Interior Trim

To start – What is interior trim or moulding? Interior trim is cosmetic strips of wood, composite or synthetic materials used in a range of applications. The trim that you choose is personal, but can be guided along with some basic principles of what “goes”. One of the main rules is to keep things consistent, what is the look that you’re going for. Here are some examples of architectural styles and matching moulding along with the reasons why they work well.

Craftsman

The Craftsman home style is simple, clean, and speaks to a time where details and simple pleasures mattered. Typically these rooms are finished with square, simple, mouldings, with purposeful ornaments.

Colonial

This home-style separates itself with a collection of rural simplicity paired with ornate detail. The symmetry and formality of Colonials speak to a touch of elegance to each room. Window trim with multiple pieces along with wider baseboards are a wonderful compliment to wainscoting, and detail crown moulding to finish home from floor to ceiling.

Cape Cod

A quaint and subtle approach that dates back centuries. Cape Cods are complemented by interior trim that works well with transom windows and sidelights surrounded with panelled classic entry doors, thick casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls. The use of whites and greys creates a mood that is calming, inviting and stands as an unchanged combination.

Modern/Eclectic

When it comes to modern, less is more. Most modern homes today use trim simply to protect walls and floors from little hands, bumps, and dings. Popular trim choices for modern homes tend to be square, sleek, and minimal with the goal of being a simple accent.

Ranch

Welcoming, warm, and relaxed. A ranch-style home enjoys a similar simple trim that conveys easily from room to room. Ranch style homes allow homeowners to really explore moulding choices to bring a homes style in a variety of directions depending on their personal style.

Popular Interior Trim Terms

Casing

Arguably the most noticeable trim detail in a room. Casings will go around windows and doors, serving as a way to finish the openings by covering the gap between the windows, doors, and drywall. Casings typically are thicker than base mouldings.

Crown Moulding

Crown moulding sits on an angle where the ceiling and the wall meet. Crown moulding in some instances can be referred to as a cornice. Crown moulding is also used at times at the top of a window or door and called an “architrave”. There are times where crown moulding can also be used as part of a mantel or to finish the top of a column.

Chair Rail

Chair rails are used for decorative as well as practical purposes. They are applied to the wall to protect the wall from dents, scuffs, and marks, but also used as a decorative accent to a room.

Panel Mould

Panel mould is a way to use moulding profiles to create embellishments on walls.

Wainscot

Wainscoting is a great way to add drama to any room by being installed below the chair railing provides richness to any room and a finish that makes friends and family say wow.

Baseboard

The baseboard sits at the base of the wall where it meets the floor. Baseboard is the moulding that ties it all together.

Architrave

A decorative trim that sits at the top of a window or door provides an ornate accent. Architraves can be referred to as a header or pediment as well.

Build-up

Build-ups are a way to use multiple trim pieces to obtain a truly custom look. By combining multiple pieces a homeowner can grow their mouldings and expand their designs with limitless potential.