Anatomy of Interior Trim

The guide to your walls' and ceilings' architectual details

Written by Joseph Truini

Interior trim—the molding or millwork used to frame windows, doors, walls, floors, even ceilings—helps define the architectural style of a room. It's also an inexpensive way to makeover a space. Here's a primer of the most common types.

1 SHOE MOLDING

Narrow, rounded trim that conceals the joint between the baseboard and the finished floor. Sometimes called "Base Shoe."

2 BASEBOARD

Wide, flat trim installed at the base of the walls and against the finished floor.

3 BASE CAP

Decorative trim that runs along the top edge of the baseboard.

4 HEAD JAMB

Flat board that creates the finished surface at the top of a door frame or window frame.

5 HEAD CASING

Horizontal trim installed along the top of a door or window opening to cover the gap between the window or door frame and the wall.

6 SIDE JAMB

Flat vertical board that creates the finished surface at each side of a door frame or window frame.

7 SIDE CASING

Vertical trim installed along each side of a door or window opening to cover the gap between the window or door frame and the wall.

8 CHAIR RAIL

Narrow horizontal wall trim installed around a room at approximately the same height as chair backs. It can be used alone or as a cap atop wainscoting.

9 WAINSCOTING

Interior paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall. It can be made from individual boards, a system of frames and panels, or plywood sheets. It's typically 32 to 36 inches high.

10 CROWN

Wide trim installed along the top of the walls at the ceiling. It's set at an angle to soften the transition and create a decorative border around the room. Crown molding is occasionally used with other trim pieces to create a more elaborate cornice.

11 CEILING MEDALLION

Round or oval accent piece fastened to the center of a ceiling. It can be used alone or to highlight a hanging light fixture or ceiling fan.

12 GRILLE

Removable window trim that simulates individual panes of glass in a sash. These are called muntins in true divided-lite windows.

13 STOOL

Flat, shelflike board that sits on top of the windowsill. Is notched at each end to extend beyond the side casings and apron.

14 APRON

Horizontal trim nailed to the wall directly below the window stool.

15 PLINTH BLOCK

Thick block installed against the floor at base of a doorway. Fits between the baseboard and side casing.

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