An Overview of Decorative Wood Trims You Can Carve

Trim, in any medium, is a type of adornment. We see it on
clothes, cars, and—as we focus on here—in your home. Whether it’s subtle or
ornate, trim can enhance a building’s interior in a simple yet effective way.
It’s easy to overlook, but Better Homes & Gardens states that calling
attention to the trim can pull a room together, so it's worth investing in the
right one and for the extra touch consider using a carved trim. There are a few
different types of this kind of decorative moulding, and we provide a brief
overview of the basics.

Baseboard

Baseboard is found where the floor meets the wall. While
usually averaging between 3 and 5 inches tall, the size can vary according to
taste. This trim is all practicality, put in place both to hide gaps and
protect the wall from doors and furniture. While you can get customized
baseboard, it will likely absorb more damage than other options and therefor it
is not really a suitable location for carved embellishment.

Casing

Casing acts as a sealant for door or window frames. It lines
the perimeter of these frames and closes the gap between them and the door or
window. The size of this type of trim depends, of course, on the size of the
gap. Casing usually comes in three pieces to ensure a perfect fit. The separate
pieces are useful for anyone who wants a high-quality decorative wood trim.
Casing is an excellent opportunity for adding carved moulding. Pilasters for
verticals, oftentimes with simple themes such as fluting while Friezes can be
used on the length above the door. For simpler looks, uncarved casing mouldings
can make use of keystones and carved corner blocks. These are particularly
useful in that they remove the need for tricky miter cuts. Heartwood Carving
offers a variety of styles and sizes to suit most any taste.

Chair Rail

Generally placed 32 to 36 inches above the ground, this
moulding was designed for its functionality. It was initially created to
protect the wall from, as you may guess, the backs of chairs. This can be an
incredibly creative location to dress up a room. It can be used as a means to
play with proportion or as a way to break up two different wall colors. Carved
chair rail generally features a protruding portion that serves to absorb the
damage created by furniture and a lower carved portion in the profile.

Crown

Crown moulding is one of the most pleasing locations to make
use of carved ornamentation. It is, however, one of the more difficult types of
trim when it comes to installation due to its angle. This type of trim is what
allows a smooth transition between the ceiling and the wall. Crown moulding is
completely optional and is used for purely aesthetic purposes. You can combine
a simple profiled crown with a lower carved Frieze moulding to add an elegant
look to a room. These are particularly attractive in rooms with higher
ceilings.

Picture Rail

These were used in older homes to display artwork, as walls
were often made of plaster. Today, however, picture rails are an excellent
option for anyone who doesn’t want to mark up their walls with nails or tacks.
Due to their function, the moulding itself is generally not very tall and it’s
usually placed at least seven feet off the floor. It can be ornamented in the
same way as Chair Rail, usually a small strip of carving within the profile.

Interior trim is a simple yet effective way to enhance the
look of any room. Here at Heartwood Carving, we provide the different types of
trim that support decorative carving.