Guide to molding types part 2

A wainscot can historically be thought of as decorative wood paneling positioned between a baseboard and a chair rail or wainscot cap generally in an interior setting.

Today, wainscot is made from many different materials including not just wood but natural stone. While its historical utilitarian usage was to protect the wall, wainscot has evolved into a design element.

Wainscot Molding: Wainscot molding types create additional design opportunities by adding both depth and character. There are many styles to choose from, from a simple chair rail molding to a counter edge depending on the type of wainscoting. The following are several applicable architectural stone molding types for wainscot:

1. Multi-purpose edge
2. Counter edge
3. Bar liner
4. Greenwich chair rail
5. Park Avenue chair rail

Cornice Molding: A cornice is basically a horizontal decorative sculpture. Originally, a cornice was used on the exterior of a building, crowning the top edge of the structure and helping to drain rainwater away from the building. Today, cornice molding adds a decorative element to the home’s exterior façade and also contributes inside the home over windows, doors and at the wall ceiling juncture.

For a high-impact focal point the cornice molding can be custom made to emulate almost any design style from classic Victorian to ornate Rococo. On the other hand, a simple cornice molding adds a light decorative touch to a modern interior.