Different Molding Styles and How to Use Them in Your Home
Installing trim in your home can give it a decorative and stylized look, and there are so many options to choose from. With styles ranging from classical to contemporary, you’re sure to find trim that matches your home’s architecture and your personal tastes. As you search for the perfect trim for your home, check out these popular style options:
Classical molding
Rococo and baroque architecture feature grand and ornate molding that represents the height of decoration in terms of trim. Since then, designers and architects have toned things down a bit. Now when we think of classical style molding, we picture regency and Victorian looks. In essence, classical moldings are the most elaborate of your options, and come in range of styles.
Dentil molding
For instance, you may install dentil molding, whose name may help you remember its look. Dentil molding is a style of crown molding that features what looks like rows of teeth. These little squares generally hang between the wall and ceiling and accompany other molding features.
Egg and dart
Looking for more of a Greek revival style for your home? Then egg-and-dart crown molding is the way to go. The name refers to a pattern of ovals carved into wood along with little darts. The design is modeled after patterns seen in ancient Greek temples, and you can use egg and dart in all types of trim.
Pearl and bead
Peal and bead trims are very similar, as both feature a string of round shapes carved into the trim. Bead tends to be larger than pearl. What’s more, like egg and dart, you can use the pattern in everything from chair rails to crown molding.
Cornice
Inspired by the look of classic columns, cornice is a type of molding that fits just below the ceiling. It often features several layers of wood.
Decorative
Egg-and-dart, dentil, pearl and bead trim all fall under the decorative category. However, it’s important to note that there are tons of styles out there from which to choose. You can install trim with custom leaf patterns, for instance. In fact, Hampton Court, the royal residence of King Henry the VIII (when he wasn’t in London), features molding that bears the Tudor Rose.
From classical to contemporary, trim offers a range of styles.Contemporary molding
After eras of ornamental architecture, designers moved away from the highly decorative look toward a simpler, yet elegant trim. Characterized by clean lines, contemporary options are great for modern homes that need a little something extra.
American craftsman
American craftsman prioritizes high-quality construction, simple lines and prairie style influence. What’s more, craftsman trim has become iconic. It features wide, plain boards with a thin decorative strip at the bottom and wider strip at the top. You can find this trim in window and door casings and crown molding. Baseboards are even simpler.
Your home can maintain a classical or contemporary look with the addition of molding, baseboards and casing. Choose clean, simple styles with straight lines, and little decoration for a modern home. If you have a more classic space, choose ornamental pieces that act as a form of art and draw the eyes upward.
What style of molding do you like best?
Browse our selection of architecturally enhancing Moldings & Trim here. Put the finishing touch on your space.
