Friday, July 29, 2011

Interior Trim Series: Walls with Sizzle

By Tina Gleisner


Wall trim refers to numerous types of decorative molding which are used to produce ornamental patterns on walls and thus adorn them. Molding can be utilized individually and are frequently put together to turn out pretty and intricate patterns.

Conventional wood trim moldings can be painted or stained. Ceiling embellishments and ornate designs are often made of plaster. Recently though, new foam moldings have been on the market. While they may be as costly as wood moldings, they are effortlessly installed. The foam is shaped using whittled wood trim. The foam moldings can be painted to look like real wood from afar.

Specially Designed Wall Treatments

These are the most frequently used types of wall trim in American homes today. It is both fun and challenging to compose the design you want, just as ten women with the same outfit can each appear unique by accessorizing and wearing different shoes.

Just be clear in your mind that the visual weight of your trim is proportionate with the room size and is in harmony with your home's overall concept. A very intricate decor in one room will be incoherent with the total home design if there is no decorative trim in other areas.

Do-it-yourself home owners should choose their design and materials meticulously. Any pattern that has been started has to be completed definitely. It is advisable for the inexperienced home owner to hire a master carpenter or professional handyman to do more complex designs.

* Chair Rails- initially designed to protect walls from chair damage, are mounted 30 to 36 inches above the floor. They provide a horizontal design element that unifies a room.

* Plate or Picture Rails - are like chair rails but are installed higher on the wall, usually from 60 to 72 inches. There is a shelf with a shallow groove parallel to the front of the plate rail. The shelf holds the plates or framed photographs.

* Wainscoting - a range of items and moldings used to embellish the lower part of the wall. Paneling or bead board is preferred below a chair rail.

* Wall Frame Trim Work - is used to reduce wide walls into large, framed sections, depending on the size and shape of the room. Raised panels or framing can be used to achieve a variety of looks and patterns.

* Paneling Options -can be made of real or simulated wood. This is a popular choice of home owners who install the trim themselves. The sheets of paneling are mounted effortlessly with minimal cuts. Paneling comes in 4 by 8 ft sheets or boards that fit together. These are set up over concrete walls (as compared with wall framing with no drywall) to provide ample support and fire protection.

* Door Trim - is similar to wall framing. The trim is mounted on the flat panel door. Moderately priced homes are equipped with "slab" doors which can be decorated by adding trim, a cheaper alternative to replacing the doors.




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