Choosing the right trim for the inside of your home can be a daunting task.And depending on the atmosphere of your home – rustic, modern, coastal – you may find that certain types of wood and stain fit better than others.A popular option in many homes is oak trim.Oak is a quality, strong trim option that offers dent- and insect-resistant qualities. This makes it a great option for trim, which is susceptible to scratches from shoes or furniture.As a light colour, oak may carry yellowish or orange hues. For this reason, selecting a good paint colour for your walls or accents may prove tricky. Read on to learn more about our top picks for paint colours to match your oak trim.
Can’t Go Wrong with Blues & Grays For Your Oak Trim
You remember the colour wheel from grade school, right? Colours compliment one another when they’re across from each other on the color wheel. As it turns out, yellow and orange sit across from the blue hues on the colour wheel. Use this technique to your advantage, and consider painting your walls and accents a cool, comforting grey or blue hue. The shades will compliment each other well, we promise!
Whites & Ivory Pair Well with Oak Trim
You can’t go wrong with this option: white is a clean, modern option that pairs well with any colour of wood or stain, including oak trim. White tends to contrast well with any shade of color, and the effect can be striking. Ivory is a safe bet too, but steer clear of any shades that are too creamy or yellowish. As you’ll read below, yellowish hues aren’t great for oak wood. A better choice is a cool ivory, with just a hint of gray.
Yellows and Oranges are a No-No
Because the natural grain and appearance of oak trim may carry yellow and orange hues, it’s not recommended that you pair oak wood with paint colours of this variety. There’s not enough contrast between the paint and the wood to give an appealing effect. The only exception to this is if you’re going for a retro or vintage look (think 70s shag carpet – if you’re into that sort of thing, we won\’t judge you!)
Green Paint Lends a Peaceful Look
This paint colour deserves a category of its own: green is a lovely match with oak wood, and is well-known to be a relaxing, peaceful shade. Choose a soft sage hue for a forest-like ambiance, or go a bit brighter and consider a turquoise or teal for a beach or coastal feel, And because green is still several shades away from yellow and orange on the colour wheel, we’re sure you’ll be pleased with the contrast between the colours.
Remember, It’s Your House!
At the end of the day, colour wheel rules and style trends don’t matter. What matters is that you love your paint and trim combos! Bring home paint swatches and try out a few options.If you find a color you love, go for it. The perfect colour is the one you adore! Contact our painters in Calgary today!