How to Choose Molding Trim for Your Home

Molding and trim serve both decorative and functional purposes in a home. They accentuate architectural details, conceal imperfections, and add visual interest. With so many options to consider, choosing the right molding and trim for your home can seem daunting. Follow this comprehensive guide to select the perfect molding and trim to complement your home’s style.

Evaluate the Architecture and Style of Your Home

The first step in choosing molding and trim is to assess the overall architecture and style of your home.

Traditional styles like Craftsman, Colonial, and Farmhouse suit simple, classic molding profiles like ogee and chamfer. Intricately detailed moldings work well in formal Traditional spaces.
Contemporary homes call for streamlined molding and trim with clean lines like square edges or minimal detailing. Focus on accent trim rather than ornate crown moldings.
Cottage or rustic styles look best with simpler, rougher-hewn wood moldings and rugged exposed beams as accents.
Pay attention to existing trim details and match new molding to maintain cohesion. The goal is to complement your home’s look, not overpower it.

Take stock of your home’s current interior design scheme as well. The molding finish and style should align with your color palette, textures, and materials used throughout the space.

Consider Placement and Function

Before selecting molding and trim, determine where it will go and its purpose. This informs what variety best suits your needs.

Door and window trim enhances framing and finishes openings. Opt for wider casing for grander entrances in formal spaces.
Crown molding defines where walls meet ceilings. It dresses up plain ceilings and adds height to rooms.
Chair rail separates upper and lower walls horizontally. It can protect walls from chair damage.
Baseboards cover the joint of walls and floors. Base shoe (quarter round) attaches to base molding for a finished look.
Wainscoting on lower walls adds texture and protects against scuffs and scrapes. Beadboard or recessed paneling are attractive options.

Consider molding placement in relation to room furnishings. Allow adequate clearance for opening doors and drawers so trim does not obstruct furniture use.

Select Materials Appropriate for Each Location

Molding and trim come in various materials, each suited to specific applications:

Wood: Versatile and classic, it comes in different grades from pine to oak. Use durable hardwoods like poplar in high-moisture areas.
PVC/vinyl: Budget-friendly, low maintenance option for bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. Looks realistic.
Polyurethane: Replicates ornate plaster moldings. Flexible for installing over curves. Use in any indoor space.
Plaster: Sophisticated traditional choice for formal spaces, but more labor-intensive to install. Requires priming and painting.
Polystyrene: Affordable synthetic material often used for crown moldings and detailed trim work. Lightweight.
Foam: For cost-effective wainscoting, backsplashes, and exterior applications exposed to moisture. Looks like real wood.

Pick Appropriate Profiles for Each Molding Type

The decorative shape cut along the molding’s top edge is its profile. Simple profiles suit informal spaces, while ornate details create an elegant effect in formal rooms.

Common Baseboard Profiles

Ogee: S-shaped curved profile for a subtle, graceful look.
Chamfer: Beveled, angled profile for clean lines. Good for contemporary styles.
Quarter Round: Rounded L-shaped profile installed at juncture of baseboard and floor.
Modern: Thick, square profile with minimal detail for a bold statement.
Traditional: Classic styles like colonial have a narrow profile with detailed crown top.

Crown Molding Profiles

Ogee: Flowing curved detail softens the transition between wall and ceiling.
Beaded: Rounded, bead-like elements create dimensional interest and shadow lines.
Crosshead: Crisp intersections with decorative center motif for traditional elegance.
Simple: Unadorned square edges for contemporary/modern spaces.
Complex: Highly ornamental with extensive decorative relief and curved accents.

Window and Door Casing Profiles

Traditional: Narrow and intricately detailed molding frames openings in formal spaces.
Rope: Twist design carved into smooth molding adds unique texture.
Extruded: Wide, flat casing creates bold, sleek statement around openings.
Backband: Layering a second, decorative molding onto flat casing for added detail.

Choose the Right Size Molding

Molding and trim come in varying widths and dimensions. Follow these general size guidelines:

Baseboards: 4-5 inches high balances ornamentation with subtlety in most rooms. Go up to 6 inches for a grand look in formal spaces.
Door/window casing: 2-3 inches wide suits most openings. Up to 4 inches on dramatic focal doors and arched windows.
Crown molding: 5-6 inch height works for 9 foot ceilings. Larger moldings up to 12 inches help define tall, 2-story rooms.
Chair rail: Standard height is 32-36 inches above the floor. Align it about 1/3 down from the ceiling to the floor.

Allow for some flexibility based on your room proportions. For example, a smaller space may require slightly narrower molding to avoid looking overly heavy.

Determine the Best Finish for Your Vision

The molding and trim finish impacts the overall look and feel tremendously. Factor in maintenance, durability, and your design style when selecting:

Painted: Offers unlimited color options. Fits casual to formal schemes. Requires eventual repainting.
Stained: Shows off wood grain. Has a traditional, warm aesthetic. Periodic re-staining needed.
Lacquered: Very smooth, durable glossy surface. Resists moisture and wear. Modern look.
Natural/oiled: Keeps raw wood appearance. Rustic, outdoorsy appeal. Needs regular oiling.
Whitewashed: Light colored paint muted with grayish wash. Coastal, farmhouse feel.
Distressed: Intentionally worn and weathered finish. Ideal for vintage styles.

Create Cohesion with Consistent Finishes

Using moldings with coordinating finishes maintains aesthetic harmony in your home’s design.

Match trim to hardwood floor stain for a cohesive flow.
Tie wainscoting into baseboard and crown finishes for an integrated look.
Paint all moldings the same color as walls for a blended, monochromatic effect.
Vary sheen on painted trim—high gloss on crown to low luster on casing—for subtle contrast.

Repeat colors, textures, and sheen on new molding and existing trim to prevent disjointed styles within a space.

Accent with Unique Ceiling Treatments

Ceiling trim and molding provides beautiful additional detailing overhead. Consider adding:

Covings: Curved crown-like molding connecting walls to ceilings. Offers elegant proportions.
Tray ceiling: Dropped center section surrounded by decorative perimeter molding. Creates an ornate, classical impression.
Beamed ceiling: Faux wood beams inset with panels. Rustic, craftsman style.
Coffered ceiling: Grid of recessed square or octagonal panels. Timeless old-world Mediterranean style.
Barrel ceiling: Semicircle arched ceiling with horizontal ceiling molding mimicking barrel shape. Traditionally nautical.

Choose ceiling treatments harmonizing with your home’s architecture and molding accents. Build on existing interior design elements for a customized, well-executed room scheme.

Add Unique Accent Trim for Interest

Complement your main moldings with special decorative trim applications:

Corner trim with carved floral designs or bead detailing.
Arched entryways and windows framed with ornate curved molding.
Shadow boxes on walls with trim framing wallpaper inserts.
Vertical post trim flanking doorways or openings for stately elegance.
Picture rail trim encircling walls to hang artwork.
Pediments topping doors, windows, built-ins and fireplaces for architectural accent.
Tile trim transitioning floors to walls with material change.

Have fun playing with unique accent trim profiles and applications to inject personality into your rooms.

Hire a Professional for Complex Installs

Proper molding installation is a skilled trade. For advanced projects, hire a finish carpenter or professional trim contractor. They have specialized expertise for:

Meticulously mitering corners on intricate or multilayered molding.
Forming elaborate curved crown molding around intricate ceiling medallions or domed foyers.
Fabricating and fitting custom ornamental molding and woodwork.
Installing tricky applications like wrapping stairs or angled ceilings.

Though molding looks deceptively simple, professional experience ensures correct installation not achievable by DIYers. Pay a small premium to get flawless results and protect your investment.

Care and Maintenance prolongs Molding Lifespan

Follow proper care and maintenance practices so your molding and trim retains its like-new beauty over many years:

Dust frequently using soft brush attachment to remove everyday dust and dirt buildup.
Clean with mild wood cleaner and microfiber cloth. Avoid excessive moisture.
Re-caulk any gaps seasonally before painting to prevent cracks or moisture entry.
Wax or re-oil natural wood molding periodically to nourish the finish.
Touch up painted molding as needed. Avoid drips or brush marks on the wall surface.
Use painter’s tape when painting walls to protect woodwork finishes.
Monitor for insect damage or rotting, especially around leaks. Address issues immediately to avoid costly repairs.

With regular inspection and proactive care, your molding and trim can last decades before needing replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Molding and Trim

What are the most popular molding styles right now?

For a fresh, contemporary look, painted modern square-edge casing and baseboards are trending. Classic ogee profiles and intricate layered crown moldings provide an elegant traditional statement. Rustic beams, shiplap, and distressed woodwork capture farmhouse style.

How much does it cost to add new molding and trim?

On average, expect to pay $4-8 per linear foot for basic molding materials plus $50-100 per hour for labor. More complex moldings and installation easily reach $10-25 per foot. Accent ceiling applications like coffered or beamed cost $6,000-10,000.

Should I match existing or change trim style during renovations?

It depends on your goals. Matching maintains design continuity, especially in formal, ornate spaces. Altering the style updates the feel, but risks an eclectic, disjointed look if not done thoughtfully. Blend old and new for balance.

What tools do I need for DIY molding installation?

Essentials include a miter saw, table saw or miter box, jigsaw, finish nails, hammer, wood filler, caulk gun, putty knife, primer, paintbrushes, painter’s tape, and wood glue. Invest in a compound miter saw for angled cuts.

How do I cut crown molding corners properly?

Cutting accurate crown corners involves complex angle calculations. To simplify, use crown corner blocks designed specifically for 90 and 45 degree inside and outside corners. Or, hire a carpenter skilled in crown installation.

What is the best way to attach molding to the wall?

Use finish nails for most molding, hammering into wall studs for strength. Pre-drill molding to prevent splitting. For heavy moldings, use construction adhesive along with nails for added support. Apply caulk between molding and wall for clean finish.

Conclusion

The proper molding and trim transforms plain walls and ceilings into the stunning backbone of your home’s design. Carefully evaluating the architecture, identifying goals, and selecting cohesive moldings suited to each space results in a holistically gorgeous interior with timeless appeal. Embrace molding’s potential to provide both elegance and functionality throughout your home. With creativity and thoughtful choices, you can install trim that gracefully enhances your rooms for many years to come.