when you did them white did you use the same paint as the trim? was it too shiny? if so try white in the same finish as your wall paint.

Must you have different colors in both rooms? It just seems to me that having the same color paint would solve the "problem."

I would do them the same color as the wall.

Good luck:)

same colour

Nancy walton, yes they have to be 2 different colors as my dining room furniture is very traditional, hence the warmer more traditional color whereas my living room I would like to put in soft gray and white couches hence the gray wall color..So no the arches can't b the same color as the wall

In that case your dilemma will carry on.

well, i think your best bet is your trim color (or another color, entirely) in a matte finish and just not think about it any more.

I'm not understanding your point about the dining room needs to be a warm tone because it is more traditional. Not true. Second having each room that is open to each other stand alone I think is a mistake. While the rooms can take on their distinct "style" they still need to tie together and what is easier than wall color to accomplish that goal.