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.
Trimmed out porch with brackets, running trim, dentil moldings, and medallions
Our gingerbread house pictures 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! It gives the porch a more charming look and tends to make it look more expansive. Inviting, isn't it!
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.
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:
This spandrel is made by framing intricately cut panels. Spandrels can definitely add instant appeal.
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.
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.
Spandrels and running trim add yet another dimension to the porch. Again, using combinations can give you a multitude of exterior
trim ideas.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Brackets and dentil moldings create a whimsical look on this porch. A definitely charming look.
Use more! Here's an example of using multiple brackets on the columns. Options are only limited by your imagination!
Great small porch enhancement!
As you can see, there are so many options for exterior house trim. Be sure to see our
Gingerbread House
Pictures for more exterior trim ideas.
And if you enjoyed these photos you must see our Victorian Porches and
Victorian Style Houses
sections featuring more pictures and videos of the
famous porches of Cape May, New Jersey!
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