Identify and select architectural trim profiles for baseboards, crown molding, and casings. Helps match existing trim or choose new styles.
Baseboard
Flat or profiled board at floor/wall junction
Typical Height: 3-8 inches
Purpose: Covers gap between floor and wall, protects wall from kicks and furniture
Styles: Simple flat, colonial, modern square-edge
Base Cap
Decorative molding applied to top edge of baseboard
Profile: Usually rounded or beveled
Use: Adds elegance to plain baseboard, period-appropriate detailing
Base Shoe / Quarter Round
Small rounded trim at baseboard bottom
Size: Typically 3/4" x 3/4"
Purpose: Covers expansion gap between baseboard and floor, accommodates uneven floors
Crown Molding
Angled trim at ceiling/wall junction
Profile: Complex curved or stepped profile
Installation: Requires compound miter cuts at corners
Sizes: 2" to 12"+ projection from wall
Style Note: Larger crowns suggest more formal, traditional spaces
Cove Molding
Concave curved molding, simpler than crown
Profile: Simple quarter-circle or ellipse curve
Use: Budget-friendly alternative to crown, cleaner modern look
Bed Molding
Similar to crown but typically smaller
Traditional Use: Under eaves on exterior, or as cornice detail
Casing (Plain)
Simple flat or slightly profiled trim around openings
Width: Typically 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"
Styles: Ranch (flat), Colonial (profiled edge), Craftsman (square)
Fluted Casing
Vertical grooves (flutes) along face
Style Period: Classical, Greek Revival, Victorian
Visual Effect: Adds depth and architectural interest
Matching: Essential for historic restoration projects
Backband
Additional trim on outer edge of casing
Purpose: Creates layered, dimensional look; transitions to different wall materials
Chair Rail
Horizontal trim 32-36 inches from floor
Original Purpose: Protect plaster walls from chair backs
Modern Use: Visual break, separates paint colors or wallpaper
Profiles: Ranges from simple cap to complex molded shapes
Picture Rail
Horizontal molding near ceiling (typically 8-12" below)
Original Purpose: Hanging artwork without nailing into walls
Profile: Usually includes a groove or lip for hooks
Period: Victorian, Arts & Crafts era
Panel Mould
Decorative trim creating raised panel effect
Application: Applied to flat wall to simulate traditional paneling
Patterns: Rectangles, squares, or custom geometric designs
Cap Rail
Top trim piece for wainscoting
Function: Finished edge, protects top of panels
Height: Typically installed at 32-36" (chair rail height)
Stile
Vertical frame piece in panel systems
Use: Creates divisions between raised or flat panels
Rake Mould
Trim along sloped roof edge (gable end)
Location: Exterior, follows roof pitch
Purpose: Weather protection, architectural detailing
Dentil Molding
Decorative blocks resembling teeth
Style: Classical Greek/Roman architecture
Use: Crown molding detail, cornice embellishment
Egg & Dart
Alternating oval and arrow pattern
Style: Highly ornate, classical architecture
Use: Crown molding, door headers in formal spaces
Bead Molding
Rounded convex profile
Use: Accent detail, edge treatment, panel borders
Variations: Single bead, double bead, beaded casing
This comprehensive trim molding profile identifier helps DIYers, carpenters, and homeowners recognize and select the right molding types for their projects. Whether you're restoring a historic home, matching existing trim, or designing new interior spaces, understanding molding profiles is essential for achieving professional-looking results that complement your home's architectural style.
Trim molding serves both functional and decorative purposes in home construction. Baseboards protect walls from kicks and furniture, crown molding creates elegant ceiling transitions, and casings frame doors and windows while covering gaps between jambs and walls. This guide covers all major molding categories including base moldings, crown and ceiling treatments, door and window casings, chair rails, wainscoting elements, and specialty architectural trim like dentil molding.
Choosing the right molding profiles involves considering your home's age, architectural style, room proportions, and ceiling heights. This reference provides the information you need to make informed decisions and achieve cohesive, period-appropriate results throughout your home.
Selecting the right trim molding profiles ensures your finish carpentry looks professional and matches your home's character. This guide helps you work confidently with any style of trim.