Best choices for window and door trim / moulding

11 years ago

So, we moved into our new semi-custom home last fall, and are preparing to tackle some new projects this spring.

Our builder used your typical pre-hung doors (8') with 2.5" trim throughout the house. Our ceilings are 10'. We have 5.25" baseboards throughout and while I haven't gotten up to measure the crown moulding, it looks to be the same or slightly taller than the baseboards. No shoe-mould anywhere in the house.

Of course I wish that the trim around the doors was larger to match the baseboards, but it isn't. With that disparity in mind, we are struggling to determine the best trim size to use around our windows, as well as around the sliding glass doors.

The sliding glass doors are 3 panel, and the opening is 12'x8'. The front door trim does match the baseboards, so we are thinking of doing the same for the sliders. There are no other doors or windows nearby to conflict.

Any thoughts on trim sizes for either the sliders or the windows?

Additionally, I've seen that some people put trim along the inside of the window as well, while some people just paint it. Our wall texture is orange peel, so I'm thinking that painting is out for us? Is there a thin trim piece that I can mount on the inside of the opening, without having to rip out the drywall?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

virgilcarter
11 years ago
Architectural trim and mouldings vary with the architectural style of the house. Colonials differ from contemporaries, etc.

Generally speaking, base trim is often the largest, with cove moulding (where it may occur) often the second largest trim piece.

Window and door trim (head, jamb, sill and stool) are generally somewhat smaller than either base or cove. Of course, there are all sorts of options and choices, so this is only a starting point. I would not make window and door trim equal in any sort of historic period house.

I don't understand your last paragraph about window "inside" trim. Are you saying that you have no trim on your existing windows? Hope this helps.

Good luck with your project.
BlackAce
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for your feedback. You're absolutely right, I should have mentioned the interior style, which I would say is mainly traditional but with and up-to-date contemporary flair. Open plan, two story family room and lots of light throughout. Arch openings over all doors and passageways.

What I meant about the trim on the inside of the window, I meant on the sides perpendicular to the glass itself, currently painted drywall. I don't have my terminology down, but I'm sure there is a name for this area.
Related Professionals
Ridgewood Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Alpine Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Beverly Hills Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Gardner Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Panama City Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Republic Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Westchester Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Clinton Township Interior Designers & Decorators · Buena Park General Contractors · Country Club Hills General Contractors · Everett General Contractors · Los Lunas General Contractors · Plano General Contractors · Sterling General Contractors · Summit General Contractors