| By definition, a molding is an ornamental piece of wood, | | | | the interior decoration of rooms. These were the rules |
| metal, or plaster, used to decorate or outline something. | | | | of "3". A column, the basis of classical architecture, is |
| It can be used on the interior or exterior of a home. | | | | divided into 3 parts: base, shaft and capital. The base |
| Moldings frame walls, ceilings, windows, and door | | | | and the capital were then further divided into 3 parts |
| openings. Examples of moldings used to decorate with | | | | and prescribed rules applied to the relationship and the |
| are baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails. Today, I | | | | proportion of these divisions as well. The same |
| want to talk exclusively about crown molding as a | | | | divisions that apply to a column are also applied to the |
| decorative architectural choice. | | | | wall. The wall is divided into the baseboard, the wall |
| Crown molding, also referred to as crown moulding, or | | | | and a crown molding. The lower wall can be further |
| cornice, is probably the most important architectural | | | | divided into the base, dado and chair rail. Finally, the |
| accent used to detail any interior space. Most interior | | | | upper wall is divided into the picture molding, frieze and |
| designers today would agree that every room can be | | | | crown molding. |
| improved with the use of crown molding. Crown | | | | When beginning any decorative project to include |
| molding smoothes the transition from the wall to the | | | | several types of molding, it is recommended that you |
| ceiling and does a wonderful job of defining the | | | | choose the style and size of crown molding first, as it |
| architectural style of a room. The size and style of | | | | is the most prominently displayed. Then select the rest |
| crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple | | | | of the moldings to match. Regarding the proper sizing |
| cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice | | | | of the crown molding, advice is abundant and many |
| in a grand entry. | | | | guidelines have been written. Most often the advice |
| The initial use of a cornice in building design is anyone's | | | | directs you to select the size of the crown molding |
| guess. By the time the ancient Greeks had gained | | | | based on the height of your ceiling. This may be a |
| power, rules had already been created to define the | | | | common approach to this aspect of the design |
| use and design of crown molding. Originally, it was | | | | process, though, as larger crown moldings have often |
| used as a structural element to help support the | | | | been used to impressively decorate rooms of more |
| weight of the roof. It also served to keep water away | | | | modest proportions. What IS important is to properly |
| from the building, thus protecting the lower walls and | | | | scale the casings and other moldings to the size of the |
| the foundation. However, the use of cornice as a | | | | crown molding that you wish to use. When choosing |
| decorative element was not considered any less | | | | crown molding for your interior, feel free to select the |
| important than it's more utilitarian functions. Most of the | | | | size and style that YOU like. Historically, larger crown |
| ornamental design patterns that you see on today's | | | | moldings were more frequently used than what is |
| crown molding originated from the ancient Greeks. Egg | | | | recommended today by many interior designers. |
| and dart, dentil and acanthus leaf are the most obvious | | | | Change is anticipated as the current architectural |
| examples and these were used extensively in ancient | | | | renaissance continues and more designers and |
| times by both the Greeks and the Romans. | | | | homeowners endeavor to add warmth to their homes |
| With the rebirth of the arts in the Renaissance period | | | | and to personalize their interiors. So have a go at it |
| came a renewed interest in classical architecture as | | | | and don't be intimidated . You are limited only by your |
| well. The rules of the classical orders were applied to | | | | imagination. |