Fortunately, some direct-to-consumer paint brands, such as Clare, are attempting to simplify the painting process by eliminating the trek to the paint store and curating the color options. Taking it one step further, Clare’s founder Nicole Gibbons recently expanded her product line to include trim paint colors—so you can now paint your entire home without a single trip to the paint store. So how do you take the guesswork out of picking trim paint colors, especially when you’re navigating the process online or even on your phone? For starters, it helps that Clare has narrowed down hundreds of options to a carefully curated collection of different trim paint colors. From there, follow Gibbon’s advice, below, on selecting the right paint finish and choosing a hue that complements the wall color. You’ll be surprised how much the right trim color can change the entire look of the room. And if the walls are blues or greens? Opt for a cool white trim color. If all else fails: “A clean, neutral white will have a fresh, modern look that pairs well with pretty much any color.” “Just like you would any other color, test your trim paint to make sure you love it in your space and that it looks good with your walls,” Gibbons recommends. Never underestimate the power of the paint swatch. And if your look is more adventurous? Try a bolder combo. “For example, black trim with white walls makes a big impact and really saturated colors like our Deep Dive would look great against a softer blue like Headspace.” “Semi-gloss is the best finish for trim not only because it’s easier to clean and more durable, but it also helps to reflect the light in a room, creating a subtle contrast that allows your trims to pop against your walls,” she explains. And for the walls? It’s eggshell all the way. “Eggshell is the best finish for walls because it’s matte enough that it won’t highlight imperfections, but it has just enough sheen that it’s more durable and easy to clean,” she says.
