depth to your home without overpowering the modern look.
- Using simple modern panel moulding to create large rectangular designs on your walls will help create a simple and unique design for your modern home.
Classic Homes
Traditional and classic spaces benefit from more layered, detailed moulding trim. Think curved profiles, raised panel moulding, and colonial or ornamental casing styles around doors and windows.
Molding ideas for classic spaces:
- Tall baseboards.
- Decorative and intricate wainscotting designs with chair rails that add architectural weight.
- Window sills and aprons are a great way to dress up windows and add depth
Step 2: Consider the Room’s Function
Different rooms call for different trim styles and applications.
- Living Room Ideas: A living room is a great place to go bold with trim. Add wainscotting or board and batten style behind any TV or fireplace setting to add more character to the space.
- Bedrooms: Keep trim softer with rounded edges or slim profiles. Painted white trim around windows and doors creates a calming, timeless effect.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms: Stick to durable materials that can withstand moisture and cleaning, poplar trim and panel moulding is a great option. Trim painted in a high-quality paint will help the details last a lifetime.
- Hallways & Entryways: Create visual impact with door casing, backbands, and tall baseboards to set the tone for the rest of your home. Wainscotting and panel mouldings on the walls in the entrance are a nice way to create an inviting feeling for your guests.
Step 3: Balance Trim Proportions
Trim must feel proportional to your room’s scale. Too small and it disappears; too large and it overwhelms the space.
- Baseboard Height: Standard heights are 5 ½”, 7 ¼”, and 9 ¼”. Taller baseboards look best with higher ceilings and taller doors. 7 ¼” Baseboard is a good middle ground for any size door. Consider 5 ½” for more of a modern look or standard ceiling and door heights.
Door Casing: Match your casing and backband with your baseboard height so they look balanced where they meet. With options of a standard and larger backband, always consider how much extra space the larger backband will take up on the wall. Ideally, larger backbands will work nicely with the 7 ¼” and 9 ¼” baseboard options.
Step 4: Play with Colour and Finish
Paint and stain can completely change the mood of your trim.
- White walls with white trim: Creates a bright, airy backdrop that works in both modern and classic homes. Allowing paneling, wainscotting, and other details to take the main focus of your home.
- Dark trim or doors: Adds bold contrast against light walls and makes windows and doors pop while emphasizing flooring details with the contrast. Perfect for transitional spaces.
- Natural or dark-stained wood: Lends warmth and character to traditional homes with natural graining in the wood to show.
Step 5: Coordinate with Other Millwork
Trim rarely stands alone. Pair it with other millwork to create a cohesive design.
- Door casing should complement window casing for continuity. Window sills and aprons are recommended for traditional homes to help complete the look.
- Wall mouldings or wainscotting add texture in dining rooms, staircases, or offices.
- In open-concept homes, consistent trim profiles keep spaces flowing.
Step 6: Installation and DIY Tips
If you’re tackling a trim project yourself, keep these essentials in mind:
- Measure carefully: Account for wall length, corners, and waste.
- Cut precisely: Use a miter saw for tight joints.
- Secure properly: Nail into studs or solid backing for strength.
- Caulk and fill: Seal edges with caulking and use wood filler on nail holes for a flawless finish.
- Sand it out: Sand out any excess wood filler for a smooth finish. Dust off any debris.
- Paint last: Install trim before painting for seamless lines.
If you’re unsure, our team at Royal Door & Trim can help with installation advice and product recommendations tailored to your project.
Final Thoughts
The right wall trim can make or break the design of your home. By balancing door casing, backband, and other moulding trim elements with your home’s style, proportions, and paint colours, you can achieve a look that feels intentional and timeless.
- Choose flat, simple profiles for modern spaces or layered, ornate designs for classic homes.
- Pay attention to proportion: backband, baseboards, and casing should all complement one another.
- Experiment with colour: white walls, dark trim, or dark wood can all change the personality of a room.
At Royal Door & Trim Supplies, we stock a full selection of trim styles, from modern packages like Step Bevel and Modern Flat to traditional Colonial and Ornamental profiles. Visit our showroom to explore options, get inspired by fresh molding ideas, and choose the perfect trim for your home.
