As interiors move away from fast-changing trends and towards timeless details, one classic design feature is making its way back onto our walls: decorative trims.
Once largely associated with period properties, wall trims are now appearing in contemporary homes, where they add character, depth and a bespoke finish to otherwise plain walls.
From delicate mouldings and painted borders to decorative wallpaper trims, these subtle details can transform a room without overwhelming it, making even the simplest space feel more polished and considered.
Below, we explore why wall trims are making a comeback, how to introduce them into your home and the best ways to style them.
Why are wall trims making a comeback?
‘In interior design, it is often the smallest details that make the greatest impact,’ explains Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. ‘Wall trim is one such timeless feature, capable of transforming a room by introducing depth, texture, and architectural interest.’
Another reason is that people are moving away from disposable trends and looking for features that give a home a stronger identity. ‘Wall trims have been used in interiors for centuries, so they have a timeless quality that can make a room feel more established,’ adds Gareth Davies, design director at Classic Interiors.
Wall trims are more than just decorative. Used strategically, they can subtly change how a room feels, helping ceilings appear higher, improving the sense of proportion and creating a stronger flow throughout the space.
How to bring wall trims into your home
From traditional mouldings and decorative panelling to wallpaper and fabric trims, there are plenty of chic ways to bring them in.
‘For those trying wall trims for the first time, decorative mouldings are one of the easiest entry points,’ says Caroline. ‘Adding slim trim profiles to painted walls will create elegant panel effects, while simple linear mouldings work particularly well in contemporary homes.’
Wallpaper borders are also returning in a much more elevated way, framing feature walls or creating decorative transitions without feeling dated.
It’s also important to think carefully about colour. ‘I like painting the trim and the wall in the same shade to create a subtle, sophisticated effect where the texture comes from the shape of the wall rather than a contrast in colour,’ says Gareth. This works particularly well in bedrooms, living rooms and hallways where you want a calm and cohesive feel.
For a bolder look, use wall trims to create contrast by pairing them with a different paint colour or wallpaper. A darker trim against a lighter wall creates a striking architectural feature, adding depth and definition to a space.
How to style wall trims
The key thing is not to add too many competing elements. This is because wall trims work best when they complement the rest of the room, rather than becoming the only thing people notice.
‘A single piece of artwork, a wall-mounted light, or a narrow shelf with two or three objects sits beautifully within a trimmed panel, and lets the architecture hold the room together without the space feeling cluttered or overdone,’ says Justin Brown, designer and founder of Timber Shelves.
Whether used sparingly or throughout an entire room, wall trims prove that sometimes it's the finishing touches that can have the biggest impact – and we predict to see them continue trending well into 2027.
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