Window Trim Doesn't Have to Be Boring—These 20 Ideas Will Help Your Home Stand Out (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Published on 01/28/24

Window Trim Doesn't Have to Be Boring—These 20 Ideas Will Help Your Home Stand Out (2)

Every aspect of your home's exterior makes a major first impression, and when it comes time to choose an exterior window trim for your home, you may be unsure what direction to take design-wise. Do you desire a trim that's neutral in color, such as black, white, or gray, or are you craving something colorful?

Sean Mullin, an architect with Anthony Wilder Design/Build, is partial to black window trim. "We often tell clients it's like adding eyeliner to your windows," he says.

He likes how the color accentuates the windows, particularly in instances where the sash—which holds the glass windowpanes in place—is kept white. "Against the white walls of the exterior, it adds a very subtle touch that makes the windows really stand out," Mullin says.

Note that window trim comes in a range of widths, too, and you will want to select which size is right for you. Ross Padluck, partnerat Kligerman Architecture & Design, prefers window trim to be on the narrow side. "I find wider trims to feel too heavy and they can crowd sleek design lines," he says.

However, it is important that you prioritize your personal aesthetics when choosing a trim color, whether that means taking Mullin's approach to add some drama, opting for a bit of color for a personality-filled exterior, or going another route entirely.

The 20 exteriors below represent just a small sampling of the looks that you may wish to consider for your own home.

01 of 20
Bold Bright Green

Here, bright green window trim complements the trim that goes all the way around this house. The color is cheerful and adds lots of life to this shingle-style home. This hue is often seen on other Victorian style homes, which are known for their peppy, playful colors.
Continue to 2 of 20 below
02 of 20
Black and White Ripples

The white rippled effect surrounding this window creates major visual interest and is the true star of the show, as opposed to the trim, when it comes to this exterior. Thus, it's smart to keep the paint color simple to allow this detailing to truly shine.
Continue to 3 of 20 below
03 of 20
Natural Wood

Brown wood window trim adds plenty of warmth to this home's exterior. The soft wood hue is contemporary and luxe-looking.
Continue to 4 of 20 below
See Also
21 Window Trim Ideas That Will Add a Finishing Touch to Any Style Room 17 Types of Window Trim Styles | What is Window Trim?15 Window Trim Ideas That Will Beautifully Frame Your Views 30 Modern Window Trim Ideas That Can Inspire You
04 of 20
Subtle Soft Gray

If the exterior of your home is white but opting for a black window trim seems too bold, consider going with a soft gray instead. The end result is calming and welcoming. Since gray is a neutral, it won't distract from whatever front door color you choose.
Continue to 5 of 20 below
05 of 20
Mixed Materials

Since this home's exterior is so detailed, simple colors do not distract from the architectural features at hand; the two colors easily complement a range of building materials.
Continue to 6 of 20 below
06 of 20
Matching Wood

While this window trim is the same wood color as the shingles, a darker sash adds a bit of contrast allowing the design to stand out. This trim type if perfect for achieving a cabin-like aesthetic without overdoing it.
Continue to 7 of 20 below
07 of 20
Industrial Dark Gray

Dark gray window trim adds an industrial touch to this exterior. The color is less severe than black but still adds a sleek feel to any home. It complements the contemporary design style and allows the wood slats to stand out.
Continue to 8 of 20 below
08 of 20
Simple White

White window trim is always a classic and pairs nicely with the beige tones present on the outside of this coastal-style house. The cool-toned palette creates a calming setting.
Continue to 9 of 20 below
09 of 20
Forest Green

If you like the idea of opting for green but aren't craving something bright, take a cue from this home, which features a classic forest green that extends from the porch to the window trim.
Continue to 10 of 20 below
10 of 20
Bright Red

Red window sashes are surrounded by light brown trim and add flair to this arts and crafts style home. While red and green are typically seen as contrasting colors, the presence of gray helps to weave the two together and create an artful juxtaposition.
See Also
These 21 Modern Window Trim Ideas Will Make a Stylish Impact
Continue to 11 of 20 below
11 of 20
Blue and White

Blue and white as a color combo will never go out of style! This pairing shines on the exterior of a large arts and crafts style home and ties in with the stone present as well.
Continue to 12 of 20 below
12 of 20
White and Beige

White and beige are also always a no-fail option when paired together. White trim is always a safe option for those who are drawn to a classic color palette.
Continue to 13 of 20 below
13 of 20
Narrow Red

Here's another instance where red window trim—narrow in size—still makes a major statement. If you're looking for a way to distinguish your home from all of the others on the block, this is certainly one way to do so. Once again, the red hue looks beautiful with a soft green.
Continue to 14 of 20 below
14 of 20
Deep Black

Black window trim looks sharp and contemporary. No matter your style of home, this is an excellent, safe pick that is sure to stand the test of time. The nearby lantern and railings are also the same shade of black, resulting in a well-curated look.
Continue to 15 of 20 below
15 of 20
White With Blue Insets

While the trim on this home is actually white, the sash on the doors and windows is a lovely soft blue color. Keeping the trim white but taking more of a color risk with the sash is another option that will still add plenty of character to your home.
To create a cohesive front exterior, opt for outdoor furniture that is in the same color palette as the trim but in different hues.
Continue to 16 of 20 below
16 of 20
Rustic Wood

Here is another example of a rustic home where wood window trim creates a cohesive, cabin-like look.
Continue to 17 of 20 below
17 of 20
Black and White

Black window trim will look as nice with a white brick house as it would beside red brick—or another color, for that matter. The black trim also helps ground the entire look.
Continue to 18 of 20 below
18 of 20
White and Deep Blue

If your house is a deep blue, going with a white trim, as seen in this instance, will soften up the look and prevent the bold color from feeling too severe.
Continue to 19 of 20 below
19 of 20
Black and Stone

There's something so grand about stone paired with black trim. This pairing is a great way to fully embrace natural hues, sticking with shades that are reflected in the surrounding environment.
Continue to 20 of 20 below
20 of 20
Contemporary Black

This contemporary home features oversized windows with black trim. Most modern houses do not feature much color on the exterior; now is not the time to take a risk with blue or red.