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Answers (18)
- Your Painters
- Contributions:5
I think it's always best to maintain the look of the home as intended. It usually equals greater value and a more pleasing home. As far as "in vogue" goes that's a difficult question to answer. Keep in mind that stained wood has never gone out of style. High end homes have continued to use stained wood. That said, most average new homes have white baseboards and trim so I guess that supports the in vogue side. It's important to remember that this painted look became popular because it allowed for the use of cheaper materials and lower cost building. If you have the real thing you should restore it and be proud. Painting high quality, originally stained woodwork is usually done more as a cost consideration since painting is easier and less costly than stripping, staining, and varnishing.
- kevindominguez
- Contributions:1
I totally agree, sunnyview. I mean, it's your house, you can do anything you want with it. But I really would also suggest consulting a local agent before a resale because you might want to thing what the buyers might want.
I also found this woodworking review, I hope this could help you: {Link removed by moderator]
I also found this woodworking review, I hope this could help you: {Link removed by moderator]
- Call The Sisters, "Call The Sisters"
- Contributions:372
Some older homes have woodwork and trim that are oak, and if you are real lucky it might be chestnut. Oak and chestnut have wonderful rich grains.
Is the wood dark or the finish? As time goes by the varnish finish darkens and in some instances can look like an alligator skin. Removing it with a paint stripper would reveal the natural wood underneath.
Once the old finish is removed - sand well - use a tack cloth to remove all sawdust and seal with minwax clear polyurethane.
No matter what color you paint your walls - the wood work will blend and compliment them. Natural wood work is like hardwood floors. Warm, interesting and architecturally pleasing.
Is the wood dark or the finish? As time goes by the varnish finish darkens and in some instances can look like an alligator skin. Removing it with a paint stripper would reveal the natural wood underneath.
Once the old finish is removed - sand well - use a tack cloth to remove all sawdust and seal with minwax clear polyurethane.
No matter what color you paint your walls - the wood work will blend and compliment them. Natural wood work is like hardwood floors. Warm, interesting and architecturally pleasing.
- Alison Royer, "Designer7"
- Contributions:3
If you live in a historic home and have original woodwork-keep it. I'm sure it adds to the charm and character of the home.
- Dennis Ciesil, "dmciesil"
- Contributions:16
If the wood is fine, such as walnut, mahogany, etc. and it is stained, it should be stripped and stained or oiled to bring out its natural beauty and then paint the walls in colors that make the trim "pop". If it is a pine or poplar it was probably intended to be painted and a slightly off white or maybe even a vintage cream would be interesting.
Talk to an interior designer for a specific color chart for wall and trim in combination.
Talk to an interior designer for a specific color chart for wall and trim in combination.
- bookreader451
- Contributions:23
I live in a 1910 bungalow and I am currently stripping the paint off the woodwork one room at a time! If you have an old home with original features keep them. We targeted older homes with original features during our search. Good bones meant work for us but someone else wanting an older home may just bypass yours for one that is not "improved"
White makes for a very nice look, but the wood is never going to be quite the same. If it is an historical home, it may be best to leave the woodwork as is and then paint the walls to a color that brings out the depth of the woodwork.
- Kaira West, "HomesByKaira"
- Contributions:51
I think that painting the wood white is the way to go. Of course it all depends upon personal preference, but white seems to be what most buyers prefer in today's market, from my experience.
- Helen Edwards, "Helen Edwards"
- Contributions:478
Once painted woodwork will never be the same. Since you are not planning on selling anytime soon, believe you should have your surroundings to your taste. When ready to sell, ask several local agents what market is prefering. Enjoy!
- caterichmond
- Contributions:19
Depends on your area. Why did you buy it? Be careful about changing it. If you expect to have kids with toys running into it, I would rather have dark woodwork (paint chips off). If you decide to try to paint it, I would start in a small room that is generally not viewed by the public. Do not start in the front of the house with the LR/DR.
- Marcin Talaga, "Wadowice"
- Contributions:46
I would stick with the dark trim as well. If you then paint the walls a nice neutral color, such as light beige, it'll make a nice contrast. Personally, I think the white trim is slowly on its way out and original or dark trim is going to start making its way back in.
- Bob Brandt, "BobBrandtRealtor"
- Contributions:1019
Pros and Cons both ways. I would paint it white-homes with dark trim do not sell well in my area.
- Dan Sandweg, "Dan Sandweg"
- Contributions:36
I would stay with the original dark and use the walls to keep things current. Classic is always in style.
- Brandon Nelson, "TheNelsonGroup"
- Contributions:151
Keep the trim. DO NOT paint it white. Just my two cents.
- Candi Randolph, "Candi Randolph"
- Contributions:35
I have lived in a historic home that had all of the original darker woodwork, and I left it alone because it was right for the feel of the home. The people that bought my home were looking for that type of vintage residence and were very happy that no previous owners had painted over the beautiful wood trim.
My advice would be to leave the dark woodwork as it is unless you are planning on totally changing the look and feel of the interior with your remodel plans.
My advice would be to leave the dark woodwork as it is unless you are planning on totally changing the look and feel of the interior with your remodel plans.
- George Slowinski, "gslow1"
- Contributions:561
I have seen it both ways. To protect the Historic look you should not paint
but white trim is every where and most designer tell us the white trim look is ageless. It you plan to stay along while the white trim will give you a bright fresh look and also a very update look. With some real hard work the trim can always be sanded and stained back to the original look!
but white trim is every where and most designer tell us the white trim look is ageless. It you plan to stay along while the white trim will give you a bright fresh look and also a very update look. With some real hard work the trim can always be sanded and stained back to the original look!
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25139
For historic woodwork, I would probably stay original. I have seen too many people who buy historic houses cuss a blue streak while they strip painted woodwork. lol
Ultimately, it is your house and you should do what you want, but if you are concerned about your resale down the line, I would ask a local agent what they think.
Ultimately, it is your house and you should do what you want, but if you are concerned about your resale down the line, I would ask a local agent what they think.
Historic home woodwork - dark trim or go white?
I can go either way, each has its own appeal, but it seems these days it is more common to go white and is preferred by most. We are not planning to sell in the forseeable future.
However since we will be incurring the cost now, here is our opportunity to switch or stay consistent.
My question is, is dark wood still in vogue or should we be keeping up with times and paint white?
Thanks!
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