Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Feb 07, 1999 11:19am | #1

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   Stained handrails with painted balusters is a common combination. High-contrast usually works quite nicely on that application. I don't particularly care for pure white anywhere in a house. I like to give the white just a hint of the main wall color in the room. Tends to set the room up nicely. Especially true with ceiling colors, put a little bit of the wall color in the "white" ceiling paint. Talk to a knowledgable paint shop in your area, they'll give you qualified info vs my blabbering.

   I've seen painted doors with stained casework on a few occasions. I think it can be carried off well, but the results depend on the coordination of colors. Same with stained window trim combined with painted sash.

   I like to keep the base, wainscoting, window/door trim, and crown the same. I'm sure there are ways you can combine stain and paint to get a nice combo, but it very much depends on personal taste. I have changed tones and hues (though not the main color) throughout trim depending on trim detail and room lighting, but nothing too fancy.

   If possible, have a sample tacked in place. Visit it over several days during different times of the day. May not be possible in a building scenario, but perhaps you could do a small mock-up at home?

   Finish is very personal. If the owners like it, it's a successful combination.

2. 
   LCP | Feb 08, 1999 05:06am | #2

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   Hi KJ - I also prefer the crown molding painted rather than stained. There is no rule that I know of that says the treatment of the crown molding is in any way connected to the treatment of the doors. From a decorating point of view, it is definately permissable to paint your crown molding white regardless of whether you paint or stain your doors and/or trim.

   If it helps, think of the crown work as part of the ceiling rather than part of the trim. In my never to be humble opinion, stained crown adds a strong and totally unecessary horizontal element where there ought not to be one.

   I have nightmares from some homes I've consulted in where soft rose walls ended in heavy oak trim at the ceiling. Yuck!

   Re the painted spindles and stained handrail - as Mongo says, it is the high contrast between the paint and the stain that gives the look its appeal. It's a little trendier maybe than having the entire staircase stained. Good luck to you whatever way you decide to go.

   Linda

3. 
   KJ | Feb 08, 1999 07:35am | #3

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   We are putting stained oak trim in
   our new house, but I like the look
   of crown molding to be painted.
   My builder suggested to stain the
   trim but have painted white doors
   and then I could have the painted
   white crown molding. Has anyone
   ever seen this before? How does
   that look? He also suggested to paint
   the spindles white on the railing
   and stain the handrail. Any thougts
   or other suggestions?

4. 
   Guest_ | Feb 08, 1999 07:35am | #4

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   kj, paint can go over the stain/varnish/shellac, but not the opposite! Go painted crown, do the doors whichever way you like, and stain or varnish the stairs, rail and ballusters IF of stain-grade wood.