Types of Architectural Molding

Architectural molding is a chic addition to any home’s interior design. Moldings can be practical or decorative, depending on placement, and the molding’s profile can help enhance your room’s aesthetic. Some moldings may give your room an understated elegance, while others might work to enhance historical charm. There is great value in knowing the different types of architectural molding as it allows you to ensure that your room’s furnishings complement the existing moldings, or vice versa.

The type of molding is dependent on two factors: where the molding is placed and the molding’s profile, or design. All molding will have a name for where it is placed, as well as the type of profile being used. Both of these factors will influence how your architectural molding fits into your room’s style.

Molding Placement

There are four main places that you might find existing molding, or incorporate new architectural molding. Some have functional purposes, and others are purely decorative.

Crown Molding – Crown molding is found where the wall meets the ceiling. This type of architectural molding is generally used solely for decoration, but it can also hide any slight imperfections that might lurk around the top edges of your room.
Base Molding – Base molding is found where your wall meets the floor. Also capable of hiding imperfections, this type of molding helps set the aesthetic for the room.
Chair Rail Molding – This type of architectural molding is typically placed where any chairs might rub against the wall. Its practical function is to avoid chair scuffs on the wall, but it can also add a touch of elegance to your room. You don’t have to use the molding for its functional purpose, as it is a common decorative element as well.
Shoe Molding – Shoe molding is meant to prevent walls from being scuffed by shoes. It is a complement to your base molding, adding a bit more protection at the base of your room.

Decorative Profile

Your architectural molding profile can hint at a certain architectural era to keep historical consistency, or you can simply choose a design that matches your furnishings. If you have existing moldings, you can look to the profile to help you with your decorating scheme. There are a large number of profile shapes, but this list includes profiles that are most commonly used.

Cavetto – Cavetto moldings have concave, semi-circle profiles where the top half hangs over the bottom.
Cyma – This architectural molding combines the convex Cavetto and the concave Ovolo styles. When the top half is concave, the style is known as Cyma Recta. When the concave part is on the bottom, it is called Cyma Reversa.
Dentil – Dentil molding is common in Georgian, Early Classic Revival, and Federal style homes. The style is a simple, thin band with evenly spaced rectangles that jut out below the cornice.
Egg-and-Dart – Passed down from Greek architecture, Egg-and Dart moldings use a repeating motif of alternating egg shapes and V shapes.
Ovolo – Ovolo architectural molding is simple in itself, but it can be ornamented with other decorative styles. It is a concave, quarter-round molding.
Scotia – Scotia moldings are concave, with a lower portion that juts out past the top.
Torus – Semi-circular and concave, this molding can be combined with other style elements to enhance the design.