Short answer
The cheapest upgrades are paint: dark or contrasting trim, or trim painted the wall color. Next come additions that keep the old casing: a backband around the edge, a header or cap on top, or plinth blocks at the floor. The biggest change is replacing the casing with a wider craftsman, farmhouse or rosette style.
Paint only
- Dark trim. Charcoal, green or black casing frames a doorway like a picture. Use a durable enamel; dark colors show scuffs differently from white.
- Color drenching. Paint the casing the same color as the walls for a seamless, contemporary look (This Old House). Keep a tougher sheen on the trim.
- Two sheens. Sherwin-Williams shows a project with semi-gloss on the doors and satin on the trim, taped off from each other (Sherwin-Williams).
Add to what you have
- Backband. A small rabbeted molding wrapped around the outside edge of thin casing, making it look wider and heavier.
- Cap on the head. A projecting cap and small bead on top of the head casing. The quickest craftsman flavor.
- Crown header. A frieze board, small crown and cap over the door. See door header trim.
- Plinth blocks. Cut the casing legs short and set blocks at the floor; the baseboard dies into them. See rosettes and plinth blocks.
- Corner rosettes. Cut the head corners square and add blocks: a period look and an end to bad miters.
Replace the casing
- Wider flat casing with a butted head. Craftsman or farmhouse style from primed boards.
- Fluted casing. Vertical ribs with rosettes and plinths for Victorian rooms.
- Slim modern casing. A crisp flat band for flush doors. See modern door trim.
- A statement entry. Keep the house consistent but give the front door or main room opening wider, more detailed trim, as designers often suggest (This Old House).
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01Add-on
Backband molding
Best for: making thin casing look substantial
- Fits
- Outer edge of casing
- Joint
- Mitered
- Finish
- Paint grade
- Check the rabbet matches your casing thickness
- Miter it around the head like the casing
- Caulk and paint to blend
-
02Head
Craftsman header
Best for: adding height over plain casing
- Fits
- Over existing head
- Parts
- Frieze and cap
- Paint
- Before hanging
- Match leg thickness so it sits flush
- Measure the outside width of the casing
- Leaves the old legs in place
-
03Period
Rosette and plinth set
Best for: Victorian and farmhouse looks
- Rosette
- Casing width plus
- Plinth
- Taller than base
- Cuts
- All square
- Removes every miter
- Size blocks to your casing first
- Plain blocks lean farmhouse, carved lean Victorian
Need a plan for a whole house? Start with the style picker, then cost it with door trim cost.
Questions people ask
How can I make cheap door trim look expensive?
Add to it rather than replacing it. A backband around the outside edge makes thin casing look wider, a header or cap over the head adds height, and good caulking and a fresh semi-gloss or satin coat make any trim look crisper.
Should door trim be white?
No rule says so. White is the safe default, but dark trim frames a doorway strongly, and trim painted the wall color (color drenching) reads as modern and calm.
What is the easiest door molding upgrade?
Painting, then a cap or header on the existing head casing. Both leave the existing casing in place.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Profiles, sizes and listings change; check the product details before you buy, and follow the maker’s instructions.