The word “trim” refers to almost every applied decorative element you can think of, including baseboard, door and window casings, chair rail, picture rail, crown moulding, pediments, pilasters, columns, ceiling medallions, corbels, spandrels, mantels, and fireplace surrounds.
Some trim is simply flat boards—1 x 2 battens, for instance. But much of what we think of as trim is moulding, in which a shape—a profile—is carved into the surface of a flat board. There are literally hundreds of profiles to choose from, although you may find only the most popular ones in stock at your local supplier.
Trim and mouldings are generally divided into categories according to where they appear on the wall (although some pieces can serve a dual purpose, such as a baseboard that is used as a door casing). Often different kinds of trim are combined to create a built-up moulding, particularly a crown.
Baseboard covers the intersection between the floor and wall and protects the bottom of the wall from such things as a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner. The profile of the baseboard is generally deeper (wider) at the bottom than at the top. Except in unique situations, baseboard is found in most homes.
Base shoe is a quarter-round trim. Its two flat sides form a 90-degree angle that fits against the floor and the baseboard; its third side is rounded. In profile, it looks like a quarter circle.
 Base shoe elaborates the baseboard slightly but also serves to cover any gap between the baseboard and flooring material.
Ceiling moulding (also called cornice or crown moulding) covers the intersection between the wall and ceiling. Flat- backed types are applied at the top of the wall, butting against the ceiling.
Crown moulding, which is a sprung moulding, crosses the intersection at an angle so its back is in three parts—a broad, flat central area and angled edges.
 Door and window casings create a frame around the door or window opening and hide the gap between the jamb and the adjacent wall. The outside edge of the casings is usually flat, to provide surface for horizontal trim—such as a chair rail—to butt into cleanly.
Wall paneling can cover an entire wall or a portion of it. It can be made using frames, panels, bead board, tongue-and-groove boards, or plywood and battens, depending on the style you wish to achieve.
Generally, if the paneling doesn’t cover the entire wall, it is called wainscot and runs either one-third or two-thirds of the way up the wall.
Cap molding and back band have rabbeted edges that fit over the top of wall paneling or the outside of flat casing.
Chair rail is applied approximately 36 inches from the floor. It functions to protect walls from the backs of chairs, but it is also used as a division between paint and wallpaper or two different colors of paint, or simply to create a visual break in the wall.
Picture moulding has a rounded top edge to accommodate hooks. It is positioned high on the wall so artwork can hang from it rather than from picture hooks nailed into the wall.
 Decorating With Interior Trim
How to plan, design, and install trim elements—door and window casings, crown moluding, base trim, etc., to dramatically transform any room’s decor, adding character, warmth, and dimension.
Copyright Sunset Publishing Corporation
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