Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Paint the window trim—not the glass—in a contrasting color. Designers say a bold casing color can make the window feel like a deliberate feature and draw the eye toward the outdoor view. The effect is simple in concept, but color, trim width, daylight and careful brushwork all affect the result.
Why paint the window trim?
A contrasting color gives the casing a distinct visual role instead of letting it disappear into the wall. Cara Fineman, owner and principal of DAG Design, says, “A contrasting window color can frame the view to the outdoors like a piece of art, drawing your eye outside.” The painted border can make the view feel composed, much like artwork in a frame.
Marilyn Moedinger, founding principal of Runcible Studios, sees colorful trim as an expressive accent. It is also a relatively changeable design decision: “Keep in mind that paint is pretty easy to change if you don’t like it,” she says. That does not mean the work itself is effortless; painting trim can be time-consuming despite the small area.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Should the trim color match the rest of the room?
No. A trim color does not have to be repeated elsewhere to look intentional. John Maloney McNamara of Coosa puts it this way: “The colors don’t need to match; in fact, it’s better when they don’t.” A contrast can help the window stand out rather than blend into a coordinated palette.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
Still, consider the room around the window. McNamara favors saturated trim, including alongside wallpaper, but cautions that a vivid color needs enough visual weight in its surroundings. White walls may not always balance a strong trim color; adding color to the walls is one option to consider. Think about the wall or wallpaper, the prominence of the casing, and whether the combination feels balanced to you.
How to choose a color that works
- Look at the trim’s visual presence. A strong color on very narrow casing can emphasize a thin strip instead of the window’s architecture. McNamara suggests considering taller trim if the existing trim is under 4 or 5 inches. This is a design judgment, not a universal building requirement.
- Test a sample in changing daylight. Moedinger recommends checking a color in different lighting and at different times of day. McNamara specifically suggests looking at it in morning and afternoon light, since a color near glass can appear more intense.
- Judge it with the whole room. Compare the sample with the wall color or wallpaper and consider whether the trim has enough presence to carry the contrast. There is no requirement to repeat the trim color elsewhere, but the room’s overall visual balance matters.
What to keep in mind when painting the trim
Use a good-quality brush and aim for smooth, even coats rather than allowing paint to build up. Chloë Rideout of Chloë Rideout Interiors recommends a satin or semi-gloss finish so the sheen highlights the casing. The advice identifies those finish options but does not establish that one performs better than the other.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
If the window has wood sashes, Rideout says you can consider painting the sash as well as the casing. The source does not provide substrate-specific preparation steps or paint-compatibility guidance, so check that the products and method you choose are appropriate for your particular window before starting.
For materials, Fineman says a can of paint—potentially a quart for one room—and one or two brushes may be sufficient. That is a general estimate, not a coverage calculation; the amount needed depends on the actual project. Set aside enough time for careful work. A compact area can still be fiddly, and painting trim is not necessarily a quick task.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Ultimately, this is a personal design choice. Moedinger’s advice is: “Your house should reflect you and your personality.” Choose a color you enjoy seeing in your home, and give yourself the chance to live with a sample before committing to every window.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
