Spruce Up With These Baseboard and Trim Ideas

Is your home looking a little dull? Are you wanting to add some personality into your rooms? Updating your baseboards and trim is an easy weekend project that can completely transform the look and feel of your space!

With creative applications of baseboard, crown molding, chair rail, and other types of trim, you can create an inviting atmosphere in any room. Read on for inspiration and ideas to refresh your home.

Different Types of Baseboards and Trim

Before we dive into unique trim ideas, let's cover the basics of the main trim pieces you'll encounter.

Baseboards

Baseboards are installed where the floor and wall meet. They serve the practical purpose of covering the seam between the wall and floor, as well as protecting the lower part of walls from scuffs and scratches.

Baseboards come in different materials like wood, MDF, PVC, or composites. They range in height from 4-6 inches usually. The most common styles are traditional (simple), modern (clean lines), or beadboard (vertical grooves).

Door and Window Trim

Trim around doors, windows, cabinets, and other openings frames the openings and covers the raw edges of the wall material. Door and window trim comes in various widths to complement different baseboard sizes.

Trim can be minimalist and streamlined for a contemporary look, or more ornate for a traditional style. The material should match or complement your baseboards.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is decorative trim installed where the wall meets the ceiling. It covers the joint and adds visual interest. Crown molding comes in different profiles like traditional, modern, rope, etc. The style makes a big impact on the overall look of a room.

Getting Creative With Baseboards and Trim

Now that you know the basic types of trim, here are some ideas to utilize them in creative ways:

Mixing Materials

Don't be afraid to combine different materials like wood, PVC, metal, and other composites. The mix of textures can be visually striking. Just make sure to coordinate any finishes. Some ideas:

• Wood baseboard with PVC window trim
• Black metal door casings mixed with wood trim
• Stained wood wainscoting with bright white trim above

Playing With Patterns and Profiles

For a unique look, use shaped, molded, or routed trim to create patterns and interest. Some options include:

• Fluted trim with decorative grooves
• Curved or scalloped patterns
• Geometric trim designs
• Inverted styles with trim protruding from the walls

Using Trim as Accent Pieces

Take your trim to the next level by utilizing specialty trim like wainscoting panels, picture rails, and chair rails. Highlight them with paint or stain colors that contrast with your walls and baseboard. Use trim to create focal points or define spaces.

Faux Finishes and Paint Techniques

You can make inexpensive trim look high-end with faux finish paint techniques like:

• Distressing - Adds worn, vintage charm
• Glazing - Deepens crevices for dimension
• Stenciling - Apply patterns for texture
• Limed paint - Soften wood grain

These approaches lend trim pieces a timeworn or elevated aesthetic.

Planning Your Baseboard and Trim Project

Now that we've covered some unique baseboard and trim ideas, let's look at how to tackle a trim project in your own home:

Evaluating Existing Trim

Examine your current baseboard and trim. Do you want to work with what you have or replace it entirely? This will inform your budget and process.

Selecting Materials and Styles

Browse trim profiles and samples from home improvement stores. Narrow down the looks that fit your goals, architecture, and budget.

Hiring a Contractor vs. DIY

Some homeowners prefer hiring out trim installation for a flawless final product. Others opt to DIY for cost savings and the satisfaction of tackling the project themselves.

Budgeting and Timelines

Factor in material prices and labor costs if using a contractor. Setup a timeline for your project accounting for demolition, installation steps, paint/stain drying times.

Design Inspiration for Every Room

Entryways

Make a statement in your entryway with:

• Beadboard wainscoting and chair rail
• Crown molding with decorative corbels
• Tall baseboards for a grand look

Kitchens and Baths

Kitchens and baths do well with:

• Moisture resistant PVC/composite trim
• Minimalist styles for clean sightlines
• Smaller moldings to avoid clutter

Living Rooms

Warm up your living room with:

• Ornate crown moldings
• Picture rails for displaying art
• Trim that complements your home's architecture

Dining Rooms

Make your dining room elegant with combinations like:

• Wainscoting, chair rail, and picture rail
• Crown molding with delicate rosettes
• Crisp white trim for modern flair

Bedrooms and Offices

Give these private retreats personality with:

• unexpected materials like metal or PVC
• Picture rails to display photos and art
• Chair rail to protect walls

The right baseboard, crown molding, wainscoting, and other trim can completely transform a room. We hope these ideas have inspired you to give your home a mini makeover!

Trim installation may seem daunting, but with thorough planning and care, you can DIY your way to a stylish new look. Just take it one room at a time.