Types of Bathroom Molding

Crown Molding

• Crown molding is installed at the top of the wall so that it butts against the ceiling. This gives the room a completed look with an elegant division between the wall and the ceiling. It draws attention to the ceiling, so it works well in a bathroom with a tray or vaulted ceiling. It is often installed in one long section, and it angles in a downward direction. Crown molding often features a noticeable pattern with multiple layers.

Chair Rail

• A chair rail is a type of molding that surrounds the bathroom partway up the wall. Install the chair rail about 3 feet from the floor. The chair rail provides a horizontal divide, so it creates a natural border between the bottom and top portions of the wall. This divide allows you to add one paint color to the bottom portion of the bathroom and a different color or wallpaper above the chair rail. You can also add the chair rail above wainscoting or bead board.

Wainscoting

• Wainscoting consists of molding or paneling that typically covers the bottom half of the wall. Adding wainscoting will give your bathroom a cottage or Cape Cod look. You can also line your bathroom cabinetry or vanity with the wainscoting to add detail to a piece.

Picture

• Picture molding consists of a few thin strips of molding that resemble the look of a picture frame. This type of molding adds architectural detail to your walls and is typically installed 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling line. Picture molding requires careful attention to detail as each molding set should be equally spaced from the next one.

Baseboard

• Baseboard molding can be very simple with the use of simple, flat boards. It can also be upgraded with the use of coped, decorative edges. Shoe molding can be added that adds a small strip of wood that lies on top of the floor and connects with the baseboards.

Rope

• Rope molding is a decorative form of molding that you can add to the top of your wall or to add interest to your bathroom cabinetry. It resembles the look of twisted rope.

Cove

• Cove molding is installed in a similar fashion as crown molding to create a border between the top of the wall and ceiling. It provides more of a curved look and angles downward.