Everything You Need to Know About Wall Trim

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to your home, wall trim is a fantastic way to achieve that. Not only does it serve a decorative purpose, but it also has functional benefits. Wall trim can cover joints, gaps, and imperfections on surfaces, giving your room a polished and finished look.

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There are several types of wall trim to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and styles. Whether you have a traditional or modern home, there’s a wall trim option that will suit your space perfectly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore six common types of wall trim and provide you with all the information you need to upgrade your home.

Chair Rail

Chair rail is a horizontal piece of trim that is typically installed 3 to 4 feet above the floor. While it was originally used to protect walls from chairs in dining rooms, it is now primarily used as a decorative molding. Chair rail can be combined with wainscoting to give the wall added protection and create a classic look. It is often made from hardwood or polyurethane and tends to collect dust, so regular cleanings may be necessary.

Tips:

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), natural wood, or polyurethane trim can be used on walls.
Wood is more solid and durable than either plastic or MDF, but polyurethane is more moisture-resistant.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is a classic trim that is typically installed at the intersection of walls and ceilings. It is perfect for bringing a touch of elegance to living rooms, dining rooms, and other public areas. While crown molding is often associated with upscale or historic homes, modern options are made from lightweight materials like vinyl or PVC. It can be used to hide kitchen cabinet soffits and is a durable trim that is moisture-resistant.

Tips:

To disguise open kitchen soffits, install strips of crown molding along the tops of the cabinets.
Crown molding costs about $2-3 per foot to purchase.

Baseboards

Baseboards are the most common type of trim found in houses and serve as a finishing touch where the wall meets the flooring. They also hide gaps between the walls and the flooring, giving the room a polished look. Baseboards come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from short, narrow options to larger baseboards found in older houses.

Tips:

If you plan to paint the trim, you can use either MDF or plastic trim.
MDF is one of the least expensive trim materials you can buy.

Shoe Molding or Quarter Round

Shoe molding or quarter-round trim works in conjunction with baseboards to close the gap between the walls and the floors. It is thin and flexible, making it easy to match every curve of the floor. While some professionals may find it controversial, quarter-round or shoe molding is a practical solution for keeping drafts out of the house.

Picture Frame Wall Molding

Picture frame wall molding is a decorative option that adds a touch of elegance to formal public rooms like dining or living rooms. It creates the look of a picture frame on the wall and is less common than other types of trim. Picture frame molding is often made from wood or polyurethane and can be painted a different color for a pop of contrast.

Tip:

Pre-made squares typically cost between $8 and $25 and are made from wood or polyurethane.

Picture Rail

Picture rail is similar to chair rail but is installed much higher on the wall. It traditionally served the function of holding hooks for hanging pictures with wire. Picture rail can help break up the monotony of rooms with tall ceilings and provide a convenient way to hang pictures and mirrors. It is available in wood and plaster options and typically costs between $1 and $2 per foot.

Built-Up Molding

Built-up molding is a type of trim that involves installing two or more different profiles of molding together to create a unique trim. This can be a cost-effective way to create a custom look in your home.

Wall trim is a fantastic way to enhance the overall aesthetic of your space. With so many options to choose from, you can easily find the perfect trim to complement your home’s style. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance or hide imperfections, wall trim is a versatile and practical solution that will elevate the look of any room. So why wait? Start exploring the world of wall trim and transform your space today.