Many years ago, designers from different countries used moldings in the decoration of living quarters and for furniture decoration. Since then, this element has been either in demand or forgotten. Today, decorative molding has again burst into designer fashion. Therefore, we invite you to find out in more detail what kind of material it is, what it is made of and how to use it in the interior.
What is molding?
Molding is a decorative element that looks like an overhead volume plank made of various materials. Usually its length starts from two meters. The width of the molding can be completely different - from one to more than ten centimeters.
In the context, this decorative element can also be different: flat, convex, carved, curved, with many small additional details, and so on.
Types of molding according to the material of manufacture
Ontoday, decorative molding, depending on the material of manufacture, may be of the following form:
- Styrofoam. This is the cheapest and most common type of decorative elements. They are very light and highly resistant to moisture. There is also a very large variety in appearance. In work, foam molding also does not cause difficulties. The only disadvantage of the material is that it is quite easy to ruin it.
- Polyurethane. Such a molding is lighter than gypsum, but stronger than foam. At the same time, it is also quite budgetary and is represented by a wide range. There is even a flexible polyurethane molding that allows you to create any shape of finish.
- Wooden. This is an environmentally friendly, but expensive type of molding. It has a beautiful decorative appearance, a hard surface, but it is not resistant to moisture.
- Marble, plaster and metal. These species are not widely distributed as they are quite expensive, heavy and difficult to work with. Basically, these types of moldings are used to create interiors and facades of houses in a historical style, where new technologies are inappropriate.
Foam and polyurethane moldings are the most in demand and have a lot of positive feedback. Consumers note that, in addition to a good price, they have a wide range. You can choose a suitable surface that has already been processed or decorate it at home on your own. This is not very difficult to do, so you can not resort to the help of builders.
Molding is in special demanddecorative self-adhesive. Many say it is easy to use and does not require special knowledge and skills. Self-adhesive molding has the appearance of a border, and it is made of rubber or plastic. Most often used in the bathroom to mask the joint between the tub and the wall.
Where can moldings be used?
Decorative molding in the interior is used for:
- breaking walls into separate sections;
- masking defects and finish errors;
- masking joints between wallpaper, wall and ceiling, wall and door frame;
- creating eye-catching objects;
- protect walls from unexpected damage;
- creating frames around small windows to make them look larger;
- creating cornices and various decorations on the ceiling;
- making furniture look interesting;
- creating unusual baseboards, as well as doors and arches.
Depending on the application, there are decorative moldings for furniture, walls and ceilings.
Ceiling molding
This molding is different types of stucco moldings and skirting boards. With their help, you can not only make an interesting ceiling decor, but also mask irregularities and defects in the finish. For finishing, products made of foam or polyurethane are most often used.
Ceiling moldings can have different shapes and widths - from flat to convex and embossed, from narrow to very wide. You can paint them to match the color of the ceilingor give them a completely different shade.
Wall moldings
This type of molding has a fairly wide range of applications. They are used not only for various wall decor, but also as a surface around doorways, arches and windows. There are a huge number of options for wall elements: narrow and wide, even and convex, smooth and embossed. Decorative wall molding is selected based on the size and style of the room, as well as the shape and color of the plinth.
The most commonly used planks are foam and polyurethane. With their help, various zones on the wall are usually distinguished, which are then glued with bright wallpaper or painted in a different color. That is, with the help of decorative moldings, frames are created for bright accents in the interior.
There is also a special kind of trim that resembles columns. They are quite wide and embossed. The top and bottom parts have a special decorative look. With their help, you can not only complete the interior in a classic style, but also mask serious coating defects.
Foam or polyurethane door and arch moldings are a more budget-friendly alternative to wood architraves. They can be the usual rectangular or oval and even curly. You can also make them in completely different colors.
Molding for windows is most often used in white. With it, you can visually enlarge small windows and mask the joints between the slopes and the wall.
Furniture Moldings
Decorative furniture molding is used to decorate various carpentry products. It comes in three types: smooth, textured, metallized. The latter helps to create an imitation of furniture, entirely or partially made of metal.
With the help of furniture molding, you can update old carpentry and create designer interior items without much material cost.
Features of mounting moldings, recommendations and reviews
Since the main function of the molding is the decoration of the room and interior items, when installing it, you need to work very carefully so as not to damage the surface of the plank and not leave any marks on it.
Decorative elements are most often attached with a special silicone-based adhesive. Many note that with its help it is very easy to install not only foam and polyurethane moldings, but also metal ones on a flat surface. On porous walls or ceilings, decorative panels are attached using liquid nails.
To make the whole process easy and the end result amazing, it is important to consider their appearance when installing moldings. Flat panels are much easier to work with. Just cut the corners where needed and carefully glue them on.
When your panels have a figured look, you must first make the markup. To do this, attach the molding to the appropriate place and carefully circle it with a thin pencil line. Then glue the decorativeelements clearly along the contour.
If we analyze the reviews of those who used moldings in their interior, it turns out that:
- The most popular planks are foam and polyurethane;
- for a budget price, you can easily create an interesting design, emphasize the advantages and hide the flaws of the surface;
- If you work carefully, you can easily manage on your own.
Choose the right option and decorate your home as you like!
