What is molding, types and uses in the interior

Finishing the arch is the final stage, which will highlight the beauty of the structure. It should be noted that this particular work is the most important when it comes to the decorative component. Don't worry - you can do everything completely yourself. The main thing is to show the necessary perseverance and desire. Of course, you cannot do without some experience and the availability of the necessary tools, which are selected depending on the chosen finishing option.

Installation of cornices and moldings

Ceiling plinth made of LDF and polyurethane is mounted using assembly and joint adhesive.
You can also use an additional type of fastening using self-tapping screws. Assembly adhesive is used for gluing to walls and ceilings, and joining adhesive holds the joints of products together.

In order to correctly cut the cornices at the desired angle, use a miter box and a hacksaw. We described in detail the process of installing polyurethane cornices and moldings in step-by-step instructions.

Installing moldings is a simpler process, because they are attached to one plane. But if you have tools for measuring angles and cutting products, you can also do the installation of cornices yourself, or entrust the process to professionals.

Many buyers ask whether they need to paint cornices and moldings if white suits the interior. From experience, we can say that coloring is a mandatory procedure. The paint provides additional protective properties. And even if the interior assumes a white ceiling plinth, it must be painted with white paint.

Author of the article - Politician Yulia Vladimirovna, commercial director, expert in flooring and decorative coverings, stucco molding

How is molding different from cornice?

Molding

- an element of interior decor that has a straight back side and is designed to be attached to one plane. They are used to frame mirrors, windows, doors, highlight arches, panels on walls, etc. Moldings are used at the junctions of different finishing materials, for example, when the lower part of the walls has one finish, and the upper part another. Moldings can create luxurious accents by zoning or highlighting decorative elements. On the outside, they can have a variety of ornaments, patterns, or be made in a restrained, simple style.

Cornice

on the back side it has two planes and is designed for mounting in a corner, between the wall and the ceiling. The design of cornices can also be very diverse.

Lighting solution

The beautiful design of the arch is complemented by built-in lighting devices, which can be point, side or contour types. The easiest way is to integrate lamps into a plasterboard element at the end.

The decorative opening is equipped with recesses where light bulbs are subsequently installed. To slightly hide the backlight, you need to mask the recesses with glass. It is important to use colored or translucent glass, which in itself will serve as an additional detail of the interior and the structure itself.

The arch that divides the space of the kitchen and living room looks very beautiful, and its lower part smoothly turns into a bar counter.

Types of moldings

Molding is a decorative panel in the form of an overlay convex strip, used to decorate various surfaces and give them an effective and neat look. Moldings can be attached to almost any surface: walls, windows, doorways or ceilings. Experts distinguish several types of moldings:

Variety of moldings

What are moldings and what are they like?

Molding is a decorative strip of convex or concave shape. It is used for decoration, harmonization of interiors, visual correction of room defects. Moldings can be narrow - a couple of centimeters wide, and wide - up to 20 cm. They are used for interior and exterior decoration, and can be rigid or flexible. They come with a longitudinal relief (most often), with floral or geometric patterns.

Depending on the installation location, moldings can be ceiling, wall, or corner. Corner ones are usually placed at the junction of the wall and ceiling. Moldings are made from:

• Foam plastic. The cheapest. They have a slightly loose surface, so they are only suitable for puttying and painting. Attached to a flat wall using glue.
• Polyurethane. More expensive, dense, with a smooth surface. They also stick to walls and ceilings.
• Plastic. Smooth with a shiny surface. They wash well, have a long service life, but are not combined with all materials and are not suitable for all interiors.
• Plaster. Heavier ones are made by casting. Massive elements are attached with nails or self-tapping screws, thinner ones can be glued with a special adhesive composition.
• Wood. Wooden moldings are attached to finishing nails or regular nails without heads. Gluing with wood glue is possible. Fits well into classic, Scandinavian, Russian interiors. All those in which wood trim or decorative items are present in one form or another.
• Metal. They are very durable, but metal moldings can only be used in interiors of a certain type - minimalism, hi-tech, loft.
• Polymer flexible. Polymer flexible moldings are used to decorate columns and rounded walls. They are attached with glue.

Plaster moldings appeared in ancient times. They became the model by which decorative strips for interior decoration were created from more modern and cheaper materials - foam plastic and polyurethane.

Components

The stucco production process is quite simple. For casting serial models, ready-made molds are used, and when carrying out a private order, a separate silicone mold is created according to one’s own design. If many heavy parts are planned, an internal frame is used. The gypsum composition is poured into the prepared mold, allowed to dry, then sanded. The top of the product is painted or varnished.

Door arches made of gypsum are produced by both large enterprises and small workshops. This expands the possibilities for design: you can buy a ready-made kit that only needs to be installed, or assemble your own “puzzle” from individual parts. Popular components:

• Molding is a straight or curved overhead strip, often three-dimensional, with a relief applied. Simple arched structures can consist only of moldings.
• A cornice is an upper element that protrudes forward and looks like a visor. It should “hang” a little over the other parts.
• Pilaster is a “false column”. Vertical overlay element with base and capital. Unlike the real one, the pilaster is flat or slightly convex.
• Column - a cylindrical pillar standing close to or at a short distance from the wall. Usually they choose classic ones with a base (supporting extension at the bottom) and a capital (wide upper platform) due to their greater decorativeness.
• A semi-column is a part adjacent to the wall. Looks like half or a third of a whole thing.
• The keystone is a wedge-shaped element located at the top point of round and pointed arches. Originally a structural element that distributes loads, since the 18th century it has become popular as a decoration for door and window openings.

Installation of polyurethane moldings

For installation you will need:

• Adhesive for polyurethane. It is best to use liquid nails or white acrylic sealant. You should purchase glue designed specifically for polyurethane, since some adhesives can destroy the molding.
• Wort. Allows you to conveniently fix the element and cut it at the desired angle.
• Brush or roller.
• Sharp knife.

It is necessary to apply markings to the surface of the ceiling or wall according to the planned project. Then the molding is cut into the required lengths and glued with glue according to the applied markings.

If the elements are quite heavy, then to avoid them coming off, you can additionally secure them with screws. All joints and cracks are covered with gypsum putty. Polyurethane molding is painted before its installation. For this you can use almost any type of paint, with the exception of nitro paints.

For many years, polyurethane moldings have been an indispensable element of room decor, capable of not only hiding joints and joints, but also becoming a decoration and a bright accent in any interior.

Tools for work

Prepare the following tools and additional materials:

• square;
• stationery knife;
• water level;
• masking tape;
• wooden planks;
• rags to remove excess glue;
• metal scissors or hacksaw.

If there is no square, but only a school ruler, then remember your geometry lessons from high school. Draw a right triangle on anything with sides of 3 and 4 centimeters and a diagonal of 5 centimeters. Or take a school arithmetic notebook and draw a right angle in it, and then transfer all the measurements to the surface. If the amount of work is small, then several cuts can even be made with a hacksaw blade, holding it in your hand.

To ensure an even cut, apply a metal square to the surface. Its side will be a guide and will not allow the hacksaw blade to go to the side. The cut must be strictly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, otherwise the seam will be visible.

Although arch corners are not a mandatory element of room design, they are recommended to be used in order to give the interior a finished look.

At the intersection of different materials

If tiles or wall panels are laid only on part of the wall, the transition from tiles/plastic to a flat wall does not look very presentable. In order to make this transition more attractive, they use special border tiles, but they are too expensive - much more expensive than regular ones. No less interestingly, you can design this joint using molding. The decorative strip is mounted so that it covers the joint.

If the tiles do not lie up to the ceiling, the transition can be made using molding

The width and thickness are selected for the specific interior and the thickness of the materials being joined. Since we are usually talking about a bathroom, toilet or kitchen, it is more advisable to use materials that are easy to clean and are not afraid of high humidity. The optimal choice for tile joints is polyurethane. It can then be painted the same color as the wall or tile.

The transition from one material to another is best accomplished using molding

If you are decorating the transition between plastic panels and a painted/bleached wall, you can use a plastic plinth. Wooden panels or MDF panels are best joined to walls using wooden moldings.

The same technique works very well when you have to combine two colors or two textures. Moldings are used to separate and harmonize joints. This can be an accent wall, which is very fashionable now.

You can separate material of a different color using moldings

But an accent wall doesn't have to be a different color or pattern from start to finish. It is for such a case - if a canvas or material of a different color occupies only part of the wall - that moldings come in handy. They give a finished look to this finishing element.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wqutjRsDq3M

Advantages and disadvantages

The plank is used for finishing free doorways or openings with very large depths, where it is not possible to seal the slopes with wood or MDF panels. Of course, first of all, they have to be glued to arched portals, however, they are also quite suitable for rectangular or arches with corners.

The advantages of framing are:

• PVC products are not afraid of water and large temperature changes, so you can finish the opening to both the kitchen and the bathroom;
• decorative arched corners emphasize the interesting entrance solution and highlight the portal against the background of the wall;
• installation of the product is extremely simple: the corner is simply glued to the wall. Moreover, it may not even be perfectly smooth;

• the color range of products is very extensive;
• the parts are easy to wash and clean; they do not require special cleaning or preservation measures;
• If the finish is properly secured, it will last for many years;
• The frame can be glued to any surface: stone, plaster, concrete, wood.

The only disadvantage of this option is the inherent flammability of plastic products: the material burns weakly, but quickly deforms when the temperature rises above 120 C.

Materials and installation features

Stucco molding for decorating houses a hundred years ago was made from gypsum. This molding is attached to the ceiling using alabaster. The technology for the production and installation of gypsum stucco is labor-intensive and expensive. Attaching gypsum decor requires professional training. If plaster molding falls off the wall, it will most likely collapse and you will have to buy a new one. This type of decoration is not safe if installed unprofessionally, since if it falls, the heavy weight can injure a person if it hits it.

Today, polyurethane products are used to create home decoration in various styles. They are lighter, easier to attach, environmentally friendly and safe. Fastening is carried out using safe acrylic glue. The product is highly decorative, since after gluing it can be painted in any color that suits the overall style of home decoration.

Wood molding has a rigid structure and requires professional knowledge and experience during installation. A wooden plaque can be attached in different areas of the room. To do this, thin nails and wood glue are used, which allows you to strengthen the fasteners of a rigid wooden structure and give it the required shape.

The metal die has a highly specialized purpose. Most often, such aluminum molding is used to decorate thresholds, stair steps, wall surfaces trimmed with tiles - anywhere where corners and joints will be subject to heavy mechanical load. Fastening of metal corners and slats is done with self-tapping screws or using glue. In this case, such cladding must necessarily extend beyond the edge of the exterior trim.

Baroque ornament in European countries

Baroque ornament was widely used in different European countries, enriched by the national traditions of each people. Baroque pattern in Moscow churches of the late 18th century. called “Flem Carving”, it was created by masters of the Armory Chamber. These Baroque decorations combined torn cartouches, fruits, and leaves, creating the image of the Garden of Eden. The decor was gilded, while the main structure remained dark. “Flemish carving” (Flemish, Belarusian) differed from flat traditional Russian carving in its relief and imitated stucco. The carving technique corresponded to the European design. The art of Flemish carving came to Russia in the mid-17th century, when Belarusian carvers, at the invitation of Patriarch Nikon, came to decorate the Church of the Resurrection in New Jerusalem. After the patriarch's disgrace, they began to work at the royal court. This type of carving has become very popular because... it was possible to create luxurious decorations for temples.

The Flem carving in the Church of the Intercession in Fili is a model for churches at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Baroque elements were used in the design of churches and palaces in St. Petersburg, Tsarskoye Selo, Peterhof with an abundance of stucco, ornate, complex designs.

The Church of the Intercession in Fili (1692-1693) on his Naryshkin estate near Moscow is decorated with Baroque elements.

The decor of the church used motifs of shells, cartouches, cupids, and scrolls - characteristic elements of the Baroque.

The Baroque ornament of the Flemish direction is distinguished by the presence of a large number of fruits, plants, flowers, and everyday subjects. The development of the contemporary Baroque period was determined by the tastes of society.

Baroque patterns decorate the Flemish Baroque church - St. Michael's Church.

Several schools arose in Holland, in Haarlem - Frans Hals, in Amsterdam - Rembrandt, in Delft - Fabricius and Vermeer.

Baroque decor on the buildings of the Grand Place in Brussels, 17th century.

In France, Baroque became a royal style, expressing ideas of prosperity. Included royal symbols in the ornament. In the royal courts of Berlin, Vienna, and London, this style was considered a sign of refined taste.

What is polyurethane molding

First, let's figure out what polyurethane is. In simple terms, this is foamed plastic. But moldings are the same cornices or baseboards that are used in finishing and decorating surfaces. We will talk more about the scope of application below. Look at the photo to understand what these materials look like.

Thanks to them, they finish floors, ceilings, doorways, cornices, walls, arches, etc. The polyurethane products themselves can have different sizes, shapes, surfaces and purposes. And thanks to the method of filling the molding mold with a polymer mass at high pressure, the decorative elements have a dense structure and at the same time flexibility. You can nail, cut and glue polyurethane moldings to any surface.

What are the advantages of using polyurethane moldings in the interior? Let's take a closer look at them:

1. Polyurethane moldings are lightweight. This means that they are easy to work with, easy to transport and do not load the structure.
2. The products are quite durable, despite their length.
3. Polyurethane moldings are elastic, which allows them to be used for complex structures. For example, finishing an arch or shaped furniture overlay will not be difficult. Only with such moldings can you successfully and simply design arches.
4. Polyurethane moldings can accurately imitate the texture of another natural or artificial material. This means that if you want imitation wood on the walls or plaster, but cannot afford it, polyurethane moldings will be just right for you.
5. Installation of the products is quite simple. It is enough to use special glue for polyurethane moldings, putty or plaster, and also fix everything with liquid nails.
6. The finishing, namely the coating on the products, is water-based.
7. The molding is not afraid of moisture and is bioindependent.
8. You can decorate the overlay part with foil to imitate gilding, bronze or silver.
9. A huge number of models and varieties of polyurethane moldings.
10. Affordable price. You can afford to use polyurethane moldings for your home.

If we compare polyurethane moldings with the same plaster molding or wood, then they are no worse. In addition, the material will not load the structure. Over the years, the surface of the products will not crack, turn yellow or crumble. Natural materials can rot or dry out over time. But this will not happen with polyurethane.

What are the disadvantages of the material? After all, it cannot be that he is completely ideal. You are right here. We will note only 3 disadvantages that polyurethane molding has:

1. the main disadvantage is that the products burn quite well. If you expose them to an open source of fire, the finish will ignite like a match. If the junction box is located under the ceiling and shorts out, the consequences can be tragic. Also, when products burn, toxic smoke is released;
2. moldings are not perfectly white, but have a grayish tint. Therefore, they may differ in tone from the ceiling. Some people cover the ceiling with acrylic paint with a yellow tint;
3. when the temperature rises, the polyurethane molding can change its size. That is why, immediately before installing it, you simply need to condition the moldings in the room.

That's why these moldings are so popular. And since polyurethane is not afraid of moisture, cast elements can be installed in a kitchen, bathroom or other room with high humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Application options

Instruction 1: finishing with decorative plaster

Instruction 2: facing with decorative stone

Instruction 3: decoration with polyurethane molding

Varieties

Where exactly should moldings be used? What are they for their purpose? Trims for doors and windows, frames for mirrors, baseboards, cornices, as well as wall panels - all this is moldings.

Their abundance is simply impressive. Moldings for arches, for windows, for furniture... What kind of moldings should we use on entrance doors and how, for example, should we combine wallpaper with molding in the interior? Head is spinning! Let's find answers to these questions by examining the types of moldings and their purpose.

Wall moldings made of polyurethane look elegant even in the interior of the corridor

Ceiling moldings. Moldings are used between the wall and the ceiling, which are usually called ceiling skirting boards. We know them as cornices. Their purpose is to create a neat transition between the ceiling and the wall.

Ceiling moldings in the interior can be found in two types: simple and complex, which are produced with various patterns and stucco moldings.

The width of such moldings varies. It ranges from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters. Wide ones are usually used for tall rooms with a fairly large area. In small rooms, simple versions of moldings are used.

Ceiling moldings can have different widths

Ceiling moldings are made from natural materials. For example, from gypsum, wood and clay. But there are also artificial ones: they are made of polyurethane and polystyrene.

Experience shows that it is easier to work with artificial products.

Floor moldings. Moldings are also used for transitions between the floor and walls. In this case, we will talk about floor-mounted ones. They are chosen taking into account the same parameters as ceiling moldings - the size of the room and the height of the room.

Photos of wall moldings in the kitchen interior

Wall moldings. This type of molding is used quite often. They are combined either with wallpaper or applied to painted walls, creating a specific pattern or frame that emphasizes a certain area of ​​the wall. Wall moldings in the interior create a unique decoration on the surface of the wall.

This is how you can use wallpaper with molding in the interior

We suggest selecting wall moldings, taking into account the shape and color of the plinth on the ceiling and floor, as they should be in harmony with the overall design of the interior. They come in different shapes and lengths. The choice will always depend on what decorative element you want to create from the moldings.

Photo with decorative polyurethane moldings in the interior

Door and arch moldings. Do you want to purchase molding for an interior door or arch? Then you can't go wrong if you decide to bring this idea to life. Interior doors with molding will look simply wonderful. You can't go wrong with an arch either. Moldings for this type of design are called door and arched.

This is what interior doors with molding look like

If you've worked with window moldings before, you won't have any problems with door moldings. They are also designed to mask joints. In our case, between the wall of the room and the door frame.

In everyday life, such moldings are called platbands. They can be oval, rectangular and even curly.

Such platbands are purchased depending on what material the doors are made of. This makes it possible for the platbands to “fit” well into the overall picture.

This is the look of moldings for stucco arches

Moldings on arches make it possible to hide certain irregularities and errors in the arch itself. In addition, they decorate it.

Important! Due to the complexity of the work, it is better to entrust the installation of door or arch moldings to professionals.

Furniture moldings. We don’t think it’s worth talking much about the purpose of furniture moldings. After all, everything here is quite simple and clear. These products are classified as furniture decor. That is, furniture moldings are used to decorate furniture and various carpentry products.

Furniture moldings made of expensive wood - stylish design and luxurious appearance

Most often, manufacturers offer three types of furniture decor: smooth, textured and metallized. The first is used for furniture with a smooth surface, the second - for decorating facades (veneered) and for products made of hard wood. The third type is designed to imitate furniture for various metals - gold, silver, bronze and copper.

Arch installation location

An arch is not a bedside table and it will not be possible to place it anywhere in a typical apartment. In order for it to look appropriate and beautiful, it is important to maintain harmony of proportions and have a sufficient width of the interior opening and ceiling height for this. If the interior style has no references to the classics, and the ceiling height is about 2.4 m, the arch will only “simplify” the interior and again return it to the not-so-best examples of the 1990s era.

Important: the arch will beautifully emphasize the already high ceilings in the hall, but in a cramped room it can look funny

Arch in the kitchen-living room

Non-standard elements such as arches require additional support in the interior. This could be a wavy pattern on the wallpaper, a curved floor lamp on a long leg, a rounded piece of furniture, or photographs in fancy frames. The main thing is that the radial motif does not end up alone, but has 1-2 rounded accessories to help.

Current wall decor with mirrors

Pay attention to oval and rounded mirrors. This is one of the most fashionable interior accessories, complementing the arched doorway well and refreshing the decor. Illuminated mirrors are suitable for bathrooms, and models with current color tinting are suitable for living spaces.

Floor oval mirror

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Mirror Lummi from La Forma

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Klubb mirror from La Forma

Important: the arch should not affect pylons, columns and other supporting structures of the building. However, if the apartment was purchased at the excavation stage, the arched opening can be approved and erected immediately at the construction stage.

Wardrobe with imitation arch

Arched doorway between rooms

By deciding on an interior arch instead of a door, you connect the rooms into a single whole. Therefore, it is worth considering this step especially carefully: a few years after the birth of children, will you want to create a more private environment?

Bedroom with an arch instead of a door

If the living area allows and there is a desire to combine several rooms into one or to highlight a private corner in the common space, for example, a work area in the bedroom or a place for a dining table in the living room, an arch will be an excellent solution. It will not provide sound insulation, but the psychological separation of the functional parts will be noticeable, and if you complement the opening with drapery made of dense fabric, then you will be guaranteed visual privacy.

Arch in the kitchen

The combined kitchen-living room has become one of the favorite planning solutions in both small studios and spacious lofts. An arched opening of any type is indispensable in this case. It will allow you to visually delimit the areas for relaxation, dining and cooking, while leaving a feeling of free space, light and air. Of course, this layout implies that a powerful hood is installed in the kitchen to rid the rest of the rooms of unnecessary odors.

Classic kitchen interior

In small apartments, an arch instead of a door is often a necessity. In a narrow corridor leading to the kitchen, the door only gets in the way, and a rectangular portal or arch helps save the necessary centimeters of free space.

Rectangular portal in the kitchen interior

Opening in the hallway and hall

Any interior element, including interior doors, must be justified functionally. If the door between the hallway and the corridor always remains open, there is no point in unnecessary expensive structures. Feel free to abandon the door between the hall, corridor and hall in favor of a laconic arched opening. The main thing is that the shape and proportions of the arch are consistent with the style of the interior, and that the rounded shapes are supported by other furnishings, for example, a large oval mirror in the entrance area, round lamps or an elegant console table.

White interior with arched doorway

An arch can be used in the interior to design transitional areas, for example, between a bedroom and a study, between a living room and a hallway. It’s good if in such a corridor not only the arch itself, but also the entire ceiling has a semicircular shape - then the passage will look like a classic gallery from a cozy European town.

Unusual mirror in the hallway

Alternative solutions with arches

Arches can be made not only in openings. This element is actively used in furniture design. They look especially impressive not alone, but as a repeating element, for example, in the design of kitchen fronts, shelves or cabinets. The semicircular finish perfectly complements the decor of niches and alcoves, be it a bench in the hallway area or a secluded reading corner in the bedroom.

Niche with an arch in the nursery

Another interesting technique is to imitate an arched opening as the head of a bed or a full-fledged alcove with an arch above the bed. The latter option is especially good for creating a secluded sleeping area in a children's room.

Arches and their imitations have become increasingly common in bathroom decor. A rounded cheap fence complete with a properly selected mirror and lamps will create a single harmonious composition and make a minimalist interior more comfortable and relaxed.

Art Nouveau partition in a modern interior

An arch can become a design element for a decorative partition. Rounded structures in metal frames with transparent or tinted glass look very solemn and become the focal point of the entire interior. Of course, we are talking about exclusive design and custom manufacturing, which is why this model will cost more than its analogues.

How to choose?

Let's consider the general rules for choosing moldings for various interiors.

• When choosing molding, take into account the style of the interior.
• The occupancy of the room with furniture and accessories will influence your choice. In order not to overload the interior, give preference to thin and simple-designed skirting boards.
• Massive molding with a large number of decorative details or ornaments is suitable for large apartments, as well as rooms with high ceilings.
• For small apartments, wide skirting boards can be used only if the walls and ceiling in such a room have light shades. For small areas it is worth using smaller elements.

• If the room has low ceilings, then panels, vertical pilasters, fillets and pseudo-panels will help to visually correct this deficiency.
• In bright rooms you can use dark-colored moldings, playing with contrast.
• For wide rooms with low ceilings, trims and panels with a height greater than the width are suitable, which will visually increase the height of these ceilings.

Dimensions

The size of the arch usually depends on the width of the passage. Also, their size depends on the height of the ceilings. Arches can be narrow. Such designs replace single-leaf swing doors. There are also wider models that replace double doors or accordion doors.

Narrow models are used more often for installation in rooms whose exit leads to a corridor, and wide ones - in passages leading to the hall or dining room, as well as for zoning spacious rooms. The arch must also be selected according to its height. So, if the ceiling is 2.5 meters high, then the arch should be slightly lower, about 2.2 m.

The radius of the arch should be determined by the width of the doorway. Before purchasing, be sure to measure the height and width of the opening

It is also important to use the depth indicator, which reflects the thickness of the walls. Moreover, the depth should not be greater than the thickness of the arched structure

Door finishing example

Plastic products have a rigid structure and are installed in corners. There is a type of plastic skirting board that is specifically designed to seal the joint with the floor. Fasteners of this design are made using glue. The floor plastic plinth is secured using a special system of provided locks at the junctions of its individual elements.

There are also self-adhesive models, which are classified as a separate group of interior elements. They are made from plastic and foam rubber. Adhesive-based molding is used to cover the joints. An example of such decoration is a border strip, which is installed at the junction between the bathtub and the tiled cladding.

Polyurethane molding for framing arches

Various materials are used to decorate and emphasize the functional purpose of the arch:

• tree;
• stone;
• wallpaper;
• laminate;
• plastic.

Each of them serves as both decoration and protective covering. Recently, framing arches with polyurethane moldings has become popular.

Molding in the interior

Polyurethane is a type of plastic that has a lot of positive qualities. It is durable and at the same time flexible, resistant to low temperatures, and easy to use. Decorative moldings are made from polyurethane. They are made in the form of stucco or corners. Let's take a closer look at the characteristic features of these products.

Stucco molding

You've probably come across stucco if you visited old buildings decorated in a classical style. There you could also see beautiful arched structures.

Flexible white polyurethane molding for arches

At one time, stucco decoration was created from plaster using relief patterns. The use of stucco began in Venice. It was used to frame cornices, doorways and other architectural structures.

Today, stucco molding is often made not from gypsum, but from polyurethane. However, it has retained its characteristic features: graceful and unique curves and the white color of plaster, which is the most popular. It is possible to paint stucco molding in other colors, but according to tradition, in people’s minds stucco molding appears to be a snow-white decorative element.

The use of stucco is not appropriate in all cases. If the house has modern features and style, then the use of a decorative element in a classical style with large relief may look awkward and alien. In order not to create a strong contrast between the elegance of ancestors and the practicality of contemporaries, it is recommended to abandon the use of stucco altogether or use products with small relief.

Classics are replete with stucco moldings

Well, if the interior of the house is imbued with the spirit of classicism, then stucco will become the center of this element and decorate it, like a cherry on the cake.

Decorating with stucco is appropriate if the interior has elements that can be combined with such decoration

Installation of polyurethane products will not take much time and will not require complex work. To border an arched opening with stucco, you must first prepare it. The surface is cleaned of dirt and dust, degreased and dried.

If stucco is used, then most likely the house is decorated in a classic style, which means either plastered and painted walls or patterned wallpaper. You cannot glue polyurethane products over wallpaper, so you will have to remove excess areas under the decorative element.

To do this, apply the decorative element to the wall and, holding it, lightly outline the outline on the wall with an inconspicuous pencil. Under no circumstances should you cut the wallpaper along the line. If you do this, then the wallpaper and stucco molding will be in contact, and there may be places where the wallpaper does not reach the product. You need to step back 3-4 millimeters from the line to the opening and cut off the wallpaper with a utility knife.

Molding

Another element that can be used to make the final covering of an arched structure is molding. Arched molding is a collective concept for products made from various materials, which are made from:

• plastic;
• metal;
• PVC;
• wood;
• polyurethane foam.

Aluminum moldings are durable, but not suitable for all styles, so they are not in great demand. But high-tech and similar trends in design are not very common.

Arch molding

Wooden moldings are also not used very often, because such structures are difficult to size. Each arch has its own radius and arc length. If you use wood products, then you need to either select and look for a suitable element, or already at the stage of manufacturing the arched doorway, observe the required dimensions for the molding.

Products made of plastic are much more promising: polyurethane or PVC. Polyurethane moldings and corners are in greater demand than other decorative elements for arched structures.

Moldings are flat strips of varying radius, width, relief and color. You can select the desired product configuration for any doorway configuration. Products made from polyurethane are popular because they are flexible, can be molded into any shape and can be bent in different ways to frame a doorway.

Flexible structure makes installation easy

This is practical, because arched structures are not always as smooth and even as possible. Today it is fashionable to decorate the house with your own hands. Therefore, sometimes it is not possible to avoid mistakes. Polyurethane moldings will hide defects and irregularities that catch your eye.

Arches in small apartments. To be or not to be?

Arches in small homes are often a necessary measure. In small studios, former “Khrushchev” buildings and one-room apartments, the need for visual separation of the sleeping or cooking area is very urgent, while there are not enough free meters for a full-fledged room with a door. In this case, an arched opening comes to the rescue. It is important to compare it as much as possible in size and style with the rest of the design. An arch with antique columns in a small Khrushchev building will look at least strange, but the laconic portal will become an unobtrusive highlight of the interior. If the area and style of the room are not suitable for a classic semicircular arch, a rectangular open portal without platbands will be the solution.

Important: in a small apartment, completely dismantling the doorways between the living space and the gasified kitchen is prohibited by law.

Like any type of structure or decorative technique, the arch will decorate the interior of a functional kitchen-living room and be an inappropriate addition. Its presence should be considered at the earliest stages of renovation, in coordination with the style, functions and proportions of the room. It is in this case that you will receive a harmonious solution, the icing on the cake of a design project, from which the interior in any style will only benefit.

Bright interior of a spacious living room

Moldings on the walls

Wall moldings are not just strips. Frames are made from these elements, which can simply limit part of the space in which a mirror or picture will hang. This selection helps to more clearly organize the space and highlight the subject.

Pictures framed from moldings

Frames made from moldings can also be filled with other finishing material. Previously, tapestries, brocade and other expensive fabrics were inserted into such frames. Today, they are increasingly using a different type of decorative putty, wallpaper, or simply a different shade of paint.

Inside the molding frame is a different color

Another common technique is the design of doorways. In addition to the standard frame of the opening, there is also a frame above the door. This space usually remains empty and is not used in any way. To ensure that there is no imbalance during complex decoration, molding is also glued here.

Slats over the door

Using wall moldings, you can visually make the ceilings higher. To do this, strips are installed at a certain interval. You can use them not only to make frames. These are decorative strips and are not too difficult to create patterns with.

Molding patterns on walls

All these decoration techniques require a large space, otherwise the room turns out to be too “overloaded”. In small rooms, if they are used at all, it is usually only planks at the junction of the wall and ceiling, and maybe a couple of thin strips to separate different textures or colors. Most often you can see moldings in the interior of the living room - these rooms are usually the most spacious. Moldings look good in bedrooms, but not in small ones, but at least in medium ones.

Types of corners for finishing arches

According to the place of use, corners are divided into:

• those that are installed on plaster;
• corners that are glued under the plaster.

The first ones have a wider range: they are made of different materials and can be of almost any color. The latter have special holes for better adhesion to the surface. They come in both metal and plastic.

• alignment of external arched corners;
• protection of corners from accidental damage;
• surface decoration.

Wallpaper tends to peel off from the base over time. A doorway trimmed with decorative corners will hold them on the wall and also give the room a finished look.

Perforated corner for strengthening corners and slopes.

Step-by-step description of the installation process

Installation of polyurethane ceiling plinth

Polyurethane molding is installed in two ways. It can be painted before or after installation. The advantage of the first method is the ability to glue the strips directly to wallpaper or finished walls.

In this case, you do not need to worry about masking tape and the accuracy of painting parts. If you install the molding before finishing, it will not have to be removed during the renovation.

For reliable fastening of polyurethane elements, acrylic and polyurethane glue and liquid nails are used. Thin strips can be placed on putty or sealant. Massive parts are fixed with self-tapping screws.

Before installation, prepare the required number of elements and mark the attachment points. The connecting ends are cut at an angle using a miter box. Polyurethane parts are measured with a margin so that cracks and gaps do not form. This article contains detailed information on how to glue and paint moldings made from various materials.

Stages of installation work:

• Using the molding strip, a fastening line is drawn.
• The surface is cleaned and moistened with water or primer.
• Glue is applied to the mounting side of the molding using point movements.
• The corner elements are glued first, which are pressed with the lower edge to the assembly line.
• Horizontal parts are mounted between the corners, and the joining cuts are adjusted if necessary.
• Joints and cracks are covered with putty, sanded and sanded after drying.

Useful recommendation: try painting the molding before attaching it to the wall or ceiling; this finish will be more neat.

Polyurethane finishes can be simple, elegant or luxurious depending on the design and decorating style. The universal properties of the material make it possible to produce moldings with a deep relief pattern of any shape and configuration. The low weight of the parts simplifies installation and makes it easy to do it yourself.

From this video you will learn how to frame an arched opening with polyurethane molding:

DIY plasterboard arches

Before starting work, you should clearly imagine what exactly the arch will be like, think about its height and shape. These indicators will help you choose the most suitable material. If you decide to do the work yourself, then you will need to know not only how to do it, but an arch with your own hands is an engineering structure that requires preliminary calculations.

It’s not difficult to calculate the arch; of course, you’ll have to remember a few geometric formulas from the school curriculum. Next, the work will consist of drawing the outline of the future arch on graph paper on a reduced scale. Then, from thick cardboard or plywood, you will need to make a template in real dimensions. Using such a template will simplify the work - by attaching it to the location of the arch, you can mark the installation points of fasteners and calculate other parameters.

It should be noted that this option does not involve an in-depth study of the topic, which is not the simplest and most extensive section of architecture, however, it will help the owner of a house or apartment to do the work independently. Converting a standard door or window opening into an elegant arch can add a touch of originality to a typical room.

how to calculate an arch

Three initial parameters are required for calculation:

• arch height,
• the width of the span that will be covered by the arch,
• wall thickness.

The first step is to calculate the optimal radius of the arch. The easiest way to do this is on a sketch made on graph paper. Having drawn the boundaries of the opening, we determine the axis of symmetry, using a compass we draw several arcs, choosing the most successful option, we remove all unnecessary lines. If desired, you can make the shape of the arched arc more complex, consisting of fragments of several arcs of different radii.

If you plan to create an asymmetrical arch, then you will need to calculate and draw each of the arcs separately. A calculation performed in this way is called graphical.

The second method is mathematical, it is based on the Pythagorean theorem. Initial formula: R² = L² +(R -H)², where:

• R is the radius of the circle,
• H - lifting height,
• L - 1/2 chord of the arc.

From it it is not difficult to find the value R=(L² +H²)/2H. This, in fact, will be the radius of the arc we need.

If you plan to build an arch in the Gothic style, then first of all you should find the radius of curvature of the ends of the arch. It’s easier to do this experimentally by selecting a rounding point in the drawing and lowering a line from it running parallel to the line of the wall. On the other side you will need to follow the same procedure. By placing the leg of the compass on the line, we measure the radius and, moving up and down, find the point at which the line of the wall and the arc of the arch will be closed by a smaller arc. We perform a similar operation on the other side of the drawing. The resulting outline will be the arch of our arch.

If you are not lazy and make several drawings, you will be able to choose the most successful option. This method has two undeniable advantages:

• the ability to adjust the drawing until the desired result is obtained,
• the ability to clearly see what the product will be like.

Having settled on the best option, we create a life-size template; having a template, making an arch will not be difficult at all. Moreover, if plasterboard is chosen for the work - a pliable and easy-to-process material. Although a plasterboard arch will not be as strong as a stone one, in an apartment it will last quite a long time.

arch assembly

First, a frame is constructed from a metal profile, then it is sheathed on the sides with plasterboard. To get a beautiful bend, it is sheathed in segments, i.e. sheets of material cut on one side and curved. The sheet is fastened with self-tapping screws. The formed edges are smoothed using putty.

If you want to create a brick arch, then the work will become more complicated - the brick material is heavy, and you will need to assemble a strong frame from reinforcement. First, a durable metal frame is welded in accordance with the stencil made. Its fastening to the wall should be just as reliable - pins are knocked out into the holes made, to which the arch frame is then welded.

When assembling the frame, it will be necessary to provide for the possibility of filling the space enclosed by it with bricks, or fragments of bricks with cement mortar. After the solution has hardened, the arch is plastered, giving it a shape as close as possible to the template. The plaster is applied in several stages.

Watch the video on how to make an arch from plasterboard:

After completing the installation work, you can begin finishing the arch.

Interior use

Thanks to their unusual design, modern moldings will satisfy even the most unusual consumer needs. Ceiling panels should fit harmoniously into the overall style of the room. For a classic interior, moldings with simple lines are suitable, and for an interior in an ethno-style, you can safely use an unusual ornament.

If you are planning to transform the interior in a classic style (be it an apartment or a public space), then you can make a frame of panels in the center of the ceiling, and decorate the corners with a floral pattern. Polyurethane stucco molding located around the perimeter will also look win-win in this style.

Most often, buyers choose white and beige panels, which add airiness to the room and visually enlarge it. And for those who want to experiment with color and create a luxurious interior a la “royal palace”, you can purchase gilded ornaments and decorative details.

Connoisseurs of modern style in the interior choose a minimalist design and smooth baseboards. They help not only to disguise the joints between the ceiling and walls, but also to divide the room into zones. To do this, just lay out geometric shapes on the ceiling. You can use an original design technique by placing several geometric shapes made of polyurethane panels from the chandelier in a “fan” pattern, which will increase in size.

Any interior can be decorated with moldings in accordance with a certain style. Thus, high-tech can be complemented with elements with a chrome or metal texture, pop art involves the use of bright colors and contrasting techniques, and constructivism and minimalism accept a restrained design with a minimum of details, for example, smooth baseboards and square-shaped figures.

An ordinary white ceiling without decoration is a rather boring sight, so you should use your imagination and, in collaboration with designers and craftsmen, create the home of your dreams. The huge selection of decorative elements for finishing ceilings is amazing and can satisfy the needs of people with any tastes and financial capabilities.

Flexible skirting boards

Modern architectural solutions (arched window openings, curved frames, etc.), which are used in the construction of residential and commercial real estate, require appropriate interior design. For high-quality finishing of joints, flexible material is widely used, allowing, on the one hand, to disguise the dividing seams, and on the other, to harmoniously fit into the chosen interior style. In the Decor Time online store you can choose and buy polyurethane ceiling cornices at an adequate price.

Main advantages

Elastic smooth profiles are an excellent solution for both large spaces and complex geometric shapes, as well as for small rooms. Among the main advantages of these decorative elements are:

• high level of strength and elasticity;
• universalism;
• ease of installation and operation;
• variety of forms, allowing you to adapt to the stylistic features of the interior;
• the ability to trim or extend an element;
• relatively low cost;
• environmental safety.

Smooth polyurethane cornices are the traditional and most popular decorative element for decorating ceilings. They do not require any specific care and are durable. During long-term use, these decorative elements do not crack and are also not susceptible to moisture.

Our product catalog has a huge selection of high-quality wall and ceiling cornices made of polyurethane. You can order visually impressive and quite practical products on this online resource. In Moscow and the Moscow region, delivery is carried out by our courier service, in Russia - by transport companies. Contact us - we are always in touch and ready to help.

Decorating walls with moldings: color solutions

By choosing the right colors of moldings, you can create delightful architectural masterpieces. To do this, you need to plan everything and add a little imagination.

A light molding will look great against a dark background or in poorly lit rooms. This way you can decorate not only walls, but also doors, ceilings and pieces of furniture.

Light molding on a dark background

To create comfort and coziness, pastel shades should be introduced into recreation areas, as well as into the living room - with the help of such moldings you can concentrate attention on paintings, memorable photographs and other interior items

Pastel shades

To create an original interior, you can safely use bright or colored moldings. They should be painted several tones higher or lower than the wall color, or in rich shades.

Colored moldings for an original interior

Curtains and curtains

Since ancient times, an arched doorway has been decorated with ordinary curtains, but even now this design option, although less common, is acceptable. The entrance is masked with light tulle, a curtain or a thick curtain, which will serve as the door itself.

Usually, the doorway is masked with bamboo curtains, beautiful threads, and decorative beads. This method is very easy to do with your own hands, using a cornice above the opening to fasten the curtains. There are cornices of a curved configuration that coincide with the very shape of the opening.

It is no secret that the arch serves as a continuation of the wall, which is why, when designing it, it is necessary to take into account the decoration of the walls.

• Curtains for the kitchen - 120 real photos of new designs. Options for the ideal combination of modern curtains in the kitchen interior
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• How to hang curtains - step-by-step instructions with photo examples and recommendations. Exclusive curtain design solutions from experienced craftswomen

As you know, wood is the most noble and wear-resistant raw material, which is successfully used to decorate classical household items. It is better if the design is simpler, but very elegant in shape. It is also possible to hang a wooden arch with an elegant curtain with gilding, which will successfully highlight the classics.

Tips: decorating a room with moldings

• Moldings with a pattern will perfectly complement the decor of doors. Cover the doorway with moldings, stick several baguettes on the door and paint them the same color. This solution will look especially good if you choose skirting boards of a similar shape and color;
• Window frames decorated with moldings look beautiful. However, modern design does not involve windows with patterns, but for a classic style this is quite acceptable. In addition, windows decorated with moldings along the perimeter visually increase in size;
• Using vertical and corner moldings, you can create something like a column on one of the walls;
• Moldings are an excellent decor for a fireplace, but in this case you should use only wide moldings made of strong material.

People have been using moldings in decoration for a long time and we can say with confidence that this finishing material has virtually no flaws and has confidently passed the test of time.

How to glue a flexible corner onto an arch

Before you start gluing, you need to accurately measure the opening and the length of the corner. Measure the perimeter of the opening from the baseboard with a margin of 2-3 cm on each edge (just in case). Please note that the perimeter of the opening will be at least 5 meters, and corners longer than 3 meters are not sold. Thus, it will not be possible to cover it with one piece. To begin, attach the flexible corner to the arch and start marking from top to bottom.

Plastic protective corners.

The lower ends of the corner should be at the same distance from the floor. You can level them with a water level. If it is not there, then take marks from the floor. We will assume that it is horizontal. Even if he is not, the human eye will not be able to perceive it. The seam between the corners will be visible in any case: if one end is lower than the other, then aesthetically this design will lose.

How to glue a flexible corner onto an arch

How to glue a flexible corner onto an arch

How to glue a flexible corner onto an arch

How to glue a flexible corner onto an arch