SIDEBAR- CLASSICAL MOLDING TREATMENTS

Traditional American wall treatments from the 18th Century onward were laid out according to a general scheme developed by the Greek and Roman builders. The three main components of this scheme are the pedestal, which is a base for a column, the column itself, and the entablature which rests upon the column. Ancient builders used molded edges at the joints of these stone components to hide the joints and provide a certain appearance.

The classical revival in European and American culture of the 18th and 19th Centuries used this basic breakup of interior walls as a basis for many of numerous specific styles (such as Georgian, Federal, Victorian etc.). Variations in these styles amount to different use of these components, not use of different components. Earlier Georgian styles used moldings with circle curves, later styles (Federal onward) also used elliptical styles. For more on these styles see Natalie Shivers book "Walls and Molding".

Base molding, wainscot and chair rail constitute the pedestal. Chair rail and wainscot are frequently omitted. Raised panel wainscot is time consuming and expensive to make, but you can use special plywood panelling to give a similar appearance. Border the paneling at the top with chair rail. Locate chair rail at a height above the floor where chair backs will strike it and not the wall.

The area between the baseboard or chair rail and the crown molding constitutes the column, and is called the field. This area was usually left bare, though picture rails (from which picture wires were hung with hooks) were often used to define the top. Sometimes rectangular molding frames were used in the middle of the field as border surrounds. The Victorians often papered the field.

Crown molding constitutes the entablature. Many different combinations of moldings were used for crown treatments, from a single wide piece to large numbers elaborately arranged for maximum visual effect.

Use this scheme as a basis for door and window molding treatments, too. On doors the plinth block constitutes the pedestal, and the vertical trim the column. On windows use a thick stool and molded apron below to give the heavy appearance of a pedestal.

At the top of doors and windows, simulate an entablature with crown molding that returns at the ends with miter cuts and short pieces that butt to the wall. Or, find a picture of a door or window head that you like and copy it as closely as you can with available moldings.

Resources For Installing Moldings

Wood Molding and Millwork Producers Association, 507 First Street, Woodland, CA 95695, 800-550-7889

Book- Walls and Molding by Natalie Shivers. The Preservation Press, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20036; 202-588-6296.

Book- Trim Carpentry Techniques by Craig Savage. Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., Newtown, CT 06470; 203/426-8171.