Molding is one of the types of details used to decorate the interior. Outwardly, it looks like an overhead decorative panel that is glued to various surfaces – walls, doors, doorways. But most often it is customary to mount them on the ceiling..
Translated from English “molding” means “cast part”. This concept has many synonyms: fillets, bas-reliefs, baguettes, belts, plinths. The idea of using overhead decorative elements when decorating premises is borrowed from classical architecture. On the one hand, this product is the result of modern technologies, and on the other hand, it resembles stucco molding used since ancient times..
Varieties
This decorative element can be of different types, depending on the material of their manufacture. Let’s take a closer look at what moldings the modern building materials market offers. Moldings are made of various materials. The most common types of panels are:
- polyurethane (aka PVC) panels;
- foam;
- gypsum;
- wooden;
In addition to wood, natural materials that are used for the manufacture of decor include marble, granite and other types of rocks. However, due to their high cost, they are not so popular among consumers and are made most often for individual projects..
All recommendations for the choice of ceiling fillets are reduced to the choice of material from which they are made. Therefore, we will take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular skirting boards that can be found in any hardware store.
Foam moldings
This is the simplest solution when choosing a material for finishing. In addition to the affordable price, among the advantages of the module can also be called simple installation. When choosing this type of material, no special tools or superpowers are required. It is enough to have a clerical knife and special glue on hand. The foam molding is very flexible, so it can be glued even in areas with rounded surfaces.
The most difficult stage of installation is to correctly and accurately cut the desired length and just as carefully glue the two joints. And the light weight of the product allows you to carry out the entire process yourself, without asking for outside help. Most often, foam is sold in white, but if necessary, it can be easily repainted with water-based paint..
However, for all its attractiveness, foam skirting boards are not ideal.. Here are just some of their disadvantages:
- Flammability. This type of baguette is made from expanded polystyrene, which is considered fire hazardous. This fact must be taken into account if you decide to glue the skirting board in the immediate vicinity of the wiring or next to bare wires..
- Not resistant to mechanical damage. The foam decor is very easy to cut and just as easy to scratch and break. Even a light touch can deform the surface, and it will be very difficult to mask the remaining marks later..
- Not all types of adhesives are suitable for this material. Some solutions contain aggressive components that corrode the surface of the baguette..
Polyurethane skirting board
This type of decor also has an affordable price and has its own advantages: the material is resistant to fire, so the scope of its application is somewhat wider than that of the previous material. In addition, it is not as fragile as polystyrene, so it is more difficult to damage it mechanically. And resistance to sunlight allows you to paint it in any color. Polyurethane molding is not afraid of water, does not absorb dirt and foreign odors, so it can be glued in the bathroom, kitchen and other places with high humidity. Choosing a PVC fillet, you can not be afraid that bacteria will destroy it, or it will be deformed.
As for the installation of such a baguette, its peculiarity is that it has a special mechanism that allows you to fix several fragments together. This gives the structure a more aesthetic appearance..
Of the shortcomings, several points can be listed. Firstly, polyurethane moldings are produced in a certain width, which is sometimes not enough to close significant gaps between the wall and the ceiling. Secondly, they do not bend too much, so they can only be installed on a perfectly leveled surface, and they are generally not suitable for rounded fragments of the interior..
Another significant drawback of polyurethane molding is that it cannot withstand high temperatures and melts. Therefore, it is not recommended to glue them near heat sources..
Wooden moldings
Wood for the production of ceiling decoration is used much less often. Both cheap and expensive types of wood are suitable for the manufacture of such moldings. This type of material has its merits..
In addition to being a completely natural and environmentally friendly type of raw material, it is also very durable and beautiful. The natural pattern of wood is unique and unique, and the heat emanating from it cannot be replaced by any other material.. The durability of this material should also be noted: wooden skirting board will not lose its original appearance for a long time.
If you decide to change the interior design, it is not necessary to change the skirting boards themselves – it is enough to repaint or varnish them. They respond well to all coatings applied.
However, as you know, wood burns well and does not tolerate moisture well. Solid wood baguettes are very heavy, so they are not attached to the surface with glue, but planted on screws. Moreover, it does not bend. That’s why, if your apartment has rounded corners, wooden moldings will absolutely not work.
Gypsum moldings
The plaster ceiling plinth is a versatile decoration for any style. Most often it is used in classic interiors, as well as for rococo or baroque styles. These trends in the interior are distinguished by a special charm, sophistication and some degree of pomp. It can be of various widths, as well as with an ornament or smooth, which allows you to mask possible imperfections in the premises, as well as use it in an interior, the design of which is made in the style of Art Nouveau or minimalism..
Since store options often do not meet the sophisticated needs of consumers, there are many companies offering to make similar decor with any pattern. And if desired, the plaster molding can be made independently.. Gypsum is an environmentally friendly material: it is particularly fireproof, non-toxic and does not emit any harmful substances. It allows air to pass through and is able to create a special microclimate in the room. Gypsum decorative elements are initially white and do not lose color over time, and if desired, they can be painted or even varnished to imitate any texture.
The main disadvantage of gypsum stucco molding is that it is afraid of excessive moisture, so decoration with gypsum moldings is not suitable for every room. And their cost is higher than that of analogues. With its rather impressive weight, gypsum baguettes are very fragile and break easily.
The installation of plaster decors does not require special knowledge, but sometimes a certain skill is required. If the decor is not too massive, it is glued with a special glue or putty. Heavier elements are mounted using screws..
Stone moldings
Most often, granite or marble is used for their manufacture. As a rule, living rooms of respectable mansions, halls of palaces of culture and other similar interiors are decorated with marble fillets. They give the room a special aura, add gloss to it. Granite skirting boards are more resistant to a humid environment, therefore they can be used in the design of swimming pools, saunas, spa salons and other places with high humidity.
Not everyone can afford such a luxury – the cost of this type of finish is high. More budgetary products made at factories in China. However, there is a great risk of acquiring a fake, an imitation of a stone. Therefore, such a product should be purchased in trusted places. Modern manufacturers offer a large selection of stone moldings of various widths, thicknesses and colors. Stone skirting boards can have various geometric shapes. There are classic straight skirting boards, and there is a rounded radial shape.
Since natural stone is not afraid of temperature changes, granite and marble ceiling plinths can be installed in unheated rooms – loggias, balconies, hallways, as well as decorate the external facades of buildings with them.
Stone curbs are a sign of a certain status and position in society. In order for them to look harmonious, you should not install them in small rooms with low ceilings..
Molding in various styles
Such decor is a ready-made solution for many tasks. Initially, moldings were created in order to hide gaps, inconsistencies and other defects. For example, a properly selected molding can mask an uneven ceiling surface. In addition, they can be a real salvation for a room with low ceilings: skirting boards matched to the ceiling can visually increase the height of the room.
However, do not forget about the decorative role of this element. Modern moldings are able to change any interior beyond recognition, provided that they are selected in accordance with the general idea of the room being decorated.
So, for classic interiors Smooth skirting boards or with a simple geometric pattern are more suitable. And for the room country style it is advisable to use decor with floral or ethnic ornament. Skirting boards can be used not only around the perimeter of the room, but also around the central chandelier. In the corners, you can stick decorative elements with a floral theme from stucco or its imitation.
The color scheme of the skirting boards is predominantly light pastel – pale pink, pale blue, beige or classics of the genre – white. In this case, it must coincide with the main background of the ceiling. A small amount of gilding on the moldings or the use of narrow strip skirting boards with an unobtrusive ornament around the perimeter of the room is allowed. For these purposes, polyurethane is the best fit..
Minimalism assumes a discreet design, a minimum of decorations and a maximum of functionality. In this case, the central luminaire is not very appropriate, so it makes sense to use ceiling skirting boards as a masking element for ceiling lighting. LED lighting can be hidden under or above them. With the help of them, you can make an original pattern on the shelf or divide the room into zones..
For style art deco or kitsch you can make skirting boards in contrast to the ceiling and add decorative details in the corners. All kinds of bright colors, stucco molding in antique style and gilding will be appropriate here..
In the interior high tech the ceiling can be decorated in light gray tones, and the baseboards can be chosen in the same color, only a tone or a few tones darker. Various imitations of metal and chrome textures will also be appropriate here. The moldings themselves should be smooth and without any pattern..
For the correct use of molding in the interior and other designer tips, see the following video.
