Moldings Add Style

Moldings (or "trim work") are both functional and decorative. Although they give a room distinctive style and detailing, they also serve a purpose: to hide the joints between walls and floors, ceilings, doors, and windows. Many different patterns and styles are made from a variety of both softwoods and hardwoods. These profiles can be used individually or in combination-called built up moldings-to create intricate patterns.

Materials

Moldings in older homes may be made of plaster, particularly cornice and crown moldings, or any of the several hardwoods or softwoods. New moldings are sold at lumberyards and millwork shops, the best places to see the wide selection available.

Hardwood moldings that are meant to be stained or finished naturally are relatively expensive; much less expensive are paint-grade pine or fir moldings made from short pieces that are finger joined together. A range of ready-to-paint, highly decorative moldings made from high-density polymers are also available.