Decorative Moulding

Introduction

Decorative moulding, an architectural element with a rich history, has the power to transform any space, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This versatile design feature serves not only to conceal edges and seams but also to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. From simple strip profiles to intricate designs, decorative moulding comes in a variety of types, each with its unique application and aesthetic contribution. This article delves into the world of decorative moulding, exploring its different types, its impact on interior design, and how to choose the right moulding for your space. We will also provide some handy installation tips and discuss the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring a professional.

Understanding Decorative Moulding

Decorative moulding, a design element with a rich history, serves to conceal edges and seams, adding a touch of elegance to any space. It's a broad term that includes various trim types, each serving a decorative purpose. From thin strip profiles to more elaborate designs, decorative moulding can transform a room, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Types of Decorative Moulding

Decorative moulding is a versatile trim used to hide edges and seams, and it can also serve a decorative purpose. It includes various types such as Casings, Baseboards, Chair Rail, Crown Moulding, Cove Moulding, Picture Rail, Wainscotting, Cornice Moulding, Dentil, Egg-and-Dart, Batten Moulding, and Pearl and Bead Moulding. Each type has a unique application and adds a distinct aesthetic to a room. For instance, Casings cover the gap between walls and a window or door frame, while Baseboards run along the flooring and the wall. These are just some of the popular types of decorative moulding.

Crown Moulding

Crown moulding is an effective way to elevate your home's aesthetics and serves practical purposes, such as hiding wall imperfections. It draws the eyes up, making the ceiling feel higher and rooms appear more elegant. Crown moulding is available in a wide range of thicknesses, materials, heights, and details, allowing you to make your space truly distinct. It can hide irregularities from paint issues, uneven ceilings, or drywall joints, and even wires from speakers or TVs. The style and color you choose can complement your home's architectural style.

Casing Moulding

Door casings, a type of decorative moulding, enhance a room's architectural beauty by hiding the gap between the wall and the frame. They come in various styles like farmhouse, craftsman, minimal, and colonial, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal. The installation involves connecting the casing ends using either butted or mitered joints. Materials for door casings range from paint-grade wood, stain-grade wood to multi-density fiberboard (MDF), each with its own advantages and cost implications.

Baseboard Moulding

Baseboard moulding serves a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your home. It covers the joint between your walls and floor, providing a barrier against water, pests, and unsightly gaps. As your house ages, baseboards accommodate the settling and shifting of your walls and floors. They also protect your walls from scratches and add visual interest to your space. Available in various styles, colors, and materials, baseboards can enhance your room's aesthetic without a complete makeover.

Picture Rail Moulding

Picture rail moulding, traditionally used to display artwork, is now a popular feature in modern homes. This one-and-a-half to two-inch thick moulding wraps around a room, often at the same height as the top of the window panes or just beneath the crown moulding. It allows for easy repositioning or replacement of wall art, adds character to a space, and can create a vintage look. It also serves as a dividing line for two-tone walls and eliminates the need to locate a stud when hanging items.

The Impact of Decorative Moulding on Interior Design

Decorative moulding can significantly impact interior design, creating a dramatic visual effect. For instance, a chic sitting room can use decorative trim to create wall panels, accentuated with complementary wallpaper. Crown moulding, picture moulding, and door casing can contrast beautifully with bold wall colors. Multiple decorative trims and textures can be combined to create a visually stunning room. Even in a bold bathroom, decorative baseboards and subtle ceiling paneling can elevate the room without pulling away from the focal points.

Choosing the Right Moulding for Your Space

Choosing the right moulding for your space involves several considerations. The architectural style of your home and your personal taste are significant factors. The size and scale of the moulding should be appropriate for the room. For instance, low ceilings (8 feet or less) are better suited to crown moulding, which projects on the ceiling more than it comes down on the wall. This application can make ceilings appear higher. Additionally, extensive trim-work can create a geometric illusion, making a room appear larger and wider.

Consider the Architectural Style

Architecture is a fluid art, with styles gradually coming in and out of fashion, often in reaction to past conventions. When considering the architectural style for your space, it's important to note that most styles are derivative of earlier ones. Many manufacturers can reproduce any historical moulding profile desired, assisting designers, builders, and architects working with new homes and restorations. Great design is only possible by studying works of the past.

Match with Existing Decor

Choosing the right moulding for your space involves matching it with your existing decor. Every element works together both aesthetically and functionally for a perfect fit and proportioned look. The substantial, thick, and detailed mouldings can make your interior look truly gorgeous. The all-grey look is currently trending, and it might inspire you to redesign your wall treatments. So, play around with different looks and ideas to find the moulding that complements your decor.

Size and Proportion

Choosing the right size and pattern for your moulding is crucial. For casing, consider the door and window frames in your space. The casing should complement these elements without overpowering them. Similarly, the size and pattern of your base moulding should be in harmony with the room's overall proportions. Too large, and it may make the room feel smaller; too small, and it may not provide the desired visual impact. Remember, the goal is to enhance your space, not overwhelm it.

Installation Tips and Tricks

Installing moulding requires careful planning and the right tools. First, draw a floor plan and measure each wall to determine the amount of moulding needed. Add 15% more for cutting mistakes and waste. The basic cut for moulding is a miter cut, forming a 90-degree angle. For inside corners, a cope cut is used. If you need to end moulding without a corner, create a return. For long walls, a scarf/splice joint is used. Install moulding piece by piece, starting with the largest piece. Avoid nailing within two to three inches of the end to avoid splitting.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Installing crown molding is not an easy task for DIYers. Precise measurements and cuts are crucial, and mistakes can significantly increase the project's cost and time. The complexity of the task depends on your carpentry skills and the type of molding chosen. The fancier the molding, the more slight imperfections will show. Therefore, even those with mid-level skills may want to hire a professional, especially when using more expensive materials.

Conclusion

Decorative moulding is a powerful design tool that can dramatically transform your space. With a variety of types available, each with its unique application and aesthetic, it offers endless possibilities for enhancing your home's interior. The right moulding can elevate a room's aesthetic, conceal imperfections, and even create the illusion of a larger space. However, choosing the right moulding involves careful consideration of your home's architectural style, existing decor, and the size and proportion of the room. Installation, while possible as a DIY project, may require professional help depending on the complexity of the task and the type of moulding chosen. Regardless of the path you choose, the addition of decorative moulding can significantly enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.