Moulding & Millwork

Bring Rooms to Life With Moulding, Wall Panels and More

Moulding elements and wall panels can significantly impact a room’s look and feel. There are different moulding options and several areas where you can apply them, from walls and ceilings to floorboards. There are also plenty of color and style options to choose from, including classic white trim, faux wood beams, beadboard wall panels and more. If you’re thinking of taking on a DIY crown moulding project or adding another type of trim in your home but aren’t sure where to start, we’ll help break down the most popular types and where to use them. If you plan to put moulding in more than one room, consider getting a pro pack that contains multiple pieces of moulding in different lengths to meet your needs.

Types of Moulding

Décor moulding comes in four main types, all of which install in generally the same way. For a low-maintenance option, consider architectural moulding. It’s made from material that can be handled like wood, but it’s lighter and doesn’t warp, rot or split. Decorative moulding hides imperfections where the corners of moulding join, especially if you use corner blocks. Prefinished moulding is a budget-friendly alternative to wood that comes in woodgrain patterns so you can still achieve the look you want. Because the finish is already applied, this type of moulding is ready to install right when you purchase it. The most common décor moulding used in homes is unfinished moulding made from pine or hardwood. It comes in many different profiles to fit different styles.

Moulding Styles and Applications

• Crown moulding creates charm and soft transitions where walls and ceilings meet. It’s typically used to create a classy look in a space, especially in areas where you might want a more dressed-up feel, such as dining rooms. But it can also transform living rooms, bedrooms, and even surfaces like the tops of cabinets, mantels and bookshelves. Crown moulding styles are plentiful, so you can choose a look that blends with your home’s interior, from modern designs to classic dentil moulding and more.

• Chair rail moulding, also known as wainscoting, is a functional and stylish type of moulding that offers protection from chairs hitting the wall in spaces like dining rooms. You can also use it as a purely decorative element in your home. Designed to be applied on the wall about 1/3 of the way up from the floor, it instantly makes a statement wherever it’s installed.

• Baseboard moulding is an essential for covering gaps between floorboards or carpeted edges and adjoining walls. Baseboard trim creates a smooth transition from wall to floor, similar to crown moulding for ceilings. Base shoe and base cap moulding can also be used, depending on your need. Decide if squared or notched baseboard coordinates best with your other moulding, and pick a size that makes sense for the size of your room.

• Tie everything together with door and window casing. Door trim and window trim casing options make it easy to frame features and turn them into focal points while also covering the gaps between drywall and framing.

• Picture frame moulding brings a layer of texture and dimension to your space. You can use it to create decorative accent walls, pair it with existing trim and more. Create the look you want with panel moulding or browse preassembled frames.

• Brick moulding is designed for exterior use. It creates a decorative trim around door jambs or windows on the outside of your home, closing the gap between the siding and frame.

• Lattice moulding is typically used outdoors to create privacy for patios and fences, but you can also use it for concealing joints or as a decorative touch in edges of interior corners.

• Other decorative trim, including details like corner blocks, plinths, rosettes, corbels, decorative wood brackets and finials, are all designed to add unique architectural touches to your home.

• Add visual interest to your home with decorative gable pediments. They come in different styles, finishes and sizes. You can also opt for knee braces and rafter tails to further elevate your curb appeal.

Moulding Materials

Moulding can be used in virtually any home, whether the aesthetic is classic, modern or craftsman. You should also consider what type of material you’d like to use. From different wood species, including poplar, pine and oak moulding, to PVC options, choosing the right one for your project makes all the difference. If you’re not sure which moulding will work best in your home, check out our Moulding Buying Guide. You can also use our Moulding Glossary as a quick reference guide to help you understand moulding terms you may not be familiar with.

No matter what kind of moulding or millwork project you’re working on, we’ve got all of the tools and materials you need to get the job done. You can buy online and pick up at your local Lowe’s for convenience. Looking to take on a moulding project yourself? Check out our step-by-step moulding installation guide to get help on how to install crown moulding, cut crown moulding for the perfect crown moulding angles and more.