Along with installing different types of molding, it’s easy to customize wall trim to complement your home by changing its color. White trim is a striking accent against a field of dark-colored walls, bringing a formal, traditional look to these rooms. On the other hand, dark trim can be used to create a bold, eye-catching contrast against light walls. Here, discover five common types of wall trim and their characteristics to upgrade your space. Functional as well as attractive, chair rail is often combined with a lower section of wainscoting to give the wall added protection. Together, these elements are an excellent place to contrast molding with wall paint for a classic look. Hardwood and polyurethane options provide the most durability—but regardless of material, homeowners should note that chair rails tend to collect dust. Since this trim is at eye level, it may require more regular cleanings than baseboards or crown molding. When installed properly, crown molding is a durable trim that should be moisture-resistant and last for decades. Do-it-yourself homeowners can save time on perfecting the drywall mudding along their ceiling by covering it with crown molding, but it can be difficult to cut tight, gap-free angles for installation. Hiring a finish carpenter may be beneficial to achieve attractive results without imperfections. Crown molding costs about $2-3 per foot to purchase, which can increase to $8-10 per foot when hiring a carpenter. When tightly installed against a floor (especially when quarter-round is added), baseboards keep drafts out of the house. However, they may eventually develop gaps near the floor. Repositioning the quarter-round, shoe molding, or the baseboard itself can cure this problem for handy homeowners. The molding can be painted a different color than the wall for a pop of contrast or in the same color to add texture and depth to the space. 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. 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. Due to its higher position, it can interfere with windows, so homeowners should take care to measure the space above each window before installation. It’s also beneficial to determine whether you can install your trim yourself. In many cases, it’s helpful to hire a finishing carpenter to handle the job for tighter seams and a professional-looking result. Remember to save room in your budget for labor when picking out trim if you plan to hire a pro. Trim installation in new homes typically costs between $410 and $660. Removing your home’s current trim on your own first may even save you up to $150.
