How To Choose Interior Molding

Interior molding, which refers to the trimming around the walls and floors of your home, can support your house structure while adding style to individual rooms. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses some of the options available for trimming out the interior of a room. Below, we’ll share more information to help you choose the best interior molding for your project.

Types of Interior Molding

From traditional crown molding to chair rail styles, there are a variety of interior molding options available for your home. Compare the different types of molding below.

Crown Molding

You can install crown molding where the walls meet the ceiling. You’ll typically find this type of molding in living rooms and dining rooms to give the space a subtle but stylish accent.

• Cove molding: Has a concave profile and creates a softer transition between your walls and ceiling
• Stepped crown molding: Consists of multiple pieces for a more dramatic effect
• Traditional crown molding: Features a curved profile and used in formal spaces

Baseboards

Baseboards run along the bottom of walls, covering the joint between the wall and floor. They protect the wall from scuffs and add a finished look to any room.

• Shoe molding: Also called quarter-round molding and has a rounded convex surface that hides gaps between the floor and wall
• Standard baseboard: A flat board that you can pair with a decorative base cap
• Speed base: A single piece of molding with a milled or routed decorative profile
• Tall baseboard: Creates a more dramatic look and is popular in modern homes

Chair Rail

Chair rail is a horizontal molding installed about 30 to 36 inches from the floor. Originally designed to protect walls from chair backs, chair rail is primarily used for decoration. You can use chair rail molding to create a break in wall colors or textures for a unique and creative look.

• Decorative chair rail: Features more intricate, formal profiles
• Traditional chair rail: A simple, flat molding that adds visual contrast
• Wainscoting: Often paired with chair rail to create a paneled look on the lower portion of walls

Window and Door Casings

Window and door casings frame the edges of doors and windows and cover gaps between the wall and frame. Casings also prevent drafts and provide extra structural support to the openings in your home.

• Fluted casing: Vertical grooves add texture and visual interest
• Traditional casing: Simple, straight-edged molding that provides a clean look
• Rosette corners: Decorative blocks used at the corners of casings for an ornamental touch

Picture Rail

You can install picture rail molding high on the wall and use it to hang pictures without damaging the wall. 

• Decorative picture rail: Features detailed profiles to match traditional architectural styles
• Integrated picture rail: Combined with other moldings for a cohesive, stylish look
• Simple picture rail: A plain, functional molding for practical use

Molding Cost by Trim Type

Quarter-round and shoe molding are some of the more affordable styles of interior molding, but a larger budget will give you the freedom to choose more ornate and complex designs.

Molding Materials

When choosing the materials for your molding, consider appearance, resistance to wear and tear, and cost. Here are some standard options.

Wood Molding

Wood is a classic choice for molding and offers a beautiful, natural look. It’s suitable for both traditional and modern interiors.

• Clear hardwood: Expensive but ideal for staining and varnishing
• Clear pine: Less expensive than hardwood and can be painted or stained
• Finger-jointed pine: Made from shorter pieces of wood linked together and is primed and ready for paint

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)

MDF molding is an affordable option that comes primed and ready for paint. It’s popular with homeowners looking for an inexpensive material that still offers a smooth, quality finish.

• Consistent texture: No knots or grain patterns to work around
• Easy to paint: Holds paint well and provides a smooth finish
• Moisture-resistant options: Available in areas prone to humidity

Polymer Molding

Polymer molding is versatile and comes in painted and wood-grain finishes. This material can also withstand wear and tear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.

• Moisture-resistant: Ideal for bathrooms and other high-humidity areas
• Pre-finished options: Can be installed without additional finishing
• Stainable varieties: Allow for customization to match existing woodwork

Composite Molding

Composite molding combines wood fibers and synthetic materials to create a rugged and long-lasting product. This molding can resist warping, cracking, and rotting.

• Durable construction: Resists environmental damage and pests
• Eco-friendly: Often made from recycled materials, contributing to sustainability efforts
• Versatile appearance: Can mimic the look of wood or be painted in any color

Molding Materials Cost

Composite materials are inexpensive and resistant to wear and tear, but homeowners may prefer premium woods and other more expensive materials if they want to match a certain style in their home.

Choose the Right Molding for Your Space

There are many factors to consider when choosing trim molding for different rooms in your home, including the room style, ceiling height, and budget.

Room Style and Architecture

The right molding can improve both the appearance and structural integrity of your space and should complement the overall style of your home. For modern homes, go with simple, clean lines with minimal profiles. Ornate crown molding and wide baseboards are good options for traditional homes, while transitional spaces tend to feature a mix of traditional and contemporary molding styles.

Ceiling Height

The size of your molding should be proportional to the room’s dimensions to create a balanced and harmonious appearance.

• High ceilings (9 feet or more): Opt for larger, more substantial crown molding.
• Low ceilings (8 feet or less): Choose smaller crown molding profiles.
• Vaulted or cathedral ceilings: Consider using multiple molding pieces for a custom look.

Existing Trim

When adding new molding, coordinate it with the existing features of your home for a more unified and cohesive design. Use the same material throughout your home for a cohesive look, and choose molding that complements existing door and window casings. For transitional areas, consider how different molding styles will meet at doorways or between rooms before deciding on a molding type.

Budget

In general, more ornate or decorative trimming will cost more, and the more trimming material you need, the more you’ll pay. Balance cost and quality to get the best results for your budget.

• Economical choices: Polymer and composite materials for affordable, yet stylish solutions
• Mid-range options: Pine and MDF for quality on a budget
• Premium materials: Hardwood and custom designs for high-end projects

Installing and Caring for Interior Molding

Once you’ve selected the molding for your space, you can install it on your own or hire a professional to help.

Tools for Installation

If you’ve decided to take on this project yourself, you’ll need a miter saw for making precise angle cuts, a coping saw for creating tight corners, and a nail gun to speed up the installation process. When using the equipment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear the appropriate safety gear, including safety goggles and gloves.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

While do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can save you money, professional installation ensures precision and quality, especially for more complex projects or molding types. If you don’t have the tools or time to complete your interior molding installation, consider hiring a professional contractor for assistance.

Finishing Touches

Pay close attention to detail when adding finishing touches for a refined and professional look. Fill gaps between the molding and wall with caulk for a seamless appearance. Before painting or staining, smooth any rough spots or imperfections. When you’re ready to paint, choose a paint color or stain finish that complements your room’s decor.

Maintenance and Care

Follow the tips below to keep your molding looking as good as the day of installation. 

• Clean and dust molding regularly to prevent buildup.
• Keep extra paint around to touch up wear and tear as needed.
• Periodically inspect for damage or signs of moisture, and address those issues promptly.

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