As a finishing touch to any room, the use of molding or trim along the walls and ceiling will give such a room personality and style. Molding is the addendum to the millwork that is used in the enhancement of the look of a room. Examples of the former are chair rails, picture rails, wainscoting, bead board, board and batten, and picture frame molding. In addition to these, molding can also include other aspects such as baseboard molding, window molding, and crown molding, among others. It goes beyond its primary function of filling gaps at joints and also provides a polished look to the rooms.
The good news is that putting up moldings is a relatively simple task even for a complete novice to DIY, which is why they are a great and relatively easy option for any decorating enthusiast.
Difference between wall trim and wall molding
First, we’ll see the difference between trim and molding:
Decorative trim is the molding that is applied on doors, windows, floors, and ceilings. Its major role is to provide the necessary coverage of joints and exclusion of water, and it also plays a role in the style of the room.
In contrast, wall molding refers to raised, repeating patterns placed on the entire wall or a part of that wall. While trim is truly more for structure and purpose, wall molding is solely for aesthetics and appearance in the room.
Crown Molding
Crown molding is a traditional style that gives elegance to any room in your home. It is fixed at the junction of the wall and the ceiling, and it contributes to improving the building’s architectural design and making the space look more spacious and luxurious. Apart from the aesthetic value, crown molding has a utility in its design. In areas such as the kitchen or the storage area, it can fill spaces between cabinets and the ceiling and make the area look superior and made for the specific area. For style or function, crown molding is one of the simplest ways to transform any room for the better.
Baseboard Molding
Baseboard molding is one of the most overlooked yet essential elements of design and safety. Located at the interface between the wall and the floor, it not only covers all the gaps but also gives a finished look. However, the advantage of baseboards is not only the decorative one: baseboards prevent the lower part of the wall from getting dirty, scratched, or suffering from the effects of moisture, which is useful for maintaining the stability of the room’s environment. There is no shortage of designs for baseboard molding; it is relatively simple to apply and can drastically improve the entire area.
Beadboard Backsplashes
Beadboard backsplashes are an excellent approach to using this design component in your house without saturating an entire wall. A great option for use in kitchens and bathrooms, beadboard enhances the walls with an interesting texture and brings a touch of traditional style while also providing a layer of waterproofing to prevent moisture and stains from damaging the wall. It is an affordable method of making your room look more appealing while at the same time providing flexibility to blend with most home décor and textures.
Board and Batten Molding
Board and batten was first used on the exterior of homes and barns and is a style that uses thin wooden strips with wider boards installed vertically. This design was first used to join wooden panels to prevent heat transfer between the inside and the outside of homes in a bid to increase the energy efficiency of homes. While board and batten are still used today, it is more or less for aesthetics, as the design provides a strong, stripy look to a room.
Even though it does not have the practical use as a door anymore, board and batten is still in great demand. It gives a rough, free-spirited look and is a more laid-back version of other intricate moldings such as picture molding. Board and batten can be utilized as a wall treatment, ceiling treatment, and even on cabinetry, making it a very versatile option that adds charm and character to a home’s entryway, living room, dining room, bedroom, and more.
Picture Molding
Picture molding is the type of molding that gives any room a certain charm. Usually constructed using four trims, it gives a framed appearance on the wall, which helps to visually divide vast and empty areas upwards. It can remain plain or elaborate depending on the position and size of the trims that are placed on it. In either case, picture molding adds beauty and personality to any room that will be forever timeless.
Ceiling Medallions
However, let’s move on from the walls, wood paneling can become a wonderful decoration of large, sprawling ceilings. If you are adding molding or trim to the ceiling, it will be a good idea to add a ceiling medallion for added elegance. Although they make the eyes travel up, they also add a lot of visual appeal to the space, making the room appear and feel much better.
Chair Rail Molding: Functional Security with Fashion
This is a molding that is installed on a wall at the height of a chair, usually around the center line of the wall. Its main purpose is to prevent chairs from scraping or moving around, and thus it is commonly located in dining rooms. It does not only serve a functional use and purpose, but it also gives beauty and complements the look of the room.
Millwork: The Tiny Marginal Factors that Matter
People often do not pay attention to millwork until they walk into a room, and then it is the little things that make a big impact. In this room, the chair rail is used to give structure to the stripes on the wallpaper. The crown molding is done twice, and the details are very stunning; this makes the eye move up and makes the room elegant and deeper. Combined, these details add to the room’s enhancement, making it look more refined and sophisticated.
Shiplap is a kind of wooden board that gives a nautical flair to any room or space. It is easy to apply and can be used as a substitute for normal wall finishes. Shiplap can be painted any color to fit other homes or left natural for a more rustic look. It is also strong, attractive, and can easily be installed or removed as occasions demand.
Conclusion
Molding and trim are simple and cost-effective solutions for enhancing any room. They impart aesthetics, establish zones, and also shield the walls from harm. Crown molding adds an illusion of height to the ceiling, while baseboards mask the joints of walls with the floor. Chair rails and picture molding can be used to divide large areas and create a more sophisticated interior. These small details can go a long way and give your home that little touch of class and completeness.
FAQs
Which trim style is best for me?
Match the trim style to the room’s vibe: basic baseboard for almost all rooms, decorative picture molding, or the more rugged board and batten for more dimension.
They ask themselves questions such as Can molding make a room feel bigger?
Yes, crown molding makes the ceiling appear higher than it is, hence making a room larger than it is.
Is it possible to use molding on ceilings?
Yes, ceiling medallions and crown molding are dramatic and elegant; they make people look up.
What is the difference between molding and casting?
Molding is the application of shapes onto walls, ceilings, or furniture, such as on crown molding or baseboards, while casting is the act of making intricate designs on products such as sculptures or ornate pieces by pouring material into a mold.
