How to Pick a Window Trim For Your Home
When it comes to trims, you have quite a few options. Window trims come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. It’s up to you to pick the style and design that suits your taste and adds to the overall aesthetic of your home. Before deciding on the window trim style that’s right for your home, you must determine what window trim material is the best option.
We provide new energy-efficient replacement windows at Window Depot of Dallas and will update the trim as needed or requested. Most of the time, new trim is necessary due to water damage or changing design preferences.
Window Trim Materials
Wood Trim
The most common window trim is made of wood. Wood trims give your home a classic and timeless look, adding warmth and charm. Wood trims are easy to install, and you can paint or stain them to match your home’s decor. On the downside, they’re less durable than other trims and may require more maintenance. However, they are highly energy efficient as neither cold nor heat is quickly conducted through the wood.
Vinyl Trim
Vinyl trims are generally more affordable and require less maintenance than wood trims. They also come in various colors and can easily be installed relatively easily. While UV rays can cause untreated vinyl to fade or be more susceptible to cracking quickly- most premium vinyl window trims on the market today have additives that block UV rays, making them highly durable and able to last hundreds of years. They’re an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance, high-quality option for trimming windows.
Metal Trim
Metal window trims are most commonly made of aluminum. They come in various styles, colors, and designs and can be painted to match any home. On the downside, they’re usually more expensive and require more installation than other trims. Metal is also the most conductive of these materials, making it the least energy efficient.
Window Trim Costs
The cost of different types of window trims can vary depending on the size and design. Wood trims are the most affordable, while metal trims are usually more expensive. Vinyl trims generally fall in the middle, offering an economical option that’s easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Interior trim-out costs can range from $100 – $300 + per window, and exterior trim-out can cost between $150 – $300+.
Styles of Trim
When choosing window trim, the style of your home is a crucial factor to consider. Some types, like Prairie or Craftsman, match more traditional or rustic home styles, while Arts and Crafts, Casement, and Provincial look great with a range of contemporary or classic homes.
- Prairie-style trim is characterized by sharp, straight edges and smooth lines. This trim is popular with Craftsman and modern-style homes, as it emphasizes clean and angular lines that contrast with other parts of the house, creating visual balance and symmetry. This window trim style is known for its sharp angles and usually square corners. It is defined by its square-shaped bottom profile, typically taller than other types of trim, and also by its rounded interior corners. Prairie-styled trim is best used with contemporary and transitional home styles since it is a relatively modern window trim option.
- Craftsman-style window trim is characterized by broad, deep, and square window sills framed with a square border. This trim works best with Craftsman or Mission style homes since its distinctive features of square lines and pronounced lines match these design styles.
- Arts and Crafts style trim often includes raised panels, half-round profiles, and thick, square bases. This type of trim usually looks more solid than the other trim styles and often features heavier lines, wooden frames, arches, and decorative curves. This type of trim works well with a traditional, old-world, or craftsman-style home, where a little more ornate or intricate detailing is needed to pull the look together. It can also be used in contemporary, modern, and Victorian homes due to its versatility.
- Casement-style window trim has a basic rectangular shape with two cross pieces to complete the trim’s appearance. Multiple curved elements characterize this trim, usually in a wooden or vinyl frame. It looks modern and sleek and can fit with many design styles. Casement trim works well with French Country, Tudor, and contemporary homes. Adding an elegant touch to homes with a classical or gothic vibe, this style can also provide a traditional or antique look for those looking for a little bit of whimsy in their window trim.
- Provincial trim often uses thick, straight lines and heavy moldings to create a traditional and elegant look. This type of trim looks best in country-style homes and rustic or traditional designs. It adds a subtle but beautiful look to the house. This trim usually has three sides of milled molding with bevels and flutes in between them. It gives a unique look that stands out and often appears more formal than other types of window trim and is an excellent choice for Mediterranean, Craftsman, and Mediterranean-style homes.
Remember a few essential considerations when choosing the proper trim for your windows. Firstly, the trim should complement the style of the home – a more traditional or old-fashioned home should not have modern or minimalist trim. Similarly, modern or contemporary homes should not have more ornate trim styles.
Window Trim Colors
Finally, could you consider the color of the trim? Darker colors work well for modern, industrial, or contemporary designs, whereas lighter colors work better for rustic or country-style homes. It is also essential to make sure the trim’s color and texture complement the other elements of the house. The colors you choose should work in tandem with different colors in the area and any other home features near the window frames.
Neutrals are also great for adding depth and contrast to any home exterior. Popular shades for window trim colors include gray, beige, brown, and black. When selecting colors, you may want to consider the age and type of house, as some colors may not suit the period of your home. For example, homes built with modern or contemporary designs look best with brighter trim colors like green or navy blue, as they can give a sharp contrast to the house’s walls. If your home has a rustic, more traditional look, then lighter shades of window trim, such as beige and tan, will help blend in with the natural environment.
In closing
Choosing the proper trim for your windows is essential – it should enhance the aesthetic of your home and blend seamlessly with the existing elements. By keeping the tips mentioned above in mind, you can make sure your trim looks its best and is an integral part of the overall look of your home.
Before you choose a window trim style, look at pictures of homes similar to yours, look through some design magazines, and remember to visit the neighborhood for inspiration. And, of course, for further help finding the perfect home trim, reach out to Window Depot Dallas! With the experienced and friendly staff at Window Depot Dallas, you’re sure to get the ideal window trim to make your home look amazing.