Trim Work Terminology on Cabinets

Molding

• There are approximately half a dozen styles of cabinet molding; each will give a different finish to for a variety of kitchen styles. Perhaps the most basic is flat trim, a molding which features a curved or rounded-off profile which is clean and simple, ideal for Craftsman-style homes. Among the most widely used is a crown molding, an accent installed at the top of each cabinet to give a more polished look and to close gaps between cabinets and the ceiling. This style comes in a variety of sizes. Dentil molding features a tooth-like pattern which resembles small blocks. It's a style commonly seen in historic architecture, particularly from ancient Rome and pieces from the Italian Renaissance, and is ideal in a classic, Mediterranean-style kitchen. Rope molding has been "twisted" to resemble rope -- perfect for a rustic or French country-style kitchen.

Appliques

• An appliqué is a carved detail, usually made of wood, which is added to the face of a cabinet. They can be purchased for standard pre-made cabinets or specially designed with a custom cabinet order. A rosette, a fairly basic appliqué, has a rounded design resembling a flower. An alternate option is a more abstract rosette, which features a square edge with a rounded design in the center. A galley rail, placed at the front of cabinet tops, is a "fence" made from small spindles.

Ornamental Pieces

• Ornamental pieces are ornately carved and resemble brackets, but usually serve no structural purpose. They are typically used to support -- or appear to support -- shelves, range hoods and countertops. These stylized pieces include corbels and fluting, which serve the same decorative purpose, but have different looks. A spindle is a decorative piece made of turned wood; larger styles are sometimes used as table legs. A split molding is the same style of turned wood, but cut in half and has a flat back which is attached to cabinets. Pilasters are decorative vertical columns generally found at turns or angles in the cabinets where walls meet. The bases of these columns are finished off with a square block called a plinth, which may or may not have an appliqué on the front.

Functional Additions

• Adding feet to base cabinets will give a more decorative, furniture-like feel, particularly to an island or similar structure, and will add a few inches of height if needed. Bun feet are rounded pieces which sit on the bottom corners of cabinets. Legs will serve a similar use as feet, but have a different style and tend to add even more height. Depending on the size and style, legs are also usable as supports for overhanging countertops. A plate rail is a shelf which features slots for different sized plates. This is an ideal addition for large serving pieces difficult to store. A toe kick is among the most useful, ergonomic additions to any set of cabinets. This structure provides a recessed area along the bottom of base cabinets which leaves room for feet when washing dishes or cooking. It allows comfortable standing and no stretching while performing these duties.