Moldings and cornices are useful for dressing up ceilings and walls. They can be made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or plaster, and are distinguished by their baroque, classic, or modern style.
The available moldings differ in their shape, but also their utility:
- a cornice is a horizontal decorative element used to dress the junction between the ceiling and the walls;
- a baseboard is also a horizontal decorative element, but it is intended to dress the foot of the wall;
- a chair rail materializes the separation (about 1/3 of the ceiling height) between the wainscotting and the upper part of the wall;
- door panels are available to customize the entrance;
- some elements are indistinguishable from wooden beams, perfect for decorating the ceiling.
Polystyrene moldings and cornices present various advantages to be aware of:
- they are appreciated for their affordable price;
- they are lightweight;
- they resist impacts;
- they are washable;
- they do not deform.
Polyurethane models also stand out for their features:
- they are appreciated for their quality finish;
- the precision of the details is an asset to enhance the walls and ceilings;
- they are suitable for living rooms as well as bathrooms or a covered pool.
No matter the decorative element chosen, the installation proceeds in a few steps:
- the support must be clean, dry, and free of any grease;
- a room temperature of 10 °C to 35 °C is ideal for the installation;
- the moldings must be cut to the room's dimensions using a fine-toothed saw or a miter box;
- a thin layer of adhesive on the back of a polystyrene element is enough to hold it to the ceiling or wall;
- polyurethane elements require a double coating of adhesive;
- simply position it by applying slight pressure to stick it to the support;
- excess adhesive is removed with a damp sponge;
- the last step is to cover it with a solvent-free acrylic paint.
The size of the cornice depends on the room height:
- a model of 8 x 8 cm (height x depth) is suitable for a ceiling height of less than 240 cm;
- a model of 10 x 10 cm for a height between 240 cm and 280 cm;
- a model of 12 x 12 cm for a height between 280 and 310 cm;
- a model of 15 x 15 cm for a height greater than 310 cm.
Thus, the choice of a molding depends on the part to be decorated (ceiling, middle of the wall, or foot of the wall), the height of the room, and the desired style.