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Why Should You Paint Your Woodwork?
Introducing the coolest and easiest way of updating unsung design details such as skirtings, mouldings and door frames
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Ever noticed how interesting your skirting boards can be? Or how detailed the architectural mouldings around your door frames are? No? Well, we’re here to sing the praises of these quiet bystanders – the interior ‘trim’ – that has played the supporting role in our design schemes for years.
There are many reasons why painting your woodwork in a stand-out colour is the answer to your decorating woes. Maybe you’ve been struggling to find the right wall colour, when actually it’s a bold door or staircase that could make all the difference? Or perhaps a lack of light is preventing you from experimenting with a dark wall colour, but opting for dark skirting boards and cornices would be the perfect compromise. “Adding colour to the woodwork and leaving the walls neutral can give you just enough colour to make a statement without overwhelming the space,” says Dulux’s creative director, Marianne Shillingford. “Coloured woodwork can also act as a connecting thread that binds the look and feel of different rooms in a home together, as well as masking dirt and dust much better than plain white woodwork does.”
You see, even the simplest technique of painting your skirting boards and doors can completely transform a room, so use these inspiring ideas to rethink your decorating plans.
There are many reasons why painting your woodwork in a stand-out colour is the answer to your decorating woes. Maybe you’ve been struggling to find the right wall colour, when actually it’s a bold door or staircase that could make all the difference? Or perhaps a lack of light is preventing you from experimenting with a dark wall colour, but opting for dark skirting boards and cornices would be the perfect compromise. “Adding colour to the woodwork and leaving the walls neutral can give you just enough colour to make a statement without overwhelming the space,” says Dulux’s creative director, Marianne Shillingford. “Coloured woodwork can also act as a connecting thread that binds the look and feel of different rooms in a home together, as well as masking dirt and dust much better than plain white woodwork does.”
You see, even the simplest technique of painting your skirting boards and doors can completely transform a room, so use these inspiring ideas to rethink your decorating plans.
To Make a Statement…
Dark tones make a big impact when used alongside neutral walls, so have a go at painting your woodwork, such as the staircase, in a rich, stand-out colour and you’ll instantly make a chic, design statement.
“I love the saying ‘colour takes the credit but tone does all the work’ – it’s the mantra for effortlessly stylish decorating,” says Marianne. “Basically, dark items and dark colours ‘advance’, which means they look closer to us and we notice them more. The biggest contrasts in tone are the ones that grab our attention most in a room, but you don’t need lots to make a great impression, so painting the woodwork in a deeper tone than the wall is the perfect way to make a design statement that is admired by all and easy to live with.”
Style tip: Heighten the impact by complementing the stand-out colour with eye-catching accessories and prints in a similarly rich tone.
Staircase bannisters painted in ‘Black’ by Dulux.
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Unsure what colour to choose for your next interior project? Be inspired by the latest trends, tips and new collections, including woodwork and metal paints, here.
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Dark tones make a big impact when used alongside neutral walls, so have a go at painting your woodwork, such as the staircase, in a rich, stand-out colour and you’ll instantly make a chic, design statement.
“I love the saying ‘colour takes the credit but tone does all the work’ – it’s the mantra for effortlessly stylish decorating,” says Marianne. “Basically, dark items and dark colours ‘advance’, which means they look closer to us and we notice them more. The biggest contrasts in tone are the ones that grab our attention most in a room, but you don’t need lots to make a great impression, so painting the woodwork in a deeper tone than the wall is the perfect way to make a design statement that is admired by all and easy to live with.”
Style tip: Heighten the impact by complementing the stand-out colour with eye-catching accessories and prints in a similarly rich tone.
Staircase bannisters painted in ‘Black’ by Dulux.
____________________________________________________
Unsure what colour to choose for your next interior project? Be inspired by the latest trends, tips and new collections, including woodwork and metal paints, here.
____________________________________________________
To Highlight Period Features…
Lucky enough to have stunning architectural mouldings, such as elegant internal doors and skirting boards? Then make these features the star of the show by turning them into an intriguing focal point, particularly if the rest of the room is lacking in personality. Have fun with playful shades that will add heaps of character, as well as create an interesting contrast between the old and new styles.
“We often overlook the doors, skirting boards and window frames in our homes because they have to be practical and hardwearing, but it’s actually more practical to add colour to these elements because colours are better at masking wear and tear,” says Marianne. Her top tip for speeding things up on doors? Use a brush for the mouldings and edges, and a small synthetic glossing roller for the flat surfaces and panels – two coats will give a good solid finish.
Style tip: Trying out a brave new shade on your woodwork is less commitment than painting it straight on the walls and, if you choose a mid or low-sheen finish, like Satinwood or Eggshell, any imperfections in the surface you are painting will be minimised.
Door frame and door painted in ‘Pretty Pink’ by Dulux.
Lucky enough to have stunning architectural mouldings, such as elegant internal doors and skirting boards? Then make these features the star of the show by turning them into an intriguing focal point, particularly if the rest of the room is lacking in personality. Have fun with playful shades that will add heaps of character, as well as create an interesting contrast between the old and new styles.
“We often overlook the doors, skirting boards and window frames in our homes because they have to be practical and hardwearing, but it’s actually more practical to add colour to these elements because colours are better at masking wear and tear,” says Marianne. Her top tip for speeding things up on doors? Use a brush for the mouldings and edges, and a small synthetic glossing roller for the flat surfaces and panels – two coats will give a good solid finish.
Style tip: Trying out a brave new shade on your woodwork is less commitment than painting it straight on the walls and, if you choose a mid or low-sheen finish, like Satinwood or Eggshell, any imperfections in the surface you are painting will be minimised.
Door frame and door painted in ‘Pretty Pink’ by Dulux.
To Create an Optical Illusion…
In rooms that are spatially challenged, such as lofts with sloping ceilings, it’s possible to create a sense of extra wall space by painting the skirting the same colour as the wall. “Banishing stark white woodwork from the room allows the hard borders and edges to melt away and merge with the rest of the wall, giving the room a greater sense of space and tranquillity,” says Marianne.
This heightened sense of space can then be magnified by painting the ceiling in a paler neutral that complements the darker walls, yet still adds more depth and interest than plain white.
Style tip: Paint other elements in the room the same colour as the walls and woodwork, like picture frames and furniture, to further amplify the look and sense of space. Pale, nature-inspired tones create a cosy and comfortable ambience and work well in a space-challenged bedroom.
Back wall painted in ‘Natural Slate’; Skirting Board painted in ‘Natural Slate’, Ceiling painted in ‘White Cotton’, all Dulux.
“What’s That Paint Colour?” This Tool Will Help You Find It
In rooms that are spatially challenged, such as lofts with sloping ceilings, it’s possible to create a sense of extra wall space by painting the skirting the same colour as the wall. “Banishing stark white woodwork from the room allows the hard borders and edges to melt away and merge with the rest of the wall, giving the room a greater sense of space and tranquillity,” says Marianne.
This heightened sense of space can then be magnified by painting the ceiling in a paler neutral that complements the darker walls, yet still adds more depth and interest than plain white.
Style tip: Paint other elements in the room the same colour as the walls and woodwork, like picture frames and furniture, to further amplify the look and sense of space. Pale, nature-inspired tones create a cosy and comfortable ambience and work well in a space-challenged bedroom.
Back wall painted in ‘Natural Slate’; Skirting Board painted in ‘Natural Slate’, Ceiling painted in ‘White Cotton’, all Dulux.
“What’s That Paint Colour?” This Tool Will Help You Find It
To Add a Sense of Calm…
Colours that help us to connect with nature, such as fresh greens and sky blues, will instill the most serenity in a space. Their breeziness will also help inject a light and airy feel, and can be used to gently ‘lift’ ceilings and woodwork for a sense of balance and harmony.
“Soft misty greens and blues, like Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2020, Tranquil Dawn, and delicate stone neutrals, like Dulux’s ‘Goose Down’ and ‘Polished Pebble’, remind us of quiet open spaces in which we can escape from the things that overwhelm us in our busy lives,” says Marianne.
Style tip: Painting the door at the end of a long, narrow hallway in a fresh, zingy shade, and then continuing it up onto the ceiling, will help to elongate the compact space.
Door and frame painted in ‘Mineral Mist’ by Dulux.
More: Visit our Colour Inspiration Centre for tons of creative ideas, tips and advice. Plus, find more information on Dulux’s range of interior wood and metal trim paints, here.
Your turn: Which colour have you painted your woodwork?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Colours that help us to connect with nature, such as fresh greens and sky blues, will instill the most serenity in a space. Their breeziness will also help inject a light and airy feel, and can be used to gently ‘lift’ ceilings and woodwork for a sense of balance and harmony.
“Soft misty greens and blues, like Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2020, Tranquil Dawn, and delicate stone neutrals, like Dulux’s ‘Goose Down’ and ‘Polished Pebble’, remind us of quiet open spaces in which we can escape from the things that overwhelm us in our busy lives,” says Marianne.
Style tip: Painting the door at the end of a long, narrow hallway in a fresh, zingy shade, and then continuing it up onto the ceiling, will help to elongate the compact space.
Door and frame painted in ‘Mineral Mist’ by Dulux.
More: Visit our Colour Inspiration Centre for tons of creative ideas, tips and advice. Plus, find more information on Dulux’s range of interior wood and metal trim paints, here.
Your turn: Which colour have you painted your woodwork?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Dulux is the UK’s leading paint brand, with a wealth of expert knowledge, products and services designed to help... Leer más
Dulux is the UK’s leading paint brand, with a wealth of expert knowledge, products and services designed to help... Leer más
Colour is what makes interiors what they are and personal. It can also be very difficult to get it right. This is where interiors designers are so good.
Agreed! Sometimes you need an expert to give you a gentle nudge so you can make bolder choices that you may not make if you were doing it on your own!