Thin strips of millwork are applied vertically on this stylish hallway wall. This hallway gives the impression of a strong, traditional farmhouse aesthetic with warm wood flooring and a sturdy wooden bench. The bench is used as a decorating tool to host a neutral vase filled with dried flowers and a beige throw.
25 Modern Wall Trim Ideas for a Chic Space
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Published: January 26, 2024
Updated: December 27, 2023
Explore outside the realm of typical wall décor and delve into modern wall trim ideas that showcase some of the ways you can use this decorative accent. Wall trim applies to anything from board and batten wainscoting to picture frame panels that add texture to specific spaces. There is an idea for every room, and the trick is choosing the best option for your home’s design and space.
Wall trim in the form of rectangular panels can be applied to staircase walls, dining rooms, or any other space with high ceilings for increased impact. You will see this type of paneling used to create accent walls. Picture frame wall trim is a beautiful way to emphasize your favorite paintings or sconces. While these panels are stunning on their own, they are even more effective when surrounding a single item, such as a sconce or work of art.
Rely on modern wall trim to bring a unique character to your home, and use inspiration from the gallery below to create your dream look.
02 of Stylish Decor for a Staircase Landing
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The way that elegant white wainscoting follows the perimeter of a staircase is a flattering way to add direction to a space. When faced with a staircase landing, maximize the opportunity with a small half-moon console, vase, or faux tree to fill the lonely corner. The light in this compact area is controlled with white shutters and a shaded table lamp.
03 of Extraordinary Embellishments on a White Mantel
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Marvel at the extraordinary embellishments of a fireplace mantel where the detailing offers an eye-catching accent. Because the mantel is painted white, the details don’t appear overpowering next to the wainscoting. Incorporate a vintage rug famous for its intricate patterns to balance the space.
04 of Board and Batten Hallway Wainscoting
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Combat plain hallway walls and apply some trim to spice up the decor. A board and batten half-wall is enough to accentuate a short hallway between rooms without any mounted decor. Make the area between rooms flow with the same flooring installed throughout the space.
05 of Pale Pink Trim and Floral Drapes
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Recreate the aesthetic of a magical garden in a nursery with pale pink wall trim and flowing floral drapes. A simple wooden crib mingles with light taupe carpeting. A modern brass semi-flush mount light shines in the natural light provided by two windows.
06 of Wall Panels Create an Elegant Accent Wall
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High ceilings are the heroes of elegant decor, and this bathroom benefits from the height by utilizing the wall space to showcase different-sized panels. This is a great alternative to an ordinary accent wall and encourages the use of texture to draw attention. Create the same look in your bathroom with fewer panels if the ceilings are slightly shorter.
07 of Sitting Area Between Wide Arches
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Some areas are destined to become cozy sitting areas, as seen in this corner between wide arches. Filling seemingly useless spaces like this helps to utilize each area to its fullest potential. If there is enough room, a small side table helps to make the chair appear less secluded.
08 of Living Room Furniture Faces and Accent Wall
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Enjoy the image of uniformity with ceiling beams positioned between wall panels. A compact living room is designed with the furniture facing an accent wall of different-sized panels. The space is divided by a TV and a wooden console to tone down the eye-catching appearance.
09 of Sleek Additions to a Farmhouse-style Infused Room
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A blend of gray shades highlights the most modern aspects of a design and provides the room with a sleek look. Experiment with this technique by pairing light gray seating with wooden accents and witness how the worlds of modernity and farmhouse style blend together. A circular coffee table sits on a white rug, spotlighting the center of the room.
10 of Fireplace Mantel Surrounded by Windows
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This living room has an abundance of light thanks to the tall windows and doors filling each wall. The woven shades of organic materials add a natural component to all-white walls. The white mantel around the fireplace is an elegant partner for the board and batten detailing seen above.
11 of Mismatched Chairs for a Unique Dining Experience
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Dining sets are a wonderful classic feature, but a table with mismatched chairs can change your dining experience. Choose a larger chair style for the head and foot of the table, while the longer sides possess smaller varieties of chairs. A wooden table is neutral enough to accommodate ever-changing chair styles.
12 of Rectangular Wall Panels Create a Classic Look
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Decorative trim and wall panels are on display in this corner, where rectangular picture frame molding fill the walls. This classic design for wainscoting works in vintage or contemporary spaces without compromising the desired aesthetic. Consider the baseboards carefully to accentuate the panels without redirecting attention.
13 of Modern Wall Trim Ideas for a DIning Room
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Elegance is the theme of this room, where rectangular wall trim borders sconces and a blank canvas. Using the centers of wall panels for framing mounted decor is a fun way to highlight each item freshly. Unique light fixtures are prominent in this dining room, found on both the walls and over a wooden dining table, where a tufted white bench adds to the chic design.
14 of Strands of Rings Suspended From a Branch
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Value eclectic decor and create your unique pieces to hang or display in a neutral room. Strands of rings are suspended from a branch, making a beautiful piece for a laid-back design. Paneled doors and the wall panels directly behind the door create a cohesive look.
15 of Wall Trim Borders a Porthole Window
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Notice the extraordinary detailing that has formed this space into an example of design genius. Usually, wall trim creates independent paneling, but the trim borders an interior porthole window in this room. Arrange a place to sit and marvel at the design in a corner with an excellent view.
16 of Open Shelving Replaces a Feature Wall
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Make storage part of your decor with decorative baskets placed on open shelving. This technique is ideal when the baskets are flanked with decorative items, making storage less obvious. Skip the feature wall and build an entire shelf wall in a dining room to display your treasures.
17 of Winding Staircase Descends Into an Entryway
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Descend into a beautiful entryway where vintage sconces are displayed between vertical wall panels. The way the panels curve slightly to accommodate the staircase shape showcases a custom design. Experiment with railing and spindle colors and choose one to contrast the walls and other features.
18 of Panel Shapes and Sizes to Suit Each Area
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Defined lines are this foyer’s superpower, leaving the space with a satisfying appearance. When deciding on wall trim for any room, remember that you can use different sizes and shapes to fit each area. The carpeted staircase brings a softer element to the space among the geometric detailing.
19 of Warm Entryway With Beige Walls
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The color choices in this neutral entryway create an inviting environment filled with warmth. The upper walls are painted in beige to contrast with pristine white wainscoting. Wood flooring occupies the bottom level and the staircase treads.
20 of Dark Wood Flooring and Custom Items
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Commit to the vintage country aesthetic by including pieces chosen specifically for the space. A paneled headboard showcases a distressed look that fits perfectly with the aesthetic. The gorgeous texture of the dark wood flooring becomes visible in the natural light.
21 of Wallpaper Applied Above Bathroom Wainscoting
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The best way to utilize that ultra-decorative wallpaper you have fallen in love with is to apply it over a neutral half-wall. This diffuses the busy appearance and transforms it into a stylish accent. Adding a dash of color to an all-white bathroom is simple when you follow this method.
22 of Different Techniques Create an Accent Wall
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Combine different techniques to create the ultimate accent wall for a bedroom. Painting a wall of board and batten black to contrast neutral walls will give the room a sharp design you can’t take your eyes off. Classic pieces like brass sconces and vintage paintings are natural accessories for a stylish wall.
23 of Hallway Wall Decor To Utilize Space
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Don’t miss an opportunity to incorporate fun designs in a hallway between rooms. Even if you prefer to limit the paintings and family photos, you can use wall trim and paneled doors to create an attractive look. A roll-arm bench draped with a tasseled throw waits at the end of the hallway.
24 of Ultra-decorative Modern Wall Trim Ideas
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Take a layered approach and decorate dining room walls with rectangular trim. This technique is slightly different than the typical design, with smaller rectangles inside the larger ones. A modern brass chandelier hangs above a dining set that embraces clean lines.
25 of Opposing Walls Present Decorative Looks
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Opposing walls compete in this hallway to present the most decorative look. A gallery wall of black frames above board and batten wainscoting faces a wall of cubbies filled with carefully selected treasures. The wood flooring is free from all clutter, letting the walls steal the show.
