If the trim is off white, can I paint the doors snow white?

Question

I hate the look of mismatched whites - but I don't know what color the trim is to purchase the exact same shade. Is it going to be aweful if I paint the doors a starchy white, compared to the more antiqued look of the off white? Any other suggestions for color (closet doors, and bedroom doors)? We currently have browns, greys and neutrals throughout.

Answer 1

Colour is SO personal... mismatched whites will look odd for sure. If it is possible, take a piece of trim off... remove it. Go for a small piece (maybe 1/4 round or something) in a non-conspicuous area. Take the trim to the paint store and ask them to match it. The technology exists (well, here in Canada anyhow) to actually "read" the colour and a computer spits out a mix formula. Usually it is very close, if not exact. Check your local paint shops to see if they can help you with this. Once you get it, put the trim piece back on and get painting!
As an opinion, I prefer bright white trim, doors, window frames etc. regardless of the wall colour. Ceilings definitely white. Sometimes the white will contrast to a darker saturated shade on the wall and results in a rich look. If set beside a pastel, the white is complimentary. All white trim also creates a flow through the whole space while allowing each room to have identity with wall colour, furniture colour and accessories.
As an example, my kitchen is all white cabinetry and trim but the walls are painted a saturated cinnamon colour... looks awesome.
Good luck!

Answer 2

IF you want snow white, paint the trim too. Bright white trim with beige or browns is a great combination.
If you don't want to paint the trim also, then paint the doors a shade lighter than your walls.

Answer 3

I do not think 2 different whites will look good. If the trim is white, what about painting the doors one of the neutral colours you have; brown, beige, grey.

Answer 4

can't you take a paint chip to the store to have it matched? maybe u can chip a peice off the trim and then repaint where u took the chip from after you get the correct color. It will be worth it, otherwise it will bug you when you see the mismatch

Answer 5

Believe me, you don't want snow-white unless you're trying sometimg special. I had that in a little travel trailer I used to own, along with lemony yellow, and it SCREAMED at me. The first thing I did was repaint it.

What you can do is get some of those little sample papers from a paint store and compare them, until you find the off-white you're looking for.

Good luck!