Wainscoting is a classic and elegant way to add depth and texture to any room. But with so many color options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect shade for your wainscoting.
Should you go with a traditional white or cream, or opt for a bold and contrasting color? In this article, we’ll explore different color options for wainscoting and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your space.
Whether you’re looking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere or make a bold statement, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover what color to paint your wainscoting.
What Color To Paint Wainscoting
When it comes to choosing a color for your wainscoting, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the overall style and mood you want to create in the room. Do you want a traditional and classic look, or something more modern and bold?
If you’re going for a traditional look, white or cream is always a safe bet. This classic color choice will give your wainscoting a timeless and elegant feel. It works well with both picture-frame molding and panel molding, and can be paired with a different color on the upper walls for added contrast.
However, if you want to add some personality and flair to your space, consider opting for a bold and contrasting color. A Grey and Yellow color combination can be an excellent way to give your wainscoting a strong presence. Paint the molding in crisp white and use the same shade on the ceiling too. In that case, paint the upper half of the wall in a dark color. The room will have a perfectly balanced palette if the floor is dark too.
If you fall in love with a dark wall color but worry about turning your room into a cave, paint the wainscoting below with a bright white. This crisp classic will brighten any room that might otherwise get too cozy.
When choosing a color for your wainscoting, it’s important to consider the other elements in the room as well. If you have other focal points such as a gorgeous chandelier or a mahogany dining table, keep the wainscoting color simple and understated.
On the other hand, if you want your wainscoting to be the star of the show, choose a bold and eye-catching color that will draw attention to it. Just be sure to balance it out with other elements in the room so it doesn’t become overwhelming.
Consider The Room’s Overall Color Scheme
When choosing a color for your wainscoting, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme of the room. You want to make sure that the color of your wainscoting complements the other colors in the space, rather than clashes with them.
One way to do this is by using a complementary color scheme. This means choosing a color that is opposite on the color wheel from the dominant color in the room. For example, if your walls are a warm burnt orange, consider painting your wainscoting a cool navy blue. This will create a dramatic contrast and make the wainscoting stand out.
However, be careful not to overdo it with complementary colors, especially if you’re using picture-frame molding wainscoting. Too much of the accent color can be overwhelming and take away from the overall look of the room. If you’re using flat panel wainscoting, it’s best to stick with a more neutral color that complements the walls.
Another option is to use a monochromatic color scheme. This means choosing different shades of the same color for your wainscoting and walls. For example, if your walls are a pale blue, consider painting your wainscoting a darker shade of blue. This will create a cohesive and harmonious look in the room.
Finally, don’t forget to consider other elements in the room when choosing a color for your wainscoting. Look to window treatments, fabrics, furniture, area rugs, and accessories for inspiration. Choose colors that complement these elements and create a cohesive look throughout the space.
Traditional White Or Cream Options
If you’re looking for a traditional and classic look for your wainscoting, white or cream is always a safe and elegant option. A crisp white paint will give your wainscoting a clean and timeless feel, while a subtle cream can add warmth and depth to the space.
Sherwin Williams Extra White is a popular choice for trim work and wainscoting. This cool white shade has a slight hint of blue in it, but it’s not visible to the naked eye. It works well with all paint colors, including true white and off-white walls. If you want a clean and crisp white for your wainscoting, SW Extra White is a great option.
When selecting a white paint color for your wainscoting, remember that your choices include more than just stark white. Most paint manufacturers offer a range of whites that vary from warm to cool. Creamy white tones pair well with warm or intense colors and earthy neutrals, while clear or crisp whites make good partners for cool colors, both saturated and muted.
To create a classic and traditional effect, consider painting your wainscoting a crisp white or subtle cream. This works equally well with picture-frame molding or panel molding. The result will be a timeless and elegant space that never goes out of style.
Bold And Contrasting Color Options
If you’re feeling daring, a bold and contrasting color for your wainscoting can make a strong statement in your space. One option is to use complementary colors to create a dramatic effect. For example, paint the picture-frame molding navy blue against burnt orange walls. This will make the wainscoting stand out and maximize its impact. However, it’s important to be cautious when using this color scheme with flat panel wainscoting, as too much of the accent color can be overwhelming.
Another option is to paint the trim and woodwork a contrasting hue that’s equal in intensity to the wall color. This works well if you love color and want to create a cohesive look in your space. You can draw inspiration from window treatments, fabrics, furniture, area rugs, and accessories to choose a color that complements your existing decor. For example, you could choose the lightest or brightest hue for the major wall surfaces, a darker color for the window and door frames, and a third, medium tone for window sashes and skirting boards.
If you want to create a more modern look, consider painting your wainscoting in a contrasting color such as black or dark blue. This works well with softer, more neutral colors on your walls and can add excitement to the room. It also creates a more dramatic feel and draws attention to interesting details such as windows, doorways, and fireplace mantles.
Finally, for a subtle yet unexpected look, consider going for a monochromatic color scheme. This means painting your wainscoting in the same (or similar) color as your walls. It blends everything together and creates a subtle yet cohesive look in your space. This works well with any wall color and feels more modern than the classic option of white trim with soft neutral wall colors. Just be sure to choose a color that’s just a few shades lighter or darker than your wall color to achieve this look.
Matching Wainscoting To Wall Color
One important consideration when choosing a color for your wainscoting is how it will match the color of the walls. There are a few different approaches you can take here, depending on the look you’re going for.
If you want a clean and modern aesthetic, consider a monochromatic color scheme. This involves using different shades of the same color or colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. Painting the wainscoting a few shades lighter or darker than the walls can create a subtle and sophisticated look. This approach is particularly effective with pastel colors, which are becoming increasingly popular in modern design.
Alternatively, if you want to draw attention to your wainscoting, consider using a contrasting color on the walls. For example, if your wainscoting is white, you could paint the upper walls a dark grey or navy blue. This will make the wainscoting stand out and create a bold and dramatic effect.
Of course, if you want a more traditional look, you can simply paint the wainscoting and walls the same color. This will create a cohesive and classic feel, particularly if you choose a neutral color like white or cream.
When deciding on a color scheme for your wainscoting and walls, it’s important to think about how they will work with other elements in the room. If you have bold furniture or artwork, for example, you may want to keep the wainscoting and walls more understated to avoid overwhelming the space. On the other hand, if you have more subdued decor, you could use bolder colors on your wainscoting and walls to add interest and personality to the room.
Creating A Cozy Atmosphere With Warm Tones
If you’re aiming to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your room, warm tones can help you achieve just that. Colors such as creamy beige, chocolate browns, rusty reds or desert-inspired hues can instantly make your space feel more comfortable and welcoming. These colors bring energy into a space and create a sense of warmth and comfort.
To create a cohesive look, consider painting your wainscoting in a warm tone that complements the other colors in your room. For example, if you have beige walls, consider painting your wainscoting in a chocolate brown color. This will create a harmonious color scheme that will make your room feel cozy and inviting.
If you want to go for a bolder look, consider painting your wainscoting in a deep red or rust color. These warm tones will add depth and richness to your space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Pair these colors with neutral wall colors such as white or cream to balance out the boldness.
When choosing warm tones for your wainscoting, it’s important to consider the lighting in your room. Warm tones can appear darker in low light conditions, so make sure you have adequate lighting to bring out the full beauty of these colors.
Making A Statement With Darker Colors
If you’re looking to make a statement with your wainscoting, consider opting for a darker color. Darker colors can add drama and sophistication to a room, but it’s important to use them strategically.
One way to use darker colors is to create a contrast between the upper walls and the wainscoting. For example, if you have deep red walls, consider pairing them with creamy salmon wainscoting. This will create a striking contrast that draws the eye to the wainscoting.
Another way to use darker colors is to paint the wainscoting itself in a bold and eye-catching shade. However, it’s important to keep the rest of the room relatively neutral so that the wainscoting doesn’t become overwhelming. This approach works particularly well if the wainscoting has a simple design and isn’t too intricate.
If you’re worried about making the room feel too dark or small, consider painting the upper walls in a lighter shade to balance out the darker wainscoting. Alternatively, you could paint the ceiling and woodwork bright white for a crisp finish that frames the walls and amplifies the impact of the wainscoting color.
Overall, using darker colors for your wainscoting can be a great way to add personality and style to your space. Just be sure to use them strategically and balance them out with other elements in the room.