I have read many blog articles about how to improve a house with the use of molding.
Adding a cornice with cove molding, embellishing window and door casings etc. are some examples.
These blogs say to take different types of moldings and put them together to create a more ornate appearance.
This all sounds great and at first glance it all looks pretty good too. But this is the wrong way to do it.
Various moldings as they were originally designed.
There are various types of moldings available and each has a particular use. As Brent Hull explains it “There is a language to classical design. If you don’t speak the language, your work will look funny and awkward. Put simply: You might be using the right words, but if you put them in the wrong order or upside down, they won’t make sense.”
Classical design is a very involved subject and I go into it in a little more detail on my CURB APPEAL page. Here however we will focus on two types of molding that are frequently used incorrectly. Once you understand them you will be able to recognize and pick out their improper use.
Supporting vs. Terminating Moldings
There are two types of moldings you should be familiar with. They are used very often and most times you will see they are used incorrectly.
They are Terminating moldings and Supporting moldings.
The Cavetto is a terminating molding.
It is to be used at the top of other trim showing the design is ending.
It is concave. Think of reaching your arms up over your head with your hands open.
Your hands are terminating the form of your body and your hands are facing forward in an open position as in the shape of the Cavetto (“C”).
The Ovolo is a supporting molding.
It is to be used below something it is supporting like a shelf.
It is convex. Think of your arms stretched in front of you holding a book.
Your palms are facing upward and your fingers are curled in the shape of the Ovolo.
Cyma Recta has both the Cavetto and Ovolo combined.
Since the Cavetto is on top this is a terminating molding.
This is usually seen as a cornice around your ceiling.
Cyma Reversa has both the Cavetto and the Ovolo combined but they are reversed with the Ovolo on top.
Since the Ovolo is on top this is a supporting molding.
This would be seen supporting a book shelf or something heavy.
This molding is wrong. It is a Cyma Reversa – supporting molding used around a ceiling where terminating molding should be.
Don’t trust your carpenter to know what to do.
I found this image online by a company that sells molding.
Cavetto – Terminating molding.
Ovolo – Supporting molding
Cyma Recta combines both a Cavetto on top and Ovolo on the bottom. This is a terminating molding.
Cyma Reversa has an Ovolo on top and a Cavetto on the bottom. It is a supporting molding.
This is wrong – do not trust your carpenter.
Now that you know the difference between supporting and terminating molding see how many mistakes you can find in your travels.
A Lesson About Moldings and How They Create Beauty
I really recommend watching this.
I’ve just purchased an 1823 center chimney colonial and am trying to find resources for windows. Would you be able to recommend any salvage companies that might have old windows?
Thank you.
Mary-Ellen
Sorry I can’t even if I knew what state you lived in.
Interesting. Thank You.
Can you elaborate on these concepts with a couple of examples used in context?
This article should explain it.
It doesn’t.
I would have thought supporting instead of terminating molding would be used as crown molding in a room, to give the impression that the molding is supporting the ceiling. Can you explain why this is wrong? Thanks.
Good point. I really don’t know the answer. It could be that the room itself is not an individual item. The terminating trim does look more graceful.
Could it be that given the expanse of the ceiling, the eye does not see it as needing any support, much as the sky does not need support?
As an aside, I will forward before and after pictures of our house after our consultation with you on the appropriate exterior colors. In our renovation process, your consultation fee was the best money spent. We have recommended you to countless numbers of people.
Possibly but I think it is more like you begin with a box/room. Pretend there are not walls or ceiling then it may make more sense.
This is Great! It brings up a question. I am a finish carpenter (not to be trusted, lol), and am designing a small portico over a side door to match one existing over the front door, and the question of cove or ovolo, came to mind. Over the door there is a 6~7″ wide soffit, and then a 2.5″ fascia. Above the fascia is a small roof incline (about 10″ wide). My question is, at the transition from header casing to (smallish) soffit, is a cove (about 1″) more appropriate to express termination into the soffit, or is an ovolo more appropriate to express support of the assembled elements stacked above it?
Sorry – this is difficult for me to visualize. I recommend looking at Brett Hull’s videos and site and if that doesn’t help, try contacting him. I did put your question into AI for it thought it would understand you design construction. The following is what it said – but not sure I trust it.
The choice between using a cove or ovolo molding in the design of a portico primarily depends on the architectural style of the house and the existing decorative details, as well as the functional role you’d like the molding to play.
Here’s a breakdown of each option and its implications:
### Cove Molding
Cove molding is concave and typically used to enhance the transition between surfaces. It’s often employed to soften the area where walls meet ceilings or in similar junctions. In the case of your portico:
– **Aesthetic**: Cove molding offers a softer transition, which might work well if the overall architectural style has softer, more rounded features.
– **Function**: As a transition piece, it suggests a flowing connection between the header casing and the soffit, which can make the soffit appear as though it is gently emerging from the header. This might be suitable if the design aims to emphasize a seamless and integrated appearance.
### Ovolo Molding
Ovolo is a type of convex molding that often features a rounded profile. It can add a more pronounced, structured element to architectural details.
– **Aesthetic**: Ovolo molding tends to give a more pronounced and decorative edge to the elements it adjoins, suitable for styles that include classical or traditional details where stronger, more noticeable transitions are desirable.
– **Function**: Functionally, the ovolo molding can give the impression of supporting the soffit and roof structure above, due to its protruding, robust profile. This could be visually effective in expressing the structural elements of the portico.
### Considerations
– **Existing Architecture**: Match the new portico’s molding to the existing style. If the front door’s portico features one type of molding, mirroring that style can help maintain consistency across the architectural design.
– **Visual Impact**: Consider what visual statement you want to make. Ovolo might draw more attention to the transition, while cove could blend more subtly with the surrounding structures.
### Recommendation
Given the dimensions and the placement you described, if the existing architecture or the front door portico features more pronounced, classical details, an ovolo molding could be more appropriate to visually express the support and add a decorative touch. However, if the style leans towards a smoother, more understated look, then a cove molding might be preferable for a seamless transition.
Ultimately, the choice would benefit from considering the existing decorative elements and the architectural style of your home, ensuring that the new portico complements and enhances the overall aesthetic.