Should exterior door trim match window trim?

Without question, if you value curb appeal and want your home to look good, you will pay attention to all the details that make up the exterior of your house. Of course, high-quality, well-chosen doors and windows are essential. However, the trim surrounding the doors and windows adds another layer of cosmetic appeal. We've seen many people on message boards asking if the exterior door trim should match the window trim; what's the most appealing outward appearance? You'll need to decide for yourself, but we can offer a few considerations.

Which part of the door or window is considered the trim?

The trim is the decorative element that provides an attractive boundary between the door or window itself and the exterior cladding. Most homes have relatively prominent trim work that surrounds the perimeter of each window and door. Trim around windows and doors is known by many names↗ (and spellings) — casing, brick mold, brickmold, brickmould, brick mould, or architrave. 

How to choose exterior trim colors?

When choosing exterior trim colors, there is no right or wrong way to go. Every homeowner will have their idea about what colors look the best. However, from a professional standpoint, there can be a few things to remember when picking a color for exterior trim. 

When choosing exterior trim colors, there is no right or wrong way to go. Every homeowner will have their idea about what colors look the best. However, from a professional standpoint, there can be a few things to remember when picking a color for exterior trim. 

Siding manufacturer Allura↗ recommends beginning with a good look at the different architectural features of your home. Does your home follow a particular architectural style that you should honor, or does it look like the type of home where you can make your own rules? A general rule in home design is to use color contrast to "dress up" a home exterior that has simpler architecture. For example, adding a pop of color to the trim around the windows makes the home exterior more interesting. By contrast, if the home's envelope has a lot of ornate detail, contrasting colors can draw the eye away from more noteworthy features. 

When choosing paint colors for exterior trim, consider all the aspects of the exterior. The color of the siding, whether the home has shutters installed, and even the color of the roof should influence your decision about trim colors. 

Should you paint door trim the same color as the door?

Painting the exterior doors and the trim that surrounds them the same color is relatively common practice, especially with doors that are a shade of white. However, painting the trim a contrasting color is an excellent way to add a bit of visual interest to the entry point. For example, a solid black door surrounded by white trim or vice versa makes the entry door appear more distinct and adds a bit of visual flair. The door and trim have a bit more depth and dimension when the door and trim are two different colors. 

Should the exterior door trim match the window trim?

Painting the exterior door trim to match the window trim injects a bit of color consistency that can tie the outward facade together. While there is no unwritten rule that all exterior trim should match, matching can make a lot of design sense and make the design appear well thought-out. For example, if you go with a charcoal gray trim around a white door, painting the trim around your white-sashed windows gray creates a consistent, attractive look. 

Final thoughts on exterior door and window trim 

The colors you choose for the trim surrounding doors and windows highlight these home features. While there may be no hard-and-fast rules for what color options to choose or whether trim around windows and doors should match, matching colors often creates a more appealing finish. 

Need help with windows and doors for your home? Be sure to check out the options available at Brennan.