Like many in our industry I have fallen foul of the ailment that is called ‘TLA’ (Three Letter Abreviation) or ‘IS’ (Industry Speak)
This was only made clear to me last week when I tried to explain initially to a designer (and later to an architect) what I meant by a “build-up architrave as a header”. It was at this point (even though I have been writing blogs for Period Mouldings for a number of years) that I realised that I had forgotten the first principle of design – that a picture paints a thousand words.
The result is the blog which you are reading today with one shameless objective – to clearly inform all users of where our products are used in the room and provide a diagram to show where they fit in the room or the design scheme.
Types of Mouldings
The diagram below is our interpretation of the “base level” features.
The graphic shows the placement in a property and is merely an ‘aide memoire’ for both the enthusiast and the professional
A) Cornice or Crown Mouldings
These can be either wood or plaster and were originally formed by creative craftsman who effectively carved the plaster and wood.
B) Header Architrave Feature
Predominantly found in entertaining rooms these features add height and gravitas to the architrave and the door surround.
C) Door Casing
These form the structural connection within the wall. In modern homes they are commonly square edged timber but in period homes they can be more ornate with inset mouldings.
D) Stop Latt
This is the stop bead that is used to ensure the door closes correctly.
These are commonly square and have tended to be a modern invention. Traditionally the door casing served as the stop bead with part of the casing being rebated.
E) Architrave
This is the frame part of the door. Its original purpose was to cover the gap between the walls and the door casing. In period homes it is often used as a dramatic frame to a door.
F) Window Apron
A feature that has often been neglected in modern homes. This feature supports the window sill to add depth to the frame effect.
G) Window Sill
In period homes these tend to be wider and thicker than their modern counterparts.
H) Dado Rail.
These are usually applied to a wall horizontally and are commonly found in dining rooms mainly to protect the walls from sliding furniture.
I) Faux Winscotting.
This is used as a form of false panelling used as a cost saving method. Historically it visually deceives the onlooker into thinking that below the dado rail the area is fully panelled.
J) Picture Rail.
A practical moulding that was used to hang pictures. Using a specially designed hook it can hold pictures large and small.
K) Corner Blocks
These decorative pieces were originally used to provide additional strength to the door casing.
So why is this information useful?
The answer lies in its simplicity. Showing everything illustrates the range of choice and the clever part is knowing what to choose. This is of course a very personal decision, however professionals can find it to be very therapeutic as they take their clients on a journey of discovery through the depths of British Architectural design.
So if you or your clients need some help on these matters then please do not hesitate to contact us at: enquiries@periodmouldings.co.uk or give us a call on: 08455191554.
