6 Outdated Trim Colors Designers Say to Avoid—and What to Use Instead

If your room needs an update and you’re not looking for a complete overhaul, consider updating your trim paint color for a transformative effect you’ll need to see to believe. “Enhancing a home with painted trim is a great way to elevate any space. It’s one of those finishing touches that, though it might seem minor, can really make all the difference,” says Paula Taylor, senior stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown.

Here, Taylor and Patrick O’Donnell, global brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, share their top six paint color picks that are dating for your trim, plus new shades to try for a more updated look.

1. Generic White

O’Donnell advises steering clear of bright whites that often feel too harsh when paired with stronger colors. If you prefer the fresh, clean look of white trim, though, there’s still room to get in on your desired look, but with a more current approach. “If whites are your first port of call for trim, consider more nuanced versions,” the paint pro says. “Let’s say you have walls painted in Dibber (a mid to dark green), in that case, a white that has some green undertones will make a splendid choice, such as Off-White or Shaded White.”

2. Pitch Black

Just like a stark white can quickly date your decor, so too can a pitch black, says O’Donnell.

If you’re a fan of deep, dark hues and moody interiors, the Farrow & Ball ambassador suggests a charcoal that still feels rich but not quite so abrasive. A dramatic shade, such as Farrow & Ball's Hopper Head, on trim can pair wonderfully with tones of Blackened, a cool white with a hint of gray. Railings, a soft black, and Down Pipe, a lead-like hue, both make smart alternatives to pitch black as well.

3. Dark Blue

O’Donnell is sounding the alarm on dark blue. “Too much blue everywhere! But, if you fancy something bolder, a rich brown will play beautifully too,” he says. While he says dark trim has a profound ability to ground a room, striking the right balance and veering away from the overdone dark blues can provide an impactful look that’s perfectly on trend for years to come. For a spicy and warm alternative to dark blue, look to Cardamom, or opt for a warm, earthy take courtesy of Wainscot.

4. Rich Cream

It’s time to let our cream-colored trim take a cooler perspective. “Try and use creams that have a little black in their composition, this will stop your space feeling too 1980s,” says O’Donnell. Shades like the warm, light gray of Skimming Stone, Shadow White, and Hardwick White can all provide an updated take while still lending a more traditional, historic feel.

5. Unpainted Wood

It’s not all about the paint—when it comes to trim that can date your interiors, wood that’s been left unpainted can have the same effect as your stark whites, bold blacks, and overdone blues. “We feel unpainted wooden door frames can easily make a room feel dated (unless it’s a really cool, old piece of wood in contrast to a pretty wallpaper on the walls),” says Taylor.

If you’re not sure which route to take, Taylor suggests determining which style you’re after and going from there. “It’s always timeless and elegant to see color contrast between walls and trims—whether more dramatic with our tried and true Black Cab paint or soft and subtle with an endearing neutral like Shuttleworth or Champagne Flute.”

6. Dark Neutrals

Taylor is ready to give dark neutrals, such as navy, charcoal, and greige, a rest. Instead, she suggests opting for lighter hues for a more contemporary look. “If there’s a moment for a fun gloss or a soft off-white shade, we’ll take it,” the trend specialist says.

How to Choose the Perfect Trim Color

Now that you know the top trim colors that can date your home's interior, it's essential to understand how to choose the updated colors to replace them with. When determining the right paint color, Taylor suggests being honest with yourself about the kind of feelings you want the room to evoke. In an entry, a warm and inviting shade like off-white, soft greens and blues, or even a glossy finish could provide the statement-making moment you’re after. In smaller, moodier spaces, she advises saturating both walls and trim in the same paint color. “Lastly, don’t forget about the ceiling—or the ‘fifth wall,’ as we like to call it—painted ceilings are having a major moment right now and we’re loving every bit of the trend,” says Taylor.

While O’Donnell admits trends like color drenching and the popularity of white trim (a tried-and-true) have their appeal, it’s your wall color that should hold the most sway when it comes to determining your trim shade. “Use this base color as your guide rather than being persuaded by the current zeitgeist!” he says.