Types of Molding and Trim
Molding, whether crown or cornice, can add great detail to your kitchen. Here is an overview of some popular molding options:
Appliqué: A detailed carved or etched decorative piece installed on the face of cabinets
Bun feet: Round decorative pieces on the bottom corners of base cabinets used to raise the cabinetry and create a furniture look.
Corbels: An ornamental bracket that may or may not also be structural. These large, carved pieces often support (or appear to support) island countertops, shelving or hood mantels.
Cornice: The uppermost section of molding along the top of cabinetry; usually refers to molding that meets the ceiling.
Crown molding: A long ornamental strip with a modeled profile, crown molding accents the tops of your cabinets, adding height and elegance.
Dentil molding: Molding with tooth-like, closely spaced rectangular blocks.
Egg and dart molding: Molding decorated with alternating oval (egg) and arrow (dart) shapes.
Flat trim: Molding without a carved or rounded profile; commonly used in Arts and Crafts kitchens.
Fluting: Ornamental vertical, semi-circular grooves routed into a pilaster.
Galley rail: A front "retaining wall" made from small spindles.
Insert: A decorative strip inset between other moldings.
Legs: Both structural and decorative, these pieces support base cabinets and provide a furniture look. They may also be used to support a countertop overhanging an island.
Onlay: Literally "laying on" the cabinet, an onlay is a carved decorative element installed on the cabinet’s face.
Pediment: A low-pitched triangular gable that sits atop cabinetry. It may have scrolls, scallops, arches or other detailing along the edges.
Pilaster: A vertical column that is decorative, not structural. It projects slightly from the cabinet's surface and is typically rectangular.
Plate rail: A decorative shelf with a groove for plates.
Plinth: A square block at the base of a pilaster or turned post.
Rope molding: Molding carved or milled to look twisted like rope.
Rosette: A carved circular ornament with a floral look; can also be a square with a circle design in the center.
Spindle: A slender turned piece of wood, typically decorative. Large spindles generally are called turned posts or legs.
Split molding or split spindle: In essence, half a molding or spindle. The flat back and half-round shape makes it easy to apply to a cabinet surface.
Toe kick: The recessed area at the bottom of a base cabinet; also refers to the molding used to cover the area.
Turned posts: Large vertical pieces with a circular outline; may also be referred to as legs, columns or spindles. These may be structural or decorative.
Valance: A decorative panel installed across an open area, often above a sink, over a window, at the bottom of a base cabinet or at the top of open shelving.
Wainscot: A facing or paneling, often wooden, applied to the lower part of an interior wall or large end panel of a cabinet.
