# Understanding Classic Moldings – Part 2

- Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/moldings/
- Published: 2018-03-12T14:34:52-04:00
- Author: Ken Roginski

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.**

[⌊classic molding trim⌉⌊classic molding trim⌉[

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 ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/aesthetics/) 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⌉⌊cavetto terminating molding⌉[

Cavetto – Terminating molding.

 

[⌊olvol supporting molding⌉⌊olvol supporting molding⌉[

Ovolo – Supporting molding

 

[⌊cyma recta terminating molding⌉⌊cyma recta terminating molding⌉[

Cyma Recta combines both a Cavetto on top and Ovolo on the bottom. This is a terminating
molding.

 

[⌊cyma reversa supporting molding⌉⌊cyma reversa supporting molding⌉[

Cyma Reversa has an Ovolo on top and a Cavetto on the bottom. It is a supporting
molding.

 

[⌊crown molding⌉⌊crown 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.

![](/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/icon1.jpg)

 

[Understanding Classic Moldings Part 1 ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/classic-moldings/)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/icon1.jpg)

 

[How to and Understanding types of Molding Videos by Brent Hull ](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brett+hull+moldings)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/icon1.jpg)

 

[Look at some original archived catalogs of wood trim by year. ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/catalogs/)