An
Introduction To Decorative Molding In Your Home
By Patricia Tomaskovic
Decorative molding includes all of the kinds of trim used in a
home. It can serve a purely decorative function, or it can also be used to hide
any unfinished edges of a wall. Moldings can be made of wood-most usually of
pine or oak-or, as is used frequently today, polyurethane. Polyurethane is a
lightweight, long-lasting, durable alternative to wood. Molding can also be
painted or stained.
This article provides a brief description of the types of decorative trim
available as well as information available to guide you in your use of
decorative molding in your home.
5 types of molding
There are five types of decorative molding commonly used. These include:
baseboard, cornice, crown, wall moldings, and panel moldings. Let's take a look
at each one separately.
Base. Base molding is the trim used to finish the wall along the
floor. Also called a mopboard, the baseboard protects the wall. Ideally, your
baseboard complements the casings around your doors and windows. A baseboard is
commonly found throughout every room in most homes.
Cornice. The cornice is the decorative molding placed along the top
of the wall. Cornice can be built up using many pieces of trim. Cornice is a
more ornate version of crown molding. Ornamentation includes acanthus leaf, egg
and dart, modillions, or dentil among many others.
Crown. Crown molding is also used along the top of the wall. Also
called bed moldings, they are installed at an angle to adjunct surfaces. Crown
molding is also used to finish cabinets, built-ins, and fireplaces. Cove
molding, a rounded piece of trim at the juncture of the wall with the ceiling,
provides yet another means of transition from the wall to the ceiling.
Both crown and cornice moldings have been around as long as the use of
plastered ceilings has been. Cornice and crown moldings usually reflected the
type or intended use of the room. For example, reception rooms were often
decorated with more ornate cornice moldings, while plainer crown molding was
often installed in the more functional areas of the home, such as the kitchen.
Wall moldings. This group includes the chair rails, and the less
common picture rails and friezes. Chair rails are popular features and so can be
found throughout many homes. It is the molding that sits approximately 30"-36"
above the floor, right at about the height of a chairback. If you choose to
panel the wall below, this trim is known as a dado cap.
Picture rails and friezes are often confused, while in actuality they are
two separate entities, although the difference is slight. A picture rail has a
rounded top edge protruding out from the wall, where hooks are often placed. Its
main purpose is for hanging pictures. A frieze, on the other hand, is a flat
molding, frequently decorated with relief carving or classical profile.
The picture rail or frieze and the chair rail form what is known in the
Victorian architectural style as a tripartite. The wall is effectively broken up
into three separate areas. This type of wall treatment extends your options for
decorating considerably.
Panel molding. Panel molding is used to break large surfaces up into
panels. Panel molding is normally found on doors, but can also be used to
decorate walls and ceilings. Fairly easy to install for the average
do-it-yourself homeowner, panel molding can be used to create a custom look.
Panels can be used in creative ways utilizing such features as size, curves, and
decorative corners. Little details may be slipped inside to create an even more
elegant look.
Tips to Guide the Use of Decorative Moldings
Your use may be determined by a number of factors including the
architectural style of your home, as well as your personal taste in design
styles. Be sure that the size and scale of the trim is appropriate for the room
to which you will be adding this type of ornamentation. If you choose to paint
your moldings, keep in mind that contrasting colors can add a more "dynamic"
element to your room. You may consider coordinating moldings with each other as
well as with other design elements present in the room.
Synthetic polymer, or polyurethane, is a natural choice for molding today.
As it is lightweight, it is easy to cut and install. Polymer is a more
economically feasible choice if you opt for more elaborate decorative moldings.
Moldings are also flexible, allowing the homeowner to trim curves and rounded
areas of the home. When utilizing cornice and crown moldings, you can combine
various types to create a more personal statement. However, this can be more
challenging to install for the individual. Corner blocks are available as well
in polymer. These can be useful in eliminating difficult corner cuts.
Now you are aware of many further options. Don't be intimidated.
Installation instructions and informative articles like this one abound on the
internet. Do your homework and investigate all of your available options. This
is something that you will have to live with, so it should reflect your tastes.
They will certainly set the decorative tone of any home. Good luck to you as you
begin to use decorative moldings to create your wonderful space.
About the Author: Visit
GoCeilingMedallion for 100's of options to assist you in building the
decorative home of your dreams. |
