Interior trim is an often-overlooked interior design component, yet it elevates even the simplest interior when coordinated with the overall design. In this blog, the home renovation contractors at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington share a quick guide on how to match your interior trim with your home design.
What Is Interior Trim?
Interior trim is the molding or millwork that is used to frame doors, walls, floors, windows and ceilings. It serves many purposes: it creates a smooth transition between window frame and wall or wall and ceiling, and protects these transitions from moisture and dust infiltration. Interior trim adds detail to otherwise plain-looking parts of the house.
Types of Interior Trim
Crown Molding — Crown molding covers the transition between wall and ceiling. It comes in various profiles: wide and ornate pieces are generally associated with traditional or formal interior designs, while narrow and simple profiles are associated with modern and casual designs.
Door and Window Casing — Door and window casing creates a framed look around a doorway. It should be noted that door and window frames are separate from the casing. They are structural components, and are parts of the wall framing on new construction windows. Replacement doors and windows also typically come with their own frames. Casing covers the transition between frame and wall opening, which would otherwise reveal shims and insulation that fills the gap.
Baseboard — Baseboards cover the transition between wall and floor. They can be as simple as a plain piece of quarter-round board, and may sometimes require trimming to accommodate HVAC vents. Home styles with high ceilings may require baseboards that are several inches tall to create a balanced look.
Chair Rail — This is the type of horizontal trim that’s hung on the wall, at about the height of a chair back. Chair rails are intended to protect plaster from damage caused by chairs pushed against the wall. It has since become a decorative piece.
Wainscoting — Wainscoting is a type of paneling that covers the lower half of walls. The boards are either stained or painted, usually in contrast with the wall immediately above it. The term is derived from the Dutch waegenschotten, or “to line the walls with boards.”
Panel Molding — Panel molding is a type of trim that can be used to create decorative frames. They may be installed along with chair rails, wainscoting and other types of decorative paneling.
Matching Interior Trim & Home Style
There are many ways to approach trim selection as it relates to your home style. If you have a traditional or historic home, look up style elements that are associated with your home style. For example, a Colonial-style home would feature multi-piece trim and wider baseboards, while Craftsman homes will feature simple, light-colored molding with matching window and door casing. Home interior designs that are not beholden to an architectural style allow more latitude with trim selection.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including interior and closet design. Give us a call at (910) 212-5889 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Wilmington, NC, as well as surrounding areas including Cape Fear, New Hanover, Landfall and Ogden.
