This post on black interior trim ideas first appeared here back in 2014.
Today’s version has been significantly updated.
After this post on painting your trim the same color as your walls as well as this popular one on the best white trim paints to use, a few of you had questions related to black trim.
Hopefully this post will offer you a few answers and ideas.
Black Interior Trim Ideas
Black trim gives your typical traditional finish a much more dramatic appeal.
This small detail really adds to the overall visual impact of an interior space.
When should you consider using black trim in your home?
Consider adding black trim to your home when you’re looking to make your trim standout.
Just like black interior doors, I think black trim almost always looks chic.
Especially if you already have several black design elements in the room.
This makes the overall design of the space look cohesive and intentional.
Of course you can always add a few black accessories or black furniture once your trim pieces are painted black to get the same effect.
The color black is a great way to make architectural features like door trim, crown molding or ceiling beams really pop.
Can you imagine this neutral living room without the benefit of the contrasting black trim?
The final result would lack the same oomph to say the least!
Black Trim Ideas
Painting your interior doors black is a great design tip.
It’s unexpected and always looks great.
It’s also worth noting, there’s an entire post dedicated to how much I love a black doors!
Especially a black front door, door panel or double door, like the one in the image above.
It can really bring new life to a space.
Interior Black Trim And Dark Trim Paint Colors
These are the best (and most popular) different shades of black paint colors to use for your interior trim color:
Benjamin Moore Jet Black
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black – we have this on our black interior front door.
Benjamin Moore Soot
Farrow and Ball Off Black
Benjamin Moore Nightfall
Benjamin Moore Baby Seal Black
All of these colors come in handy Samplize self adhesive paint samples.
I always recommend using these if you’re at all curious, you can check them out and order them here.
The Samplize non-damaging adhesive backing is such a great way to test out a paint color.
Because it allows for viewing in multiple locations and in different lighting without marking up your walls or doors!
No messy paint cans and brushes to deal with!
If you’re at all curious, you can check them out and order them here.
We had the trim in our powder room (featured in the top image and below) painted a high gloss black for extra drama.
As you can see, this coordinates so nicely with the dark Lotus print wallpaper.
Black trim works best with white, cream or neutral walls.
While interior design rules are made to be broken, the truth is black painted trim usually looks best against a white, cream or a very light color wall.
Due to the strong contrast, white walls and a dark color trim are always a winning combination.
Not to get too off topic here, but if you’re looking for some white and cream paint color ideas, be sure to check out these popular posts below:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove Paint Review
- Favorite white paint colors for the home
- Benjamin Moore Decorators White Paint Review
- The best cream wall paint colors
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace Paint Review
- An expert’s advice on the best kitchen cabinet paint colors
- Benjamin Moore White OC -151 Paint Review
- The best white exterior paint colors for your home
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee Paint Review
An example of modern style black trim and chair rail.
How stunning is all this raised paneling and trim?
Painting all of these architectural details in one black color gives this space such a fresh modern look.
Notice how the black drapery trim here really lends itself to the overall focal point.
The classic black accents in this room tie it all together perfectly.
Conclusion
Have I convinced you to paint any of your interior trim black?
Hopefully you’ve gotten some great ideas on adding black painted trim to your home today.
Additional Popular Home Decor Posts:
If you’re looking for even more great home design ideas, be sure to check out these other posts on different colors by clicking on each title below-
The top 10 colors for your kitchen cabinets.
How To Paint Over A Brick Fireplace.
Front of House Lighting Ideas.
How to Pick The Best Ceiling Paint Colors.
The best online decor shops owned by interior designers.
The Best Looking Mirrors For Your Dining Room.
For even more great home decor ideas, be sure to join our fun and VERY helpful design Facebook group!
In this group – members share photos with their design questions and dilemmas from their own home. We all chime in with our best advice!
It’s also great for sourcing hard to find items and pieces.
Lastly, to help you even further with your home projects, download my FREE DESIGN CHEAT SHEET, it’s loaded with all sorts of quick tips and handy measurements.
Sign up below to grab that because it will be super helpful!
*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may get a small commission from it at no cost to you. For more info, please read my disclaimer. I only refer things that I truly love and hope you will too!
I have a large room with alot of trim and windows. What is your opinion if I do the baseboard and crown molding black and paint the chairrail and window trim white, same color as the walls?
I think this sounds nice, but it’s hard to say without seeing the room. You might want to pop a photo of it into the Facebook Private Group zhush design secrets, just a thought.
I was going to do black interior windows on the main floor and white interior on the second floor where the bedrooms are. Do you recommend having all the same
color of windows to stay uniform or is it okay to split it up. Thanks.
I think it’s totally fine to split it up as long as it looks all the same from the outside, and as long as it’s not an open plan.
I’m currently painting molding and trim of a sliding glass door that looks like French doors black. Do I paint the moldings of the screen black too?
I’m not sure I’m following your question. Are the screen moldings on the door separate from actual door moldings?
I really really love the last two! So pretty and expensive looking with the gold details!
Kasey
http://www.preplovelove.com
oh my goodness! this house is gorgeous! what neat detailing!
kelseybang.com
I always love a good contrast! Black trim gives a dramatic impact. 🙂
Very nice! I'm wearing black and white today…can't go wrong with that!
Love it. High impact…
I painted my interior doors black along with the crown in my powder bath. What a difference. Great photos.
Sharon
I love black trim. I have many of the doors in my house painted black and my next project is the paint the window trim in my kitchen black.
Love being a part of this series! Thanks again, Sue!
http://www.designsbykaty.com