By Dave and Mary

Exterior House Trim
Makes Your House Bedazzle!

Use exterior house trim on your front porch to create charm and curb appeal - be the one that has a porch everyone notices!

Mary and I love Victorian porches; some are like porches on steroids! But each is unique because of the outdoor trim pieces that are used to enhance their overall appearance.

You don't have to have a Victorian porch to enjoy these exterior trim ideas; almost any porch will do. Combine different trim parts to create a very unique and beautiful look.


Beautiful Victorian porch with Vintage Woodworks trim
A beautiful Victorian home
Photo courtesy of Vintage Woodworks
We appreciate the exterior trim offered by our sponsor, Vintage Woodworks. Take a look at this feature page of their beautiful porch products.


Exterior house trim used on this small porch creates a decorative arch and a bit of privacy


We like the way in which exterior trim was used on this small porch to create a decorative arch and a bit of privacy, too. Looks like it will filter the sunlight nicely, too.


Exterior Trim Ideas You'll Love

Victorian Style

Front porch ideas - Victorian style
Photo courtesy of Pandorea
Gorgeous house trim painted in beautiful colors.


Trimmed out porch with brackets, running trim, dentil mouldings and medallions
Trimmed out porch with brackets, running trim, dentil moldings, and medallions
Our pictures of gingerbread style houses (link below) depict the best in exterior house trim. Outdoor trim is not only for Victorian homes; it looks great on almost any porch style. Use these ideas on your porch to bedazzle your neighbors.


We'll show you the three major types: running trim, spandrels and brackets.


Porch Trim Graphic courtesy of Vintage Woodworks
Exterior house trim details (courtesy of Vintage Woodworks)



Running Trim

Running trim is normally installed between your porch columns. It comes in various styles and is really easy to install. You can paint it to match your home's color or make it a contrasting shade for a more dramatic look. Outdoor trim is an easy DIY project.


Running house trim between porch columns


Notice how the brackets are perpendicular to the street with running trim between the columns.

The brackets extend from the columns to the eaves of the porch roof instead of the beam. When considering placement of exterior house trim explore all of your options and choose what works best.


exterior house trim with spandrels

Here's an example of using contrasting colors for a different effect. Also note how they used brackets and running trim in combinations (at the column) to create a uniquely intricate look.


lattice used as exterior house trim


This homeowner used a lattice-type running trim to create a more simplistic look that works really well. It is just enough to stand out but not overwhelm the porch.

Imagine adding brackets to the columns to support the running trim - it would give the porch a totally different look.


House trim using wrought iron

Outdoor trim can be wrought iron too! Wrought iron can give your porch a very intricate look and it lasts forever.


running trim on a beach house adds charm

Running trim on a beach house! It gives the porch a more charming look and tends to make it look more expansive. Inviting, isn't it!


Exterior trim on house on Victorian front porch

Excellent example of running trim. Note the additional trim piece at the bottom to enhance the overall look.

Hope you now realize you can mix and match and add additional pieces to make a statement. It's the same process finish carpenters use on the interior of your home, that is, combining trim pieces to create a cohesive look.

Running trim can also be used on back porches as well. They can add another dimension to the overall design.

Running trim on custom built back porch
Running trim gives this back porch additional appeal- courtesy of The Porch Company


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Spandrels

Spandrels, like running trim can accent any porch. They tend to be fuller in stature, ornate, and are typical on Victorian porches. To add more pizzazz, use running trim between the spandrels! Again, they come in many styles:


spandrel house trim
This spandrel is made by framing intricately cut panels. Spandrels can definitely add instant appeal.



Spandrels house trim creates arches to soften the porch look

Try to envision this porch without the spandrels - just not the same. On this particular porch the spandrels create arches between the columns giving the porch a softer, more comfortable look.


Beautiful narrow spandrels

For a less bold look use spandrels that are more narrow like on this porch. It still gives the porch a unique look but they tend to be less overwhelming to the eye.


Combination of spandrels and running trim

Spandrels and running trim add yet another dimension to the porch. Again, using combinations can give you a multitude of exterior trim ideas.


Cream-colored spandrels

Spandrels on the columns and running trim on the front of the eaves gives this smaller porch more dimension. You might also note the detailing on the columns which is another easy DIY project!


Front porch with running trim and porch column brackets

Nice example of adding turned spandrels and running trim in addition to column brackets. The spandrels between the porch columns match the style of the balustrade below.
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Gables

Gable decorations courtesy of Vintage Woodworks
Gable decorations are courtesy of Vintage Woodworks
Ever think of enhancing your gables with decorations like these? They are beautiful, aren't they?

And because they are made of PVC, they are virtually maintenance free. So no need to be painting year after year. Just put up and enjoy. Visit Vintagewoodworks.com to see the variety they offer.


Brackets

If you don't add any other trim to your porch consider adding brackets to your columns. Again, they too are easy to install and give your porch some character. They work extremely well on any porch and are available at most home supply stores.


Brackets create an extra special porch

Thanks to our reader, Gail, for sharing this picture of her Ohio porch. The decorative brackets make it extra special.


exterior house trim - brackets frame the entrance to create an arch

Plain, simple, yet add appeal to this small porch. The brackets, in this case, frame the entrance to the home in an arch-like fashion.


White House Trim Brackets

Small brackets have dynamic impact on this Victorian porch. Also note the running trim on the gable. Gables are perfect locations for exterior house trim!


scroll type column brackets

A close up of running trim and bracket placement. You could just as easily use different brackets and attach them underneath the trim to give it a different look.


Stylish House Trim Brackets
Brackets and dentil moldings create a whimsical look on this porch. A definitely charming look.



Multiple trim brackets on the porch columns

Use more! Here's an example of using multiple brackets on the columns. Options are only limited by your imagination!


turned spindles as running trim
Turned Spindles as Running Trim



wooden corner bracket on front porch in Georgia
Heavy wooden corner bracket
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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
--- Our Sponsors ---
Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

The Porch Store

--- End Sponsors ---


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Thank you for being here!


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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.

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