Giving your home a welcoming custom feel is all in the architectural details. If your house is a bit blah, the solution may be as simple as adding trim. Moldings and trims on your ceilings, walls, doors, and windows add character and value to your home. Check out these five trim options to upgrade and define your space.
- Crown moulding. Crown moulding is a feature that can make your home look more attractive and expensive. It is available in a variety of profiles and finishes. Select one that coordinates with the style of your home and furnishings. In addition, make sure to install a width that works with your ceiling height. The higher the ceiling, the wider your crown moulding should be.
- Ceiling trim. When it comes to interior design, many of us focus on the floors and walls and forget about the ceiling. In most homes, the ceilings are plain or, worse, covered with popcorn texture. Take advantage of this opportunity to set your space apart by adding custom trim. Real or faux wood ceiling beams can add warmth to a space. If you want something more traditional or luxurious, consider coffered ceilings, which consist of boxes made with beams and flat panels. Another popular option is the tray ceiling, where part of the ceiling is recessed. Leave it plain, use contrasting paint colors, or install lighting for added drama.
- Casing. Many builders leave window and door openings plain. Encasing them with trim offers several benefits. In addition to making these areas look more finished and interesting, casing protects walls from nicks and other damage. It also creates borders between rooms allowing you to employ differing paint colors with ease.
- Chair rails and baseboards. Chair rail is a horizontal trim typically installed about three feet above the floor. Baseboard is found at the junction where floor meets wall. These simple trim additions protect your walls from the dirt and damage that come from everyday use. They also provide character and interest to your space. If your home has basic baseboards, consider adding extra trim above them to make more of an impact. Chair rail offers a more traditional feel. In modern spaces, it looks great when used to separate colors of wall paint, or combined with paneling or wainscoting.
- Wainscoting. If you want to take your wall character to the next level, try wainscoting. This paneling is available in a number of different styles to provide protection and personality to your space. Wainscoting can employ raised or flat panels, molding to create vertical battens over flat panels, or beadboard. The former tend to be more traditional and elegant, while beadboard lends a casual feeling. Most of the time paneling is installed vertically, but horizontal treatments like shiplap siding are gaining popularity. You can install wainscoting up to a chair rail, three quarters of the way up your wall, or even up to the ceiling, depending on your goals.
