In the world of interior design, it’s often the smallest details that have the biggest impact. Wall styling and decor – the unsung heroes of home remodeling. From elegant crown molding curves to intricate wainscoting, these architectural accents can enhance any living space.

Whether you’re adding wall molding to your Chicago, IL home, your Birmingham, AL apartment, or just want to learn more, this Redfin article will cover the different types of wall molding. We also offer expert advice, as well as tips and tricks for adding these decorative elements to your home. Let’s get started.

What are wall moldings?

Wall moldings, also known as wall moldings, are decorative architectural elements that adorn the edges and surfaces of walls in homes and buildings. Wall moldings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and are often made from materials such as wood, plaster, or composite. They can include details like baseboards along the floor, crown molding along the ceiling, mid-height chair rails, and wainscoting along the lower portion of the walls. Wall moldings not only provide texture, depth, and character, but they also create a sense of elegance and sophistication in a space.

“Adding wall molding is a transformative way to inject elegance and depth into your room,” shares Fred Weiner, principal at THP Builders, CAPS. “It’s a great way to create architectural interest and define a space. From framing artwork to outlining an accent wall, wall molding opens up a world of design possibilities.”

10 Wall Moldings to Add to Your Home

From the rustic charm of beadboard to the intricate details of panel molding, every wall styling option is full of charm and the potential to transform your space.

1.Crown Molding
Crown molding, also known as ceiling molding, adds a touch of elegance where the wall meets the ceiling. It comes in various shapes, from simple to complex designs that visually expand the height of the room.

2.Corbel Shape
Corbels are decorative brackets that protrude from the wall and add architectural flair. They can be placed on shelves, under countertops, or as freestanding decorations.

3.Casing Molding
The trim of window and door frames is called casing molding. They form a border around these openings, often with smooth, simple silhouettes that blend in with the surrounding architecture.

4.Chair Rail Molding
Chair rail molding in your home consists of horizontal strips that run along the wall, usually at the height of the chair back. It adds a horizontal line to the wall while protecting it from chairs and furniture.

5.Mirror Rail Molding
Mirror rail moldings are horizontal strips located higher on a wall, designed to hang art and decorations without damaging the wall. It is a practical and beautiful solution for displaying items.

6.Baseboard
Baseboard is the decorative molding that runs along the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor. They provide a clean transition between walls and floors while protecting walls from potential wear and tear.

7.Panel Molding
Panel molding creates the illusion of raised or recessed wall panels, adding depth and texture to the surface. It usually consists of strips forming a geometric pattern.

8.Wainscoting
Wainscoting is a decorative treatment in which panels or moldings are applied to the lower portion of a wall, usually below the height of the chair rails.

9.Beadboard
Beadboard is a type of wallboard that has narrow, vertical planks with rounded ridges or “beads” between them. It adds a cozy, cottage-like charm to the interior.

10.Cove Molding
Concave, curved moldings create transitions between walls and ceilings, with smooth, wide profiles called coves. Cove molding is a great choice for adding soft elegance to a room, as its curved design helps soften the hard corners of walls and ceilings.

Why You Should Add Wall Moldings and Trim to Your Home

Adding moldings to your home has many benefits and can enhance both aesthetics and functionality. These decorative features can improve the overall ambiance of a room. Here are some ways you can enhance your home:

Add personality. Liz from Cape Coop Farm shares, “Wall molding adds instant character and texture to any wall. Many molding projects are easy for beginners, especially straight lines like board and batten designs. If you have more experience with angles, the possibilities for complex geometric designs and crown moldings are endless.”

An inexpensive way to add dramatic visual effects. “Wall molding can be a quick, versatile, and relatively inexpensive way to add dramatic visual impact and character to your home,” says Mandy from Aviator Jayne, a home store in Owasso, Michigan. “We’ve even found that many molding designs are great for DIY. If you want to tackle projects around the house, consider adding a simple board and batten piece to your dining room for warmth, or molding geometric shapes into your bedroom walls for a more upscale appearance.”

Increase property value. Interior designer Celia Boutell shares, “The benefits of adding wall molding include enhancing aesthetics by adding depth, texture, and elegance, making your room look more sophisticated. It also adds architectural interest, defines rooms, covers imperfections, and increases property value. Well-executed wall styling can add an upscale feel to your interior design, which can increase your home’s value.”

Tips for Adding Wall Molding to Your Home

Use these basic tips to enhance the style of your home with wall styling. Learn how to easily integrate decorative elements to create a beautifully transformed space.

Planning and Design: Before you begin, envision the look you want to achieve. You need to consider the type of molding, its location, and the overall style of your home. Planning helps ensure that the design is cohesive and well-executed. “Picture frame styling is an easy and timeless style that you can easily and affordably do yourself,” says interior design firm Casa Del Marmol. “You can even take it up a notch by adding wallpaper murals inside each panel. This type of wainscoting is also very versatile. Fresh paint, wall decor, and lighting can add an extra layer of dimension and can be changed as styles evolve over time.”

Wall molding has something for every home—you can’t go wrong. “Homeowners may choose to install moldings to create a very traditional look, such as chair rails and common traditional box moldings,” adds DIY home project expert Marcia Socas. “Alternatively, others may use molding to create more contemporary patterns and styles, such as octagons or other patterns created through molding. Whether it’s a traditional installation or a contemporary expression, wall moldings can suit every homeowner’s design choices and really elevate the room to the next level.”

Choose the right material. Select a molding material that matches your home decor. Wood offers a classic appeal, while lightweight polyurethane options are easier to install. Make sure the material aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Choose from different paint sheens. “If you’re looking to elevate a simple molding, try using two gloss paints: a flat gloss on the walls and a satin finish on the moldings, or opt for a darker tone on the moldings,” says Sagent Builders, serving the Greater Chicago Area. “When applying molding, use a decorative sealant and glue all corners for the most successful installation.”

Try using moldings on more than just walls. “Just as boxed moldings have traditionally been used to add luxury to walls, we are now seeing moldings used on doors, ceilings, and cabinet surfaces to elevate a room and add more interest,” says Rana Lanada Duncan, owner of a trim interior company. “With new peel-and-stick options, stylish sizes, and on-the-go designs, you can get even more creative with your applications and bring opulence to any space.”

A final note on wall styling and decorating

Incorporating moldings and accents into your home’s interior is like adding the final touches to a masterpiece. These subtle yet impactful details have the extraordinary ability to transform any home into an elegant and timeless space full of character.

Adding character to walls. DIY projects Enhancing room aesthetics Home decor ideas Interior design tips Trim installation Wall moldings

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