Puttin’ on the Trimmings

Conservatory style sunrooms maximize sun light entering the room.

Trims and moldings were initially created by the ancient Greek civilizations to beautify their structures. The Romans adopted and further refined the practice, then passed the tradition down to European, and eventually, American architecture. Now, we look to trims and moldings to add style and décor to our homes.

There are many different molding and trim options to choose from; from basic and practical to majestic and elegant. Your painter can install a decorative chair-rail to separate contrasting colors, or create a wainscoting look. Panel moldings can achieve a more classic, traditional look than wallpaper or texture. Panels can also be used to highlight a ceiling. Baseboard, dental moldings, window trim, and several different designs of crown molding are also available.

Trims and mouldings are manufactured out of different materials for consumers to choose from.

• Urethane and plastic mouldings can be a less-expensive alternative to wood. These materials look just as nice as wood, and require less maintenance. Additionally, these materials are not prone to insect and rot problems.
• Wood moldings are also a fine material, if properly installed and maintained. Be sure your painter primes all exposed edges before installation to prevent paint chipping, and to reduce insect infestation.
• MDF, Medium Density Fiberboard, is one of the least expensive options available. Made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure, it is dense, flat, has no knots, and is not easily damaged when cut or drilled.
• Plaster mouldings allow for very expressive, continuous designs that are lightweight and easily installed. Unlike the old-days when plaster-detail fabrication required a talented artist, these beautiful designs are pre-manufactured for contractors to install in you home.
• Timbron mouldings are the green alternative to traditional moldings. These are made from 90% recycled materials, with zero VOCs, and are also recyclable. These products are waterproof, durable, and resistant to mold, mildew, and insect infestation.

Moldings and trims can be used to create the illusion of a larger space.; although, too large of a trim can have an opposite effect. A general guide to go by –1" of molding for every foot of wall height, and for lower ceiling rooms, ½ ” to ¾” per foot.

Whether you just want to add some defining edges to your rooms, or decide to let your creative enthusiasm run wild, call a certified professional today to help you choose which styles of moulding and trim are right for you.

Links:

Timbron Mouldings

Architectural Depot

LP Moulding

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