Wood Trim- to paint or not to paint?

10 years ago

We are really struggling as to whether or not to paint the wood trim around the ceiling and windows of our home. It runs throughout the entire first floor- living room, dining room and hallways. Some say it adds character and others say the rooms would look more updated if we painted.

Featured Answer

gtcircus

10 years ago

My thoughts are to paint the crown molding and the trim around the Windows. Stop. Access and see if you want to paint the baseboards. My only comment is that painting pine will be a nightmare because it is a soft wood and will ding easily. It may be easier to replace the trim with MDF pre-primed. I will make one comment, if you want it warm and cozy, keep the pine trim and repaint the walls, especially the ceiling. I think of family rooms as being 'woody' versus a dining room or formal living room (if anyone still has one.)

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Comments (8)

gtcircus
10 years ago
It looks like pine. Is this a historic home? What is the age of the home?
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
To me the whole space will take on a different feel if the wood work is painted , is that what you want IMO I see nothing special about the trim so I would paint it and the trim at the ceiling I would just paint out like the wall color to make it disappear.
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Melissa
Original Author
10 years ago
It is pine but not a historic home. It was built in the early 80's and has beautiful pine plank floors. As for feel, I want it to be warm and inviting but it just seems like there is so much wood and I want to try and break it up a bit. We don't have a large decorating budget at the moment and the furniture we have now we brought from a previous home. I was thinking to paint would be the best starting point.
connie912
10 years ago
Stained trim was widely used in the seventies when my house was built. In 1990 it was changed to white through out the house and was a great update that I've never regretted. It brightened every room.
Melissa
Original Author
10 years ago
Great thoughts and input-thanks everyone!
PRO
KT tile
10 years ago
I suggest to paint the crown molding and trim around the windows. It opens up the room. I really love your wood floors!
Melissa thanked KT tile
PRO
Ellsworth Design Build
10 years ago
Paint it! With the caveat that it is tons of work- you have to clean off thirty years of mystery cleaning products, sand it all, then use shellac primer or every knot will bless through just when you get cleaned up and the furniture back in place!
Melissa thanked Ellsworth Design Build