Different Types of Decorative Moldings

A decorative molding can be defined as any continuous projection that is used to enhance the look of a wall. In ancient Greece, they were first used to throw water away from the wall. The contours, measurements, and projections of moldings vary greatly.

Frieze
One type of molding - the frieze (or frieze board) - was first used on the Parthenon at the Acropolis. The frieze is considered a part of the Greek architectural style.

The Parthenon was built for the goddess Athena. The frieze moldings that were used were meant to tell the story of her triumph over Poseidon in becoming the patron of the ancient city which is now Athens.

The frieze panels are a series of designed pediments which are filled with the images of Athena's birth and rise to power. Today, a frieze board is the flat panel just below a crown molding or cornice. Often, low relief is applied to this panel for added decoration.

Today, frieze moldings are most common as a portion of a decorative molding that follows the neoclassical architecture or decorating style.

You need a pretty high ceiling (minimum of 9 feet), and it's a good idea to paint or stain the frieze and the crown molding the same color. The frieze is a good way to visually bring the ceiling down and make the room appear cozier.

Crown Molding
Crown molding is the most popular type of cornice molding. Crown molding is generally a single-piece of decorative molding, installed at the top of a wall, at an angle to the adjoining ceiling. However, I have seen crown molding assemblies of 5 or more pieces in more elaborate settings.

Crown molding often has a profile that projects out on the ceiling and down the wall, adding a rich appearance to a room. It is often used at the top of cabinets or built-in furniture.

Introducing this type of decorative molding to a relatively simple room provides a historic character that the room would not otherwise have. Crown molding is also used in combination with other moldings to add details to fireplace mantels and shelves. (For what it's worth, this is probably my favorite architectural feature).

Crown molding is a form of Cornice Molding. The term "cornice" describes molding installed along the top of a wall or above the window. When this treatment is made from multiple pieces of molding, it is called a "build-up cornice." The other form of cornice molding is the Cove Molding.

Cove Molding

Cove molding is very similar to crown molding, with the same application and function. The difference between the two is in the profile. Cove molding has a concave profile (which bows inward) while crown molding has a convex (outward) profile.

While crown is most at home in traditional settings, Cove moldings are equally comfortable in country, or even contemporary settings. You don't normally see multi-piece assemblies of cove moldings. You can occasionally see it "beaded" at top and bottom for a little accent.

Entries, formal living rooms, formal dining rooms, and master bedrooms usually receive decorative moldings with ornate or traditional patterns.

Kitchens and other more functional areas of the home might be where you will find the simpler design of the cove molding. Over the years, coves and crowns have become much smaller, but most still bear the shapes and styles of the original Greek and Roman designers.

Chair Rail Molding

A chair rail is a decorative molding that divides a wall horizontally, usually about 32" to 36" above the floor. They protect the walls in areas where damage might occur from people getting up out of chairs.

For this reason, the more traditional chair rails will have a nosing in the center, with curved and beveled surfaces that taper back to the wall above and below the nosing.

Today, chair rails remain a common detail in traditional interiors. They serve the decorating effect of unifying the various architectural details of a room, such as door and window trim, and fireplace surrounds.

Chair rail can also be used as a cap for wainscoting or other wood paneling. This decorative molding adds a feeling of detail and charm while achieving continuity in a room by unifying the various decorative elements.

Panel Molding
Panel molding, commonly called a picture frame molding, looks like a large empty frame, and is often part of designs on walls of old Colonial and, Georgian, and Early American homes. The placement of this molding should be above the chair rail height and about 10 to 12 inches down from the ceiling.

The size of this type of decorative molding, measuring 1" to 3" in width, should be proportionate to the ceiling height of the room. Like the other moldings, panel molding adds a feeling of charm and delicate detail to a room.

Wall framing appears at the Georgian period of American architecture, when plaster began to replace wood panels on the walls. Panel molding also is a good way to divide walls into large, aesthetically pleasing units, without the same expense of full wall paneling.

Another application of this versatile molding is to trim openings made by wider planks which are assembled as rails and styles. Often, the centers of these frames are left open. By applying panel moldings around the perimeter of the opening, you create the look of a picture frame.

When this decorative molding is painted in the same color as the surrounding walls, you achieve a sculptural quality to a wall, adding texture and shadows. If moldings are painted in contrasting colors, they can create a striking three dimensional appearance, giving depth and dimension. This type of treatment is popular for staircases and entries.

Baseboard & Base Molding

Baseboard molding protects the bottom of the wall from ware and tear, while hiding openings and other irregularities where the wall meets the floor. Base moldings give the floor line a higher profile, and can be as elaborate or simple as you like.

Whereas it is relatively easy to install chair rail on a level plane, baseboard (like crown) can be tricky if your floors (or ceilings) are not level. For this reason, I recommend getting a professional woodworker for the installation of these moldings.

As one remedy to uneven floors, you can install a "shoe molding" along the bottom front edge to give the baseboard a finished look. Something else you can do with baseboard (as well as with the toe kick of your kitchen cabinets) is incorporate accent lighting.

This isn't in keeping with the pure traditionalist, but it's a pretty nifty way to have accent lighting around the perimeter of a room. You couldn't do this until they created the small LED rope lights of today.

Rope lights come in different lengths and colors, and can be easily installed behind baseboard. Simply make a notch in the back side of the baseboard, at the top, and run the rope lights into the notch.

This is more often used in commercial spaces, but has been added in entries and hallways - especially in contemporary homes.

Flexible Moldings
If you have a curved wall or arch, you can probably have a good craftsman create a curved molding for about 3 times the cost of a straight molding. Or, you can buy a flexible molding for about the same price as the straight one.

These allow you to install moldings onto curved surfaces or arches, without the delay and expense of having them made from wood. The stock profiles (there are hundreds) are identical to the rigid versions and they are compatible as far as paint finish is concerned.

Charles Gueli invites you to ask questions about decorative molding, and take advantage of the resources on http://www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com, where guidance, information and support are always available - helping homeowners make better decisions.

Decorative Greek Or Roman Columns Can Transform Your Place Into a Heritage!

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There is a certain charm in decorative Greek or Roman columns. One of the most challenging tasks of an architect is to instill a unique design in a building. The ancients, for this matter, had all the artistic acumen to create masterpieces on the walls of buildings. They have been, since ages, one of the most typical architectural essences seen in public as well as private buildings.

The charm and craze for decorative columns has descended from generations. Even today, people wish to have them reflecting a distinct style. Such is the popularity of artistic columns that you can now buy decorative columns online.

What Are Decorative Greek Or Roman Columns?

The columns used in ancient Greek buildings can be classified into Doric, Corinthian, and Ionic. This classification is based on the design of the top of the column. The base and shaft of them are also noteworthy features in Greek architecture. Another unique thing about these is their "fluted" style. This means channels are carved into the column's shaft in line with each other. Traditionally, a column has 24 channels for rendering the true aesthetic sense. Today, you can buy decorative fluted columns online!

Among the decorative Greek or Roman columns, Doric columns were the simplest and the oldest architectural designs in Greece. Perhaps that's the reason why there is a surging demand for this ancient architectural specialty, and you can easily buy Tuscan or Doric columns online. The Ionic columns are distinguished by their scrolls or spirals or helixes. They look like a roll of paper with both ends curled and wrapped downwards. Today, you can easily get Fiberglass Tuscan or Ionic Columns over the internet. The Corinthian columns are the most delicate and complex. They are characterized with carved acanthus leaves and flowers in their design.

Talking of Roman columns, you can observe many physical, social, and cultural traits of the Greek era in it. Many aspects of Roman architecture were developed in Greece. Roman columns are one of them. Apart from the three Greek styles of them mentioned above, the Romans have two of their own - Tuscan and Composite. Whether you buy decorative Greek or Roman columns, you're bound to enjoy the unmatched charm and artistry of both civilizations.

The Tuscan column is the simplest in architecture. Unlike Doric, it is devoid of base, "fluting", and the typical saucer shaped top of the Doric. You can buy Tuscan Columns online with ease.

The Roman version of Doric columns feature bases and tops similar to Tuscan. "Fluting" is done with fewer channels. Buy Fluted Fiberglass Columns or Decorative Fluted Columns online and see the difference. They in Roman style harbor scrolled carvings that are more elaborate than the Greek style. The Corinthian column in Roman style has elaborate carvings of flowers and leavings, many times, going down the length of the column.

The reputable stores online have a treasure house of fiberglass columns. You can buy Roman or Greek Columns online with little fuss. Decorative Greek or Roman columns can alter the very look of your home or workplace. They can send you back to the rich Greek and Roman times.

The site crown-molding.com deals with decorative Greek or Roman columns. You can buy Roman or Greek Columns online after going through the vast collection of awesome designs and artistry here.