trim trends
Hello from the June Journal! Today, we’re covering interior trims! Trims can be more subtle detail considerations – or not! Either way, they certainly have a big impact on the personality of a room. In today’s post, we’re going to discuss what exactly a trim is, different trim options from which you can choose, and some fun examples of how to utilize trim in different spaces.
what is trim?
First, let’s begin with the basics: what is trim? Trim is a general term for material that protectively covers joints and seams around doors, windows, transitions from floor to wall, as well as on walls or ceilings. Like many interior design elements, trim serves a protective purpose, looking pretty while doing it! Alternatively, some trim, as you’ll see later in this post, has zero functionality and only serves to add decorative value to a room.
Trim is most commonly made of wood, and is typically painted. A white or cream shade is by far the most popular color for trim, though using a more adventurous color could certainly be a way to personalize your space in a modern way! Stained trim is also widely popular, channeling a more natural look and allowing the wood’s grain to shine.
hang on, what about molding? isn’t that another word for trim?
Great question! “Trim” and “molding” are often used incorrectly to refer to the same thing. To clarify: molding is actually a type of trim that leans more decorative – think of the elevation that crown molding gives a space. Conversely, trim is the umbrella term that, as we discussed above, generally refers to an edge material that’s used to cover up unsightly seams. The world of trims is vast, filled with various options for different styles! Today, we’ll stick to some of our favorites. Keep reading to learn more about baseboard trim, batten trim, casing, chair rail trim, picture frame trim, and wainscoting!
let’s go on a trim tour!
baseboard trim
Baseboard trim is almost a default in any interior because all homes are guaranteed some transition between a floor and a wall! Baseboards create a flattering transition between the two surfaces and are typically made of wood, either painted or stained. Stately old homes often feature marble baseboards that correspond with a matching marble fireplace! Look closely the next time you’re on a home tour, you might just be admiring the handiwork of an artist specializing in a technique called trompe l'oeil!
We love this playful pink baseboard, which frames this space in a fun pop of color!
Design by: @ej.interiordesign
Photo by: @christopherstark
batten trim
Batten trim is a thin piece of trim used to polish up paneling! The trim is installed vertically, covering the seams between each piece of board. You may have heard of a wall being finished with “board and batten” – another way of saying paneling and trim is in use!
This washroom is updated with batten trim (boards too!) painted in this gorgeous shade of green. Even though this room serves a mostly functional role in this renovated farmhouse – not our usual environment – I love that it’s elevated by accents like an oil painting and a woven basket!
Design by: @buildingwalnutfarm
Photo by: @buildingwalnutfarm
casing
Casing refers to trim around a window or door, again lending a more polished look to an interior. Casing trim is available in a variety of finishes: flat, fluted, or featuring a more ornate detail like beading to really add some flair. Whether painted or stained, this trim is as much of a must-have trim as baseboards!
This lovely powder blue casing joins the baseboards and cabinets to create the perfect path for your eyes to travel around this small space!
Design by: @gracefredickson
Photo by: @gracefredickson
chair rail trim
Chair rail trim is a popular trim option and one that serves up just as much functionality as it does form! Chair rail trim, as you might have guessed, is typically installed at chair height, protecting the wall from a chair pushed out to access a table, or perhaps a china cabinet door swung too far out. In terms of form, chair rail trim also provides an excellent visual transition between two wall treatments, like wallpaper and paneling.
This photo illustrates both the functional and form qualities of this traditional trim! You can see how the trim might protect the wall from a hastily moved chair, as well as how it tops off the wainscoting below, signaling a transition to the gorgeous wallpaper.
Design by: @mallorymathisoninc
Photo by: @mallorymathisoninc
crown molding
Crown molding is a trim found in homes decorated in a more traditional style – think English manor homes, cottages, and Craftsman-style abodes! Like other trims, crown molding is typically painted white to visually extend the ceiling, but it can be stained or painted a fun color. Installed between the ceiling and walls, crown molding offers a pretty gap-filler between the two surfaces, which likely feature different colors, patterns, or visual textures!
Here, we kept the crown molding simple in order to allow the client’s richly-hued walls, bedding, and other soft goods to shine!
Design by: @emilyjunedesigns
Photo by: @kerrykirkphoto
picture frame trim
Picture frame trim, also called box molding or Georgian framing, is one of those “sit and look pretty” trims I hinted at earlier! Installed directly on the wall, this trim is purely decorative, adding a bit of 18th-century, traditionalist style that’s guaranteed to elevate any space! Pretty enough to stand alone, it can provide an attractive treatment for large walls, or be used in tandem with framed artwork to provide an even more developed vocal point!
I adore the untraditional way this very traditional trim was painted to perfectly match the walls, creating subtle framing and detail that’s still interesting!
Design by: @home_ec_op
Photo by: @home_ec_op
wainscoting
Wainscoting (pronounced “waynes-coating”) is a more decorative alternative to wide-board paneling, offering an elegant makeover to what might otherwise be just plain walls. Wainscoting can be easily customized to fit your space, with choices from wider framed panels to more narrow beadboard. In terms of aesthetics, wainscoting can be painted to match the wall for a more subtle look, stained to give the space a warm natural feel, or paired with wallpaper to add some bold contrast!
This velvety emerald wainscoting expertly grounds the soaring stripes in this space!
Design by: @lindseyherodinteriors
Photo by: @lindseyherodinteriors