How to Add Architectural Dimension to Bedroom Furniture and Walls

Accent walls and furniture with decorative trim.

Even the plainest pieces of furniture and walls can come to life with a bit of added architectural detail. Fortunately, to get the high-end look of millwork is not a bank-breaking matter, and the avid DIYer can handle many projects alone. Jazz up your pieces and find a whole new reason to enjoy your rooms.

Things You'll Need

• Molding or trim, assorted sizes and styles
• Door surrounds
• Wall panels
• Paint

Instructions

Bedroom Furniture

1. Add trim work to bookcases to create a custom look to otherwise standard pieces.

2. Dress up the footboard of a bed or a bench with accents of rope molding. Outline either the top and bottom of a piece of furniture or create a square pattern in the center.

3. Spruce up the doors of an armoire with wooden overlays. Paint the detail a contrasting color for more interest.

Walls

1. Make walls stand out by adding detail door surrounds throughout the home. Use heavy molding and accent cornice pieces at the corner for rectangular-shaped door openings or narrow-shaped accents in the center for arched doorways.

2. Add dimension and visual interest to walls with wainscoting. Use an appropriate width for the room’s size; smaller rooms look better with a thinner trim, whereas a larger room can handle the punch and impact of a heavier weight trim.

3. Carve an inset above a mantel to create depth to the area and to serve as a place to house decorative items.

4. Install wooden wall panels along a focal wall and accent with crown molding.

5. Lay a wooden frieze or carving along the staircase wall using strips of 2-inch molding pieces. Paint the inset portion of the area a contrasting color from the trim for additional interest.

References

• Condo Living Today; Architectural Detail; Karel McClellan