Different types of decorative moldings

A decorative molding can be defined as any continuous projection that is used to enhance the appearance of a wall. In ancient Greece, they were first used to throw water away from the wall. The contours, measurements and projections of the moldings vary greatly.

frieze
One type of molding, the frieze (or frieze board), was first used on the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The frieze is considered part of the Greek architectural style.

The Parthenon was built for the goddess Athena. The frieze moldings that were used were meant to tell the story of her triumph over Poseidon by becoming patron of the ancient city that is now Athens.

The frieze panels are a series of designed pediments that are filled with images of Athena’s birth and rise to power. Today, a frieze board is the flat panel just below a crown molding or cornice. Often a bas-relief is applied to this panel for additional decoration.

Today, frieze moldings are more common as part of a decorative molding that follows neoclassical architecture or decorating style.

You need a fairly high ceiling (9-foot minimum), and it’s a good idea to paint or stain the wainscoting and crown molding the same color. The frieze is a good way to visually lower the ceiling and make the room appear cozier.

crown molding
Crown molding is the most popular type of cornice molding. Crown molding is generally a one-piece decorative molding, installed at the top of a wall, at an angle to the adjoining ceiling. However, I have seen 5 or more piece crown molding sets in more elaborate settings.

Crown molding often has a profile that projects up to the ceiling and down the wall, adding a rich look to a room. Often used on top of cabinets or built-ins.

Introducing this type of decorative molding into a relatively simple room provides a historical character that the room would not otherwise have. Crown molding is also used in combination with other molding to add detail to mantels and fireplace shelves. (For what it’s worth, this is probably my favorite architectural feature.)

Crown molding is a form of cornice molding. The term “cornice” describes molding installed along the top of a wall or above a window. When this treatment is done with multiple pieces of molding, it is called “cornice reinforcement.” The other form of cornice molding is Cove molding.

cove molding

Cove molding is very similar to crown molding, with the same application and function. The difference between the two is in the profile. Cove molding has a concave (sloping in) profile while crown molding has a convex (sloping out) profile.

While Crown is most at home in traditional settings, Cove trim is just as at home in country or even contemporary settings. You don’t normally see multi-piece cove assemblies. You can occasionally see it “beaded” at the top and bottom to give it a little accent.

Entryways, formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, and master bedrooms often receive decorative molding with ornate or traditional patterns.

Kitchens and other more functional areas of the home may be where you’ll find the simplest cove molding design. Over the years, coves and crowns have gotten much smaller, but most still retain the shapes and styles of the original Greek and Roman designers.

chair rail molding

A chair rail is a decorative molding that divides a wall horizontally, typically 32″ to 36″ above the floor. They protect walls in areas where damage can occur from people getting up from chairs.

For this reason, most traditional chair rails will have a molding in the center, with curved, beveled surfaces that taper into the wall above and below the molding.

Today, chair rails are still a common detail in traditional interiors. They serve the decorative effect of unifying the various architectural details in a room, such as door and window trim, and fireplace surrounds.

The chair rail can also be used as a cap for wainscoting or other wood paneling. This decorative molding adds a sense of detail and charm while achieving continuity in a room by unifying the various decorative elements.

panel molding
Panel molding, commonly called picture frame molding, looks like a large empty frame and is often part of the designs on the walls of old Colonial, Georgian, and early American homes. The location of this trim should be above the height of the chair rail and 10-12 inches below the ceiling.

Measuring 1 to 3 inches wide, this type of trim should be sized in proportion to the height of the room’s ceiling. Like the other moldings, panel moldings add a sense of charm and delicate details to a room.

Framing appears in the Georgian period of American architecture, when plaster began to replace wood paneling on the walls. Panel trim is also a great way to divide walls into large, aesthetically pleasing units, without the same expense as full wall paneling.

Another application for this versatile molding is to trim openings made with wider planks that snap together as rails and stiles. Often the centers of these frames are left open. By applying panel molding around the perimeter of the opening, you create the appearance of a picture frame.

When this decorative molding is painted the same color as the surrounding walls, a sculptural quality is achieved to the wall, adding texture and shadows. If the moldings are painted in contrasting colors, they can create a striking three-dimensional appearance, giving depth and dimension. This type of treatment is popular for stairs and entryways.

Baseboard and base molding

Baseboard molding protects the bottom of the wall from wear and tear, while hiding gaps and other irregularities where the wall meets the floor. Base moldings give the floor line a higher profile and can be as elaborate or simple as you like.

While it’s relatively easy to install chair rails on a level plane, baseboards (such as crowns) can be tricky if your floors (or ceilings) aren’t level. For this reason, I recommend hiring a professional carpenter for the installation of these moldings.

As a remedy for uneven floors, you can install “shoe molding” along the bottom front edge to give the baseboard a finished look. Another thing you can do with your skirting board (as well as your kitchen cabinet skirting board) is to add accent lighting.

This is not in keeping with pure traditionalism, but it’s a pretty nifty way to have accent lighting around the perimeter of a room. I couldn’t do this until they created today’s little LED rope lights.

String lights come in different lengths and colors and can be easily installed behind the baseboard. Just cut a notch in the back of the socket, at the top, and feed the string lights through the notch.

This is most often used in commercial spaces, but has been added in entryways and hallways, especially in contemporary homes.

Flexible Moldings
If you have a curved wall or arch, you can probably get a good craftsman to create a curved molding for about 3 times the cost of a straight molding. Or, you can buy a flexible molding for about the same price as the straight one.

These allow you to install molding on curved surfaces or arches, without the delay and expense of having it made out of wood. The standard profiles (there are hundreds) are identical to the rigid versions and are compatible in terms of paint finish.