Window Moulding Ideas

Window molding can have a big effect on the presence of a window.

A lot of factors go into selecting the best window molding, including the location of the window, the type of window, budget, carpentry skills and personal tastes. Once you've chosen a molding type, stain the molding before you install it to prevent unnecessary dripping. However, perform additional painting or varnishing once the molding is in place so that all caulking is painted as well. Before getting started, consider the different window molding options available.

Basic Miter Frame Molding

Simple molding is often the best option for windows that aren't the centerpiece of a room. For windows like these, such as those in a hallway or laundry room, a simple four-sided molding with mitered corners is a good solution. This type of molding, which resembles a wooden picture frame, is simple to make and install yourself. Simply measure the inside spans of the framing area, and use a miter saw to cut wood pieces with 45-degree miters on each side for the corners. This type of molding works especially well on high windows since all four sides are the same design.

Corner Block Molding

Corner blocks are an excellent molding option if you don't have a miter saw handy but still want to dress up a window frame and give it a more finished and professional look. Take wooden corner blocks for the top two corners of the window, or all four corners if the window has no bottom sill, and nail them so they are sitting on the outer corners of the window. These square corner blocks often have a design or pattern cut into them to make them look more ornate. Once the corners are nailed in, put trim up against them on the bottom and across the middle of the window. This type of molding is the easiest to install, although you can't tell by simply looking at it.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is the perfect option for large or central windows. This classic molding is, however, challenging to install since it protrudes out from the window frame and leans forward at an angle. Because of this, crown molding requires a nailer behind it to help hold it out. Also, if the molding is cornered at the edges, you'll need a compound miter saw to make double-angled cuts to fit the corners together. It's best to hire someone with previous carpentry or molding experience to install crown molding to avoid painful and time consuming missteps. When working with crown molding, it's also necessary to dress up and deck out the rest of the window in wide, sculptured trim and a nice sill to help reinforce the classic look of crown molding.

References

• Bosley Mouldings: Moulding Ideas
• HGTV Pro: Crown Molding Ideas