Ceiling moldings: interior design features

Molding is one of the varieties of parts used for interior decoration. Outwardly, it looks like an applied decorative panel, which is glued to various surfaces - walls, doors, doorways. But more often they are usually fixed on the ceiling.

In translation from English, “molding” means “molded part”. This concept has many synonyms: fillet, bas-reliefs, baguettes, belts, baseboards. The idea to use when decorating the premises overhead decorative elements borrowed from classical architecture. On the one hand, this product is the result of modern technology, and on the other hand, it resembles stucco used since ancient times.

This decorative element can be of different types depending on the material of their manufacture. Let us consider in more detail what moldings are offered by the modern market of building materials.Moldings are made of various materials. The most common types of panels are:

• polyurethane (PVC) panels;
• foam;
• gypsum;
• wooden;

In addition to wood, from natural materials that are used for the manufacture of decor, you can call marble, granite and other types of rocks. However, due to their high prices, they are not so popular among consumers and are most often produced for individual projects.

All recommendations on the choice of ceiling fillers are reduced to the choice of the material from which they are made. Therefore, we consider in more detail the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular baseboards that can be found in any hardware store.

This is the easiest solution when choosing materials for finishing. In addition to the affordable price, among the advantages of the module can also be called a simple installation. When choosing this type of material does not require special tools or superpowers. It is enough to have a stationery knife and special glue on hand. Foam baguette is very flexible, so it can be glued even in places with rounded surfaces.

The most difficult stage of installation is to correctly and accurately cut off the desired length and glue the two joints together as carefully. And the light weight of the product allows you to carry out the entire process independently, without seeking outside help. Most often, the foam is sold in white, but if necessary it can be easily repainted with water-based paint.

However, for all its attractiveness, foam baseboards are not perfect. Here are some of their drawbacks:

• Flammability This type of baguette is made of expanded polystyrene, which is considered to be a fire hazard. This fact should be taken into account if you decide to glue the plinth in the immediate vicinity of the wiring or near the uninsulated wires.
• Non-resistant to mechanical damage. The foam decoration is very easy to cut and just as easily scratched and broken. Even a light touch can deform the surface, and then it will be very difficult to disguise the remaining traces.
• Not all types of glue are suitable for working with this material. Some solutions are composed of aggressive components that corrode the surface of the baguette.

This type of decor also has an affordable price and has its advantages: the material is resistant to fire, therefore its area of ​​application is somewhat wider than that of the previous material. In addition, it is not as fragile as foam, so it is more difficult to damage it mechanically. And resistance to sunlight allows you to paint it in any color. Polyurethane baguette is not afraid of water, does not absorb dirt and 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 record several fragments among themselves. This gives the design a more aesthetic look.

Among the shortcomings you can list a few points. Firstly, polyurethane moldings produce a certain width, which sometimes is not enough to close the significant gaps between the wall and the ceiling. Secondly, they do not bend too much, so they can be installed only on a perfectly aligned surface, and they are generally not suitable for rounded interior fragments.

Wood for the production of ceiling decoration is used much less. Both cheap and expensive types of wood are suitable for making such moldings. This type of material has its advantages.

In addition to being a completely natural and eco-friendly type of raw material, it is also very durable and beautiful. Natural wood design is unique and unique, and the heat coming from it will not replace any other material. It should be noted and durability of this material: the wooden plinth will not lose the initial form throughout a long time.

However, as you know, wood burns well and does not tolerate moisture. Baguettes made of solid wood are very heavy, so they are not attached to the surface with glue, but are put on screws.In addition, it does not bend. Therefore, If your apartment has rounded corners, wooden moldings will definitely not work.

Gypsum plinth for the ceiling is a versatile decoration for any style. Most often it is used in a classic interior, as well as for rococo or baroque styles. These trends in the interior are distinguished by their special charm, refinement and a certain amount of pomp. It can be of various widths, as well as with an ornament or sleek, which makes it possible to mask possible imperfections of the premises, as well as use it in an interior designed in the style of modern or minimalism.

Since store options often do not meet the sophisticated demands of consumers, there are many companies offering to make a similar decor with any pattern. And if you want plaster molding can be made independently. Gypsum is an environmentally safe material: it is highly refractory, non-toxic and does not emit any harmful substances. He passes the air 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 is that it is afraid of excessive moisture, so the design of plaster moldings is not suitable for every room. And their cost is higher than that of analogs. With its rather impressive weight, the gypsum baguettes are very fragile and easy to beat.

Most often for their production use granite or marble. As a rule, marble fillets decorate the living rooms of respectable mansions, halls of palaces of culture and other similar interiors. They give the room a special aura, add gloss to it. Granite skirtings are more resistant to humid environments, so they can be used in the design of swimming pools, saunas, spas and other places with high humidity.

Not everyone can afford such luxury - the cost of this type of decoration is high. More budget products made in factories in China. However, there is a high risk of acquiring a fake, imitation of a stone. Therefore, to purchase such goods should be in a proven place. Modern manufacturers offer a large selection of stone moldings of various widths, thicknesses and colors. Stone baseboards may have a different geometric shape. There are classic straight skirting, and there is a rounded radial shape.

Since natural stone is not afraid of temperature changes, the granite and marble ceiling plinths can be installed in unheated premises - loggias, balconies, hallways, and also they can be used for external facades of buildings.

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.

The similar decor is the ready decision for a set of tasks. Initially, moldings were created in order to hide gaps, inconsistencies and other defects.For example, a correctly selected molding can mask the uneven ceiling surface. In addition, they can be a real salvation for a room with low ceilings: matched to the tone of the ceiling plinth can visually increase the height of the room.

So, for a classic interior more suitable smooth baseboards or with a simple geometric pattern. And for the room country style it is advisable to use the decor with floral or ethnic ornament. Skirting can be used not only around the perimeter of the room, but also around the central chandelier. In the corners, you can glue decorative elements with floral themes of stucco or imitation.

The color range of plinths is predominantly light pastel - pale pink, pale blue, beige or classics of the genre - white. This should coincide with the main background of the ceiling. A small amount of gilding is allowed on the moldings or the use of narrow bandbaseboards with unobtrusive ornament around the perimeter of the room. For these purposes, the best fit polyurethane.

Minimalism suggests a discreet design, a minimum of jewelry and maximum functionality. In this case, the central luminaire is not very appropriate, so it makes sense to use ceiling skirting as a masking element for ceiling lighting. Under them or above them you can hide the LED backlight. With the help of them you can make an original pattern on a shelf or divide the room into zones.

For style art deco or kitsch You can make the plinth in contrast with the ceiling and add decorative details to the corners. All sorts of bright colors, stucco 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 plinth to pick up the same color, only a tone or a few shades darker. Also relevant here are various imitations of metal and chrome textures. The moldings themselves should be smooth and without any pattern.

On the correct use of molding in the interior and other designer tips, see the following video.