Flooring has a huge footprint and, therefore, can make a big impact on your home. But as impactful as flooring is, there are a few minor details you shouldn’t overlook — baseboards and trim.

These key elements of your design can complete the look of your room. Coordinating them with your flooring choice enhances the overall aesthetic of the space while ensuring everything feels cohesive. Here’s how to effortlessly enhance your flooring installation or remodel by considering your baseboards and trim.

Why Baseboards and Trim Matter

Baseboards are the narrow boards installed along the bottom of walls where they meet the floor. They protect the wall from scuffs and conceal any gaps between the wall and flooring. Baseboards and trim come in various types to suit different styles and needs. Common baseboard types include flat baseboards, which offer a simple, modern look; ornamental baseboards, featuring intricate designs for a more traditional aesthetic; and beveled baseboards, which have a sloped edge for added visual interest.

Trim refers to the broader category of decorative moldings used around doors, windows, and other architectural features to provide a cohesive design. Popular options include casing trim, used around doors and windows; crown molding, installed where walls meet ceilings for an elegant touch; and quarter-round or shoe molding, which adds a clean finish at the base of baseboards. Each type varies in height, profile, and material, allowing for customization to complement any space.

Both baseboards and trim enhance a room’s aesthetics while offering functional benefits, such as preventing damage and ensuring a seamless transition between flooring and walls or other surfaces. Baseboards and trim are essential finishing elements in interior design that help create a polished look while also boosting the home's resale value.  

Tips for Coordinating Baseboards and Trim with Flooring

There are various types of baseboards and trim. Taking into account color, design, and material can help ensure a cohesive look.

Match the Tone and Material

For wood floors, consider stained trim in a similar tone or contrasting but complementary shades. Painted trim in neutral tones often works best for tile or vinyl floors but can also work well for wood floors. For example, white or neutral colors can help balance out a cherry floor's rich and warm tones.

Consider Room Style

Your baseboards and trim should match your space's overall feel, whether traditional or modern. Traditional spaces may benefit from taller baseboards or those that have ornate detailing. These more impactful designs will feel more cohesive with the typically grander elements of traditional rooms. Alternatively, modern rooms often favor more sleek and simple designs that enhance the space’s chic and pared-down aesthetic.

Harmonize Colors

A color wheel can be very helpful in choosing shades. You should consider both the flooring and wall color, ensuring the trim and baseboards act as a subtle transition rather than an abrupt clash. Complementary shades are excellent for when you want the baseboards and trim to blend in with the rest of the room and for the space to feel cohesive. Alternatively, a color wheel can help you find contrasting shades to make the room pop. Contrasting colors are located directly across the color wheel from your starting shade.

And remember, neutral-colored trim can work with almost any flooring type.

Think About Functionality

Baseboards and trim won’t take as much of a beating as your flooring or walls, but it is still important to ensure they’re durable. Choose materials and finishes that will hold up and are easy to clean, especially in high-traffic areas, to maintain their appearance over time.

Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

A few common mistakes can easily be avoided if you know what to look for.

• Ignoring Proportions: Trim that’s too narrow or wide for the room can look out of place.
• Overmatching: Exact matches between flooring and trim can feel monotonous; aim for complementary or contrasting instead.
• Skipping Quality: Low-quality materials or finishes may detract from the room’s overall appearance.
  
  

Consider PT Floors for All of Your Design Needs

Thoughtful coordination between your floors, baseboards, trim, and walls is important for a polished look. Consult the experts at PT Floors for professional advice and installation to achieve a beautifully cohesive design.