When starting a home renovation, most often the ceiling and walls are painted, plastered, wallpapered or decorative panels are used. But if at the end of the work you do not have enough zest, feel free to use wall moldings. Such an architectural solution will help create a work of art on the ceiling or wall surface of the room. Haven’t come across the concept of “molding” yet and don’t even have an idea how to work with it? Then this article is for you.
What is molding?
Moldings are overhead parts in the form of a decorative strip. Used to decorate walls. The surface with such a plinth looks spectacular and gives the room a special look. There are such types of moldings:
- carved;
- flat;
- convex;
- with many small details.
The length of the molding does not exceed two meters, but the width and shape are different. Often an architectural element is used in rooms with a low ceiling, as it visually enlarges the space. Also, decorative wall molding will mask and eliminate the shortcomings made during the finishing process.
Defect elimination is not the main function of the molding. The main task is to decorate the walls. Using a decorative element will help create a unique design not only under the ceiling, but also on the ceiling surface itself.
Before using moldings, think carefully and weigh everything, as each individual room in the house has its own characteristics and functionality. Please note that:
- For rooms with low ceilings, thin and delicate moldings are suitable, which are selected based on the color scheme of not only the room, but also the ceiling.
- The size of the room matters. For a large room, it is better to opt for large and massive elements, and for a small room, choose elegant stripes.
- The interior of the room is important when choosing moldings. Everything should look harmonious and be combined with each other.
The use of molding on the walls in the interior makes it possible to turn on fantasy, experiment, pick up something interesting and unusual. By choosing the type of molding for the style of the interior and the color scheme of the room, create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere for a good time.
Materials used in the production of products
Molding is a decorative element used to finish the interior surfaces of an apartment or house. This is an additional design for decorating doors, walls, and ceilings. Properly selected molding will emphasize the beauty and comfort of the room. For more than 5 years, the use of wall moldings has remained the samepopular. What are these decorative elements made of? They are different:
- wood molding;
- gypsum;
- marble;
- plastic;
- foam molding;
- polyurethane.
All options differ in strength, shape and price. When buying a molding, pay attention to their pros and cons. The further operation of the premises and the convenience of arranging furniture in the room depend on this. Below is a photo of the molding on the walls in the interior of the living room, perfectly emphasizing the texture of the design finish.
Advantages and disadvantages of materials
All materials used to make moldings have advantages and disadvantages. The further service life of the product in a room of one type or another depends on the choice of the type of product, because the microclimate of the room has a different effect on each type of material used for the manufacture of skirting boards.
Wooden products
Wooden moldings are used as decorative elements and as surface protection from mechanical stress. For a wooden house, it is better to choose massive wood moldings, and thin ones are used as frames for pictures or mirrors. Unlike other materials, wood is characterized by the following advantages:
- easy to process and paint;
- strong and reliable;
- with good care lasts for many years;
- sticks well.
Minus wooden products - a lot of weight. Therefore, the masters recommendstrengthen structures with self-tapping screws. Wood is characterized by rotting, absorption of moisture. Therefore, from time to time, disinfect the tree species with antiseptic solutions. In addition, such molding is expensive.
Foam products
Styrofoam, unlike wood, is moisture resistant and lightweight. It is easy to mount the foam molding even on uneven surfaces, as it bends beautifully. But, unfortunately, there is a significant minus, and this is fragility. Styrofoam is difficult to paint and putty. When caring for such a molding, choose gentle detergents, varnishes and paints.
Polystyrene products
When decorating the walls with polystyrene moldings, it is important to note that they have a rough surface, but, despite this, they are well painted. Light weight facilitates installation of the structure. Polystyrene molding is much cheaper than wood and will pass for a budget option. Such a product will last up to 10 years or until you decide to start repairs again.
Gypsum
If you want to see beautiful shapes and reliefs in the house, then gypsum molding will suit you. Gypsum plinth differs from other materials in that the product can only be glued with a special gypsum composition. Good and, most importantly, proper care will ensure the durability of the product. Some disadvantages of gypsum moldings:
- when mounting the plinth, the main thing is not to drop the product, because the material is fragile;
- bands are expensive;
- for installation, ask for help from the masters, and this is a servicepaid;
- gypsum molding heavy;
- does not tolerate moisture.
Use gypsum molding for walls in expensive interiors.
Other varieties
Metal, plastic and rubber moldings are often found in stores. They are sold in the form of rails or metal corners. Rubber and plastic are self-adhesive.
Moldings in the interior of the living room
The decor of the walls with moldings in the guest room has some features. In order to achieve the desired result in the future, first draw an approximate drawing, considering the details and nuances of the product. There are five main options for using moldings in the guest room:
- Install as a plinth. If the product is in the color of the ceiling, then this will increase the space. For such purposes, in 90% of cases, self-adhesive moldings are chosen.
- The ceiling is often decorated with planks, the width of which directly depends on how high the ceiling is. The higher it is, the wider the baseboard.
- Stucco molding is used to decorate the room, this will allow you to make patterns on the ceiling, while embodying fantasy.
- In houses with high ceilings, to hide such a significant size, another strip of skirting boards is glued along the surface of the walls.
- With wall decor, the situation is simpler. The walls are divided into several sectors, decorated with molding patterns, paintings or mirrors.
There are plenty of opportunities to decorate the living room, transform it, give it freshness or restraint,And this is thanks to the plinths. In the photo below - moldings on the walls in the interior, dividing the room into zones and emphasizing the bar.
Polyurethane moldings in the interior
Polyurethane product is a bright decoration for the interior. It emphasizes the sophistication and expressiveness of the situation. Polyurethane molding for walls in the interior has been used recently. This is a great way to bring paint to walls and ceilings to life. Stucco polyurethane moldings frame interior details, it is installed near doors and windows, and is also used to decorate lamps. If several colors are used in a room, their joints are indicated by moldings. Thanks to the flexibility of wall moldings, it is very convenient to cover up defects and flaws.
How to install products?
Before proceeding with the installation of the molding, leave the product for some time in the room where the installation will be directly carried out. Read the instructions and remember the rules on how to glue the moldings on the wall correctly. Prepare the necessary tools and materials:
- glue gun;
- putty;
- carpentry fixture - miter box for cutting moldings;
- sandpaper;
- saw;
- finishing nails;
- tape measure, pencil, sponge.
To begin with, it is better to start preparing the walls, clean the surface of dirt, make sure that it is even, and only then proceed with installation:
- Bring the molding towall and make markings.
- Next, use the miter box to cut oblique slices.
- We start gluing from the corner, while wetting the wall with water.
- Apply glue evenly to the molding and apply to the surface.
- Cut off the remaining glue with a sharp knife, process the joints of the molding with putty.
Finishing walls with moldings is not easy, but quite interesting. You can create a real masterpiece with your own hands.
Installation technology: five important nuances
When mounting the molding, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances associated with the installation technology:
- The first thing you should pay attention to is the glue. Since there is no universal remedy for all types of moldings, they are all attached in different ways. Wooden elements, in addition to glue, are also fixed with self-tapping screws. Gypsum decorative moldings for walls are fixed using a gypsum composition. Liquid nails are used to install polyurethane moldings, silicone is better for metal, rubber and plastic.
- It is better not to glue the molding without marking, as the result may be disappointing. This is especially true for flexible moldings.
- Do oblique cuts carefully. Even if the joints are covered with putty, it will look unaesthetic.
- If you chose stucco, foam products or baguettes for decoration, then it is better to glue them before painting the walls and gluing the wallpaper.
- Before you glue the moldings, clean the wall of dust, otherwise they will not stick well.
If you think that the installation of products is beyond your power, it is better to seek help frommaster. Quality work is the key to long-term operation.
Where can the products be used?
Moldings on the walls in the interior - this is not the only place where they are used. There are many options for using moldings, consider the main ones:
- Frames for windows and doors. Choose moldings based on what materials were used to make window frames and doors. For example, if the windows are plastic, then the moldings are selected from the same material.
- Use as decorative items. Moldings are suitable for decorating lamps, you can decorate a fireplace or make a frame for family photos on the wall.
- If the apartment has high ceilings and you don't like it, frame the panels on the walls with moldings.
Using skirting boards, turn on all your imagination, create a work of art in your home.
What do the products match?
In interior solutions, all elements must be combined with each other and create a coherent composition. Since there are many different styles, it is very difficult to make the right choice. But still there is a way out, and it is called molding. Below is a photo of the design of the wall molding. This solution is suitable for any design. You just need to be able to correctly combine skirting boards with other decorative elements.
Whether you're wallpapering the walls or painting surfaces, moldings always match the color scheme of the room. For example, vinyl wallpaper with a delicate pattern will be combined with whiteskirting boards. When wallpapers of different colors are used, the wall is divided into sections, focusing on the main shade.
Decorative plaster is also combined with moldings. If the walls are already painted or wallpapered, and you decide to use baguettes as well, there is nothing to worry about. Some types of moldings are painted in the desired color.
How to achieve harmony in the interior
Walls with moldings will help to give the interior aesthetics and harmony. It is easier for owners of private houses to plan housing and choose a design than residents of high-rise buildings. This applies to citizens living in monotonous old houses. Of course, each person wants to make the nest cozy, to create an individual, unlike others, interior. This is possible thanks to new design solutions.
Narrow molding is suitable for small rooms, vertical pilasters will visually stretch the walls. With high ceilings, it is better to refuse vertical lines, moldings should be placed horizontally, and multi-tiered structures and decorative inserts should also be used.
Classic style is emphasized by columns or ornamental gold ribbon.
If finances do not allow purchasing moldings made of natural wood, they are replaced with materials with wooden, plaster or metal imitation.
Let's say with confidence that molding is a tool for changing and decorating the interior of a house or apartment. With proper handling, such a simple decor element is capable ofrealize any of your architectural desires. You can transform the room, give it elegance, create your own light, stylish and respectable interior for a long time.
