If you're tired of cramped, stuffy rooms, it's time to explore design solutions that can make your space feel more expansive. The good news is that the simple addition of custom moulding can drastically change the appearance of your room, giving you more space to breathe. Moulding is a versatile decorative element that adds character, sophistication, and visual tricks to any room. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Crown moulding is a type of decorative trim installed where your walls meet the ceiling. By drawing the eye upward, crown moulding creates the illusion of higher ceilings and more generous space. This is an easy and effective way to add visual interest to a small room and make it feel significantly larger.
Crown moulding comes in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect option to fit your design aesthetic. For smaller rooms, it's generally better to select a simpler, more streamlined moulding design that isn't too overwhelming. We recommend crown moulding no wider than four inches to avoid overshadowing the space.
Once your moulding is in place, or if you already have existing trim, the next step is choosing the right colors. Painting your moulding a lighter color than your wall, or even matching the trim to the ceiling color, will add depth to your room and give the illusion of pushing the walls further out. This happens because lighter trim visually extends the ceiling, making it appear taller.
Plain white trim over darker walls creates a stunning contrast and effectively achieves this desired spacious effect. Using moulding to make your room look larger is just one simple way to make the most of your space. By thinking carefully about the design and color of your trim, you can create the illusion that your space is wider, taller, and more generous.
Chair rail moulding is a type of trim installed horizontally around the room, typically at the height of a chair back (around three feet from the floor). Chair rail moulding can be used to visually break up a wall into two distinct areas, adding depth and dimension to a small room. By painting the area above the chair rail a lighter color and the area below a darker color, you can help convey a higher ceiling and a larger, more dynamic space.
Baseboard moulding is installed at the bottom of walls, where they meet the floor. While providing a finished look to a room, baseboard moulding can also be strategically used to visually enlarge the space. By opting for a taller baseboard moulding, you can give the impression of higher ceilings and more overall space. This is an easy and affordable way to add both character and sophistication to a small room.
Another excellent way to elevate a small space is with panel moulding. Often used to frame sections of a wall or create classic wainscoting, panel moulding adds structure and symmetry to a room. This can be especially helpful in smaller rooms where flat, blank walls may feel lifeless or limiting. Strategically placed panel moulding helps draw the eye around the room, creating a sense of movement and depth. When painted the same color as the walls, it adds subtle texture without overwhelming the space, ideal for minimalist or modern interiors. For a more traditional look, try contrasting paint colors to enhance the architectural interest. Whether used to outline artwork, define sections of a wall, or add elegance to a hallway or dining area, panel moulding is an effective way to elevate your design and enhance spatial perception.
When considering moulding and millwork for your home, remember that traditional wood isn't your only option. Our moulding at Volterra Architectural Products is made from high-density polyurethane. This material offers significant advantages, especially for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners seeking low maintenance. It's lightweight, making it easy to handle and install, and incredibly durable, resisting warping, cracking, and insect damage that can plague traditional wood. This means your beautiful new trim will maintain its pristine look for years to come with minimal upkeep.
Ready to transform your small rooms? Explore the wide variety of moulding and millwork options at Volterra Architectural Products to find the perfect style for your home!