Decorative Moulding

Balmer decorative mouldings can be used to create wall panels, wainscoting (chair rail) or ceiling trim. Decorative moulding corners are available for use with each moulding.

When using decorative moulding to create wall panels, it is important to establish a plan for the layout of the panels. Start by deciding which wall is the feature wall and plan that wall fist. Begin by considering the vertical layout of the panels as shown in the following diagrams.

Having decided on a vertical layout, next consider the horizontal panel divisions for the feature wall. Horizontal layouts may be symmetrical with 2, 3, or 4 panels all of the same size as shown above or may consist of mixed panel sizes and be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

The horizontal layout will be determined by the placement of major furniture, paintings, doors, windows, and by personal taste.

The space between each panel, the doors, and the room corners should be constant and can be 3½ to 6 inches (9 to 15 cm). The space above and below a chair moulding should be 1/2 to 1 inch (1 to 3 cm). The space above the baseboard and below a cornice may be the same as the space between panels (3½ to 6 inches). If there is no cornice then increase the top space several inches.

Panel corners can be mitered or you may decide to use Balmer decorative moulding corners.

Mouldings can be cut to length using a fine tooth saw and nailed into place with countersunk finishing nails. For a more professional appearance, apply a bead of adhesive to the back of the moulding before nailing it in place. Joints and edges are filled with the same adhesive. Nail holes ar filled with sandable filler.