Decorative molding has been a staple in homes throughout history, offering homeowners the opportunity to personalize their spaces and elevate their rooms. To spark creativity, we’ve curated twenty-six modern wall trim ideas that showcase the versatility of this design element. When it comes to understanding decorative molding on walls, it’s essential to know the different types available.
The most common styles include board-and-batten, chair rails, wainscoting, and picture frame molding, each serving a unique purpose in defining a room’s aesthetic. To decorate a wall trim effectively, one popular approach is to paint the trim a complementary color that harmonizes with the surrounding walls. This subtle yet impactful touch can significantly enhance the overall visual appeal of the space.
The trim that adorns walls typically consists of three distinct components: the baseboard, which sits at the bottom; crown molding, which tops the wall; and chair rails, which sit in the middle. Each type plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive design. For those looking to create an accent wall trim, the basic materials required are liquid nails, standard finishing nails, and various wall moldings – either flat or quarter round.
A hammer and miter box serve as essential tools for bringing these molding ideas to life.
Arched Casing
Casing refers to the decorative trim that fills the gaps between adjacent walls, creating a seamless visual flow across the room’s wall surfaces. This design element not only adds aesthetic appeal but also helps to conceal any imperfections or seams between panels. The image above illustrates this concept perfectly, showcasing how casing effectively covers the fireplace, bookcase, and doorway, thereby maintaining visual harmony throughout the space.
Add a Picture Rail Below Crown Molding
In many modern spaces, the picture rail is a distinctive element that adds visual interest and provides a subtle nod to the past. This slender decorative molding is situated just below the ceiling, where it forms a crisp white line that draws the eye upward. The term ‘picture rail’ originates from its historic purpose: serving as a clever way to display artwork without putting additional holes in the walls.
By incorporating this design element, the room gains a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Coffered Ceiling and Geometric Doors
This space showcases a variety of design elements that work harmoniously together. Notice the sliding pocket doors, which boast decorative molding on their panels. Moving inside, the crisp white baseboards provide a striking contrast against the rich slate blue wall color. The room’s ceiling is equally impressive, featuring a coffered design that adds depth and visual interest.
What sets this ceiling apart from a standard tray design is its angled pattern, giving it a modern and sophisticated twist.
Crown Molding Adds Sophistication
Crown molding is a distinctive architectural feature that adds visual interest to a room, particularly one with a high or recessed ceiling. This type of trim creates a sense of balance and harmony by bridging the gap between the wall and ceiling. By installing crown molding, homeowners can introduce subtle elegance and sophistication to their space, as seen in this example where the wide baseboard provides a striking contrast to the ornate molding above.
Modern Angular Molding
Achieve a visually striking accent wall with ease by following this simple process. Start by installing the straight pieces, then use another section as a template to fit in the angled joints. This clever technique yields a modern 3D paneling effect that adds depth and visual interest to any room.
Board-and-Batten Squares
Accent walls have the power to instantly revitalize a space. One simple yet impactful way to achieve this is by incorporating board and batten designs, such as the striking pattern featured in this living room. This cost-effective and speedy solution allows you to add depth and drama to a wall with ease.
Add Picture Frame Molding to Your Powder Room
Transforming your space into a sophisticated sanctuary can be achieved through a clever design element: picture frame wall molding. By creating the illusion of stacked picture frames, this architectural detail adds a touch of formality to any room. The showcased example features a chair rail running across the top, adding an extra layer of elegance.
With its versatility in accommodating various design styles, picture frame wall molding is an excellent choice for those seeking to elevate their interior aesthetic.
Create Unique Pattern with Trim
Incorporating a geometric molding design that wraps around an entire powder room wall can undoubtedly create a stunning ‘wow’ factor. While the installation process is similar to board-and-batten designs, the smaller scale of such rooms allows for bolder and more creative expression.
Modern Raised Panels
Boldly framing the space, raised panels painted in a rich, dark hue make a striking design statement. This unique aesthetic is achieved by setting the panels atop the wall and defining their edges with a subtle bevel, creating a sense of depth and visual interest.
Wainscoting in the Bathroom
In this instance, a wainscoting installation takes on a more subtle role, serving as a trim above the sink area. The painted finish is a soothing off-white hue that provides a calming contrast to the gentle pattern of the wallpaper. This harmonious combination creates a visually appealing space where clean lines meet soft textures.
Fireplace with Shiplap, Crown Molding
A stunning focal point in any room, this fireplace serves as an inspiration board for molding and wall trim ideas. The crowning glory is undoubtedly the beautifully crafted crown molding that adorns the mantel shelf. Meanwhile, the overmantel boasts a charming shiplap design, which cleverly continues the color scheme established by the tile on the hearth.
Board and Batten Flat Panel Wall Trim
The design elements come together harmoniously, with the chair rail, board-and-batten, and baseboards all receiving a light gray coat of paint. This provides a thoughtful contrast to the soft peach hue above. Interestingly, this aesthetic also translates well to a laundry room setting.
Vertical Board and Batten Wall Trim
Adding dark wall trim to a small dining room can instantly create a sense of formality and sophistication. However, not everyone may have the budget for traditional wood paneling. Fortunately, there’s an affordable alternative: veneers over MDF. Not only do veneers mimic the look of real wood panels, but they can also be stained just as easily, offering a cost-effective solution to achieving the desired aesthetic.
Wood Trim With Flat Panels
For this straightforward DIY endeavor, we’ll be focusing on adding wood trim molding to a painted wall or one covered in wallpaper. The objective is to install a chair rail and vertical overlays over the existing baseboards. This project requires minimal expertise and effort, making it an excellent starting point for those new to woodworking or home decor.
Add Geometric Flair with Wood Trim
To create an accent wall with a unique design, like the one pictured, some planning is necessary. Fortunately, there are many free online design tools that can help you bring your room’s vision to life. One such tool allows you to superimpose patterns, enabling you to cleverly work around any obstacles, such as window trim. The key to success lies in starting from the center of the wall and working your way outward.
Classic Doorway Meets Modern Flair
A door trim that seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern flair, this design features traditional sidelights, rosettes, and crown moldings alongside a unique vertical molding element adjacent to the sidelights. The black and white decor adds a touch of sophistication, while the minimalist paint scheme reflects the understated chic often associated with 21st-century design. In contrast to traditional wood-stained finishes, this modern take on door trim offers a fresh alternative.
Raised Panels and Dentil Shelf
Incorporating a statement piece of design, this concept transforms the entire wall into a seamless filler panel for the fireplace. The result is a cohesive and inviting space that radiates warmth. A touch of elegance is added through the ornate dentil molding adorning the mantel shelf.
Board and Batten on Overmantel
Elevate the look of an overmantel that extends beyond a single floor by incorporating wall trim. While this task may present some challenges, the result can be striking when executed well. Take inspiration from this fireplace overmantel, which successfully mimics the architectural style of a bay window, as seen on My Tribute Home.
Board-and-Batten In a Contrasting Color
To achieve a seamless transition between architectural features and modern electronics, consider drawing inspiration from this board-and-batten wall trim design. The key is to use the fireplace as a reference point when creating an overmantel that accommodates a TV. By painting the overmantel a rich dark gray, you can effectively conceal the television and allow it to blend into the surrounding wall, thereby minimizing visual disruption.
Wainscoting Moves with Staircase
One impressive wainscoting idea showcases a seamless blend of design and carpentry skills. Notice how the wall panels maintain a consistent width across each level, exuding a sense of harmony. This attention to detail is further emphasized by the molding’s thoughtful alignment with the staircase’s gradient. The result is a visually stunning feature that demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship.
Gold Makes Modern Wainscoting Stand Out
Against the backdrop of a striking blue-gray hue, this accent wall’s geometric design stands out in bold relief. To replicate this look, start by painting the trim work first, before meticulously touching up any nail holes that may have resulted from the installation process.
Wall Trim Frames Your Decor
The subtle yet effective addition of picture frame-style moldings lends a sense of sophistication to this dining space. Notwithstanding the disparate eras of the sconces and mirror, the unifying element of these moldings brings visual harmony to the wall, thereby creating a cohesive atmosphere that ties everything together.
Crown Molding in the Kitchen
Incorporating moldings into modern cabinet designs elevates the overall aesthetic, lending an air of sophistication. The strategic placement of wider molding along walls culminates in a refined and polished finish, effectively transforming the kitchen space.
Picture Frame Wall Trim Idea
Adding a picture frame trim can be a game-changer for a previously bland white living room wall. The subtle addition not only adds visual interest but also introduces texture to the space, making it feel more dynamic and inviting. This design element is particularly effective when paired with a neutral color palette, as it allows for creative freedom without overwhelming the senses.
Wainscoting On Your Staircase Walls
Wainscoting on a staircase can be incredibly effective in adding visual interest to a simple landing. This example showcases how carefully crafted angles and curves can bring a modern touch to an otherwise traditional space. The result is a bright and airy area that feels far from dated, unlike the potential for wood paneling to darken and age a room.
Modern Board and Batten Foyer
In smaller spaces like powder rooms and entryways, making a big impression is all about clever design choices. Take, for instance, the arched doorway in this foyer. The casing that surrounds it provides visual interest and creates a sense of depth, drawing the eye to that focal point. Meanwhile, the square slate blue board-and-batten trim installed at a 45-degree angle adds a modern twist to the space, giving it a fresh and contemporary feel.
