While crown molding acts as a frame for your home's decor by trimming the top of the walls, baseboards are responsible for pulling together your design at the bottom of your walls. Since these elements work together, you may be wondering if the baseboards and crown molding should match. We have done the research to answer this question for you.
Baseboards and crown molding do not have to exactly match. Instead, they should have a similar element to help create a cohesive look. You can make your crown molding and baseboard matching using one of these three elements:
- Color
- Style
- Size
If you're wondering how best to make these elements work together, you're in luck. In this guide, we'll provide you with some inspirational examples, so keep reading!
Ways To Match Your Crown Molding and Baseboards
Color, style, and size are three easy ways to coordinate your crown molding and baseboards. Let's take a closer look at each element.
Color
The color will be the easiest way to ensure that your molding and baseboards match. In the image below, the molding above the door and the molding lining the ceiling are different sizes and styles. The baseboards are wider than both styles of crown molding and have a style of their own. The room still comes together and looks cohesive since all of the trim is painted in the same color.
Read more: 4 Popular Color Ideas For Crown Molding [Inc. Pictures]
Style
The style will be one of the more difficult elements to use to make sure your crown molding and baseboards match unless you are knowledgeable enough to recognize the different styles. If you find a trim collection that you like, you can choose the molding and baseboards that suit you best in that collection and be confident that they match.
In the image below, the baseboards and crown molding are the same color but they are also both colonial revival style. You will notice that the crown molding and the baseboards are a different size and they look a little bit different. However, the final look is cohesive because they have the style in common.
Size
Finally, you can use size to ensure that your baseboard and crown molding are a match. In this image, the designers have chosen white for the baseboards and trim and a shade of cream for the crown molding bordering the ceiling. The trims in this picture are also different styles. However, since they are similar in width, they still give the space a symmetrical, cohesive look.
There are many different elements to consider when choosing baseboards and crown molding for the same room. You can be creative and mix and match styles, colors, or sizes but you should ensure that there is one common element among all of the trim. If you choose to use different colors for the baseboards and crown molding, you want to make sure that the colors coordinate well.
We have researched the answers to popular questions that arise when coordinating baseboards, trim, and crown molding. This information will be useful to you while you consider trim options to accent your space.
Further Questions
In this section, we'll cover additional questions you may have in more detail.
What Is A Good Color For Baseboards?
White is always a popular color for baseboards and is still the most often recommended. Stained wood is also a popular choice. If you would like to use color, though, there are endless options. Here are three tips for using color on your baseboards:
- Paint your baseboards the same color as your walls for a unique look
- Choose a color that complements your walls. You can also match your baseboards to other accents in the room
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- Choose a neutral color, such as gray, to frame your walls while still creating an elegant design
Should Baseboards Be The Same Color As Walls?
Baseboards can indeed be the same colors as the walls. In fact, many designers prefer this look. However, they do not have to be the same color. The baseboards should coordinate with the color of the walls no matter what.
Should Baseboards Match Trim?
The term "trim" in interior design refers to molding or any woodwork that is used to frame the walls, windows, doors, and ceilings of the home.
Baseboards are a type of trim that runs along the bottom of the walls. The baseboards do not have to match the trim. As long as the color of the baseboards and the color of the trim complement one another, your room will still look cohesive. If you want to match your baseboards and trim, that is always an option.
Below is an example of baseboards and trim that are the same color. The white baseboards and trim provide a great contrast against the gray walls. Because the gray is darker and the white is much lighter, the room does not look boring with all of the trim being the same color.
Your room can still look cohesive if the baseboards and the trim are different colors. Just be sure that the colors you choose work well together. In the example below, a thin white baseboard is paired with wooden trim. Since they are both neutral, the trim and the baseboards match.
Do Baseboards Have To Match The Floor?
Your baseboards do not have to match your floor. In fact, you may find this to be almost impossible depending on the type of floor you are using. For example, you may have a hard time finding a paint color that is an exact match for the color of your carpet.
Instead, you will want to make sure that the baseboards and the floor complement one another. You should not choose baseboards that clash with the color of your floor, just like you should not choose baseboards or other trim that clash with your walls or ceiling.
In the image below, you will notice that the trim is white while the floor is hardwood. Since white and hardwood go well together, this is a good pairing. However, you will also notice that the trim is a darker wood. While the two wood shades are different, they work well together because the white trim prevents the two wood shades from being next to each each other. Each wood shade is equally utilized throughout the room, creating a balanced look.
In Closing
While it is acceptable for your baseboards and crown molding to be the same color, you do not need to feel obligated to design your room this way. The recurring theme in most design situations is that each element in a room should contribute to the room's overall look. Regardless of the colors, patterns, or materials used, a finished room should always look cohesive.
If you are feeling up to it, get creative with your design. Paint the crown molding one color while the trim and the baseboards are another color. Or, choose a color for your walls and match the trim, crown molding, and baseboards in a color that complements the walls. Just be sure that whatever color palette you create consists of colors that complement each other and do not clash.
Are you wondering what color your ceiling should be in relation to your trim? Read our article Should Ceiling Paint Match Trim? to get some design ideas!