Guide to Types of Wall Trim

Chair Rail

Chair rail is a horizontal piece of trim typically 3 to 4 feet above the floor that originally served the purpose of protecting walls from chairs. Today, chair rail is used more as a type of decorative element.

Where to Install: Dining rooms or any room that has a number of chairs.

Pros: Functional as well as attractive, chair rail is often combined with a lower section of wainscot to give the wall added protection.

Cons: Chair rail, like any other horizontal surface, attracts dust. Unfortunately, this is a highly visible surface that cannot be ignored, as it is just below eye level.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is found at the intersection of walls and ceilings. Crown molding is installed typically at a 45-degree angle, with hollow space behind it.

Where to Install: Mostly in living rooms, dining rooms, and other public rooms.

Pros: The drywall junction between the wall and ceiling does not need to be finely finished as the crown will cover it up. This is highly valuable for do-it-yourself homeowners who are not confident about their drywall mudding and sanding skills.

Cons: It is difficult to effectively cut tight, gap-free angles on crown molding. There is a significant learning curve associated with hanging smart-looking crown molding. This is one type of molding you may want to consider hiring a finish carpenter for.

Baseboards

Baseboards are the most common type of trim found in houses. Baseboards range from the very narrow type all the way up to 6 inch or higher wide baseboards found in many older houses.

Baseboards dress up a room and serve as a defining line at the bottom of the walls. However, baseboards also hide gaps between the bottoms of the walls and the flooring.

Where to Install: Every room of the house will generally have baseboards.

Pros: Baseboards, when tightly installed against a floor (especially when quarter-round is added, as shown here), keep drafts out of the house.

Cons: Baseboards may eventually develop gaps near the floor. Repositioning the quarter-round, shoe molding, or the baseboard itself can cure this problem.

Picture Frame Wall Molding

Wall picture frame molding is not common. You may see wall frame molding in houses that are striving for a very formal, English look. It is a purely decorative wall element. The most common use is when you find four pieces of molding assembled to create the look of a picture frame. 

The molding can be painted a different color from the wall, but if it is painted the same color as the wall, shadow effects are pronounced.

Where to Install: Mostly in the formal public rooms, such as dining or living rooms.

Pros: This is a unique look that few homes have. Plus, it is very easy to build. Adding picture frame wall molding is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a room look more elegant.

Cons: This molding entirely fits into the category of "nice to look at but completely non-functional." Improved aesthetics will be your only gain with this one.

Picture Rail

Picture rail is similar to chair rail in that it is placed horizontally around the perimeter of the room. However, it is installed much higher on the wall and has a different profile than chair rail. Less common than other types of trim, picture rail traditionally served the function of holding the hooks for hanging pictures with wire.

Where to Install: Living and dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways

Pros: Functionally, picture rail will allow you to move pictures in and out of rooms with ease. Aesthetically, it can help break up the monotony of rooms with very tall ceilings.

Cons: Due to its higher position, it can interfere with windows.