10 Gorgeous Wall Moulding Ideas
Adding moulding to the walls is one of my very favorite ways to add some personality to a room on a budget. If you want to try it out, I’m sharing some wall trim ideas to help inspire you in your home!
I absolutely love adding trim to the walls in my home. It’s something I’ve done a ton over the years and it never fails to shock me how much of a difference it makes in a space. There are nearly endless ways to add some interest to your walls with moulding, so today I’m going to share a few of my favorite wall trim ideas to get you inspired!
10 Wall Trim Ideas For Your Home
Picture Frame Moulding
What is it? Wood trim in the shape of squares or rectangles, traditionally done both above and below a chair rail (see below).
Where have I done it? My current bedroom and our powder room.
How hard is it? Not at all! It looks complex, but with a level and a space board it’s a breeze.
How do I do it? Learn how to install picture moulding here.
Shiplap
What is it? Tongue-and-groove boards installed on a wall or ceiling. Can be installed vertically or horizontally in a space.
Where have I done it? All over the place! On a couple of fireplaces, on our kitchen island, the powder room ceiling, and the entirety of our upstairs game room.
How hard is it? So easy! This is one of the simplest wall trim projects to tackle.
How do I do it? Learn how to install shiplap right here (it’s about vertical installation but it applies to both!).
Beadboard
What is it? Beadboard is a paneling style that features vertical grooves, or “beads,” that give it a really charming, traditional look. It’s often used in bathrooms, entryways, or anywhere you want a cozy cottage vibe.
Where have I done it? In our first home, I installed it as a kitchen backsplash. In our second home, I installed beadboard in the entry, in our dining nook and in the boys’ bathroom! Here, I have it in our entry.
How hard is it? Super doable. You can get beadboard panels at any home improvement store, cut them to size, and glue or nail them right up. You’ll feel very accomplished very quickly.
How do I do it? Learn how to install beadboard right here!
Chair Rail Trim
What is it? This is a thin piece of trim that runs horizontally across your wall. Traditionally, it was installed to protect walls from chairs (hence the name). These days, it’s mostly used for dividing up two different wall treatments – for example, wallpaper on top and paint on the bottom.
Where have I done it? In Jackson’s nursery in our first home and in Grant’s room in this home. I’ve also got chair rail as part of the picture frame moulding in both my bedroom and our powder room!
How hard is it? One of the easiest trim projects out there. A single, straight line of trim that you install at chair-height? Yes please. Grab a level and a nail gun, and you’re good to go.
How do I do it? Learn how to install chair rail here.
Painted Baseboards
What is it? Exactly what it sounds like. No new trim here, just giving your existing baseboards a fresh coat of paint. It’s an easy way to clean up a space or add some contrast with a fun color.
Where have I done it? I’ve painted the baseboards and trim in our entry and our upstairs hallway.
How hard is it? Zero skill required, just a lot of patience. Taping off the floor helps, and an angled brush is your best friend. It’s boring but oddly satisfying.
How do I do it? Learn all about painting baseboards here.
Grid Trim
What is it? This is very similar to picture frame molding, but with a more modern bent. Grid trim uses evenly spaced vertical and horizontal trim pieces that form a clean, modern grid across your wall.
Where have I done it? My bestie, Parisa’s, room!
How hard is it? It might look really fancy, but it’s pretty beginner-friendly if you’re comfortable measuring carefully and using a level. The math can get a little annoying (ugh, fractions), but once you map it out, it’s just a lot of straight cuts and repeat steps.
How do I do it? Learn how to create a grid trim wall here.
Boxes with Interior Trim
What is it? This is basically picture frame or grid molding with a little flair. You start with your basic boxes and then add a second layer of more decorative trim inside. You can get creative with ogee, rope, or half-round molding.
Where have I done it? Parisa’s kitchen island and the boys’ bathroom in this house.
How hard is it? Intermediate (ish). Not because it’s technically tricky, but because the more trim layers you add, the pickier the spacing and measurements become. Just give yourself some time and work nice and slow and you should be good to go.
How do I do it? Learn how to tackle this trim style here.
Geometric Shapes
What is it? This is where things get a little more unique – and a little more custom. Think triangles, diamonds, or herringbone shapes made from trim pieces. You can really let your creativity shine here and do whatever your little heart can dream up.
Where have I done it? At my friend Michelle’s house!
How hard is it? This one is harder than your average trim project, especially if angles give you anxiety (raising my hand here). You’ll need a miter saw and a good plan going in. But if you love puzzles and aren’t afraid of some trial and error, it makes for a great “wow” wall.
How do I do it? Learn how I installed a geometric trim wall here.
Wood Accent Wall
What is it? Instead of just trim, think adding full planks of wood to the wall to create a full wood wall look. You can do this with actual wood planks, or with a vinyl situation to keep it really simple.
Where have I done it? In our bedroom at our first house, in Jackson’s bedroom in this house, and in our laundry room.
How hard is it? Very straightforward! It’s similar to installing shiplap if you go with real wood, even easier if you go with vinyl planks.
How do I do it? Learn how to install vinyl wood planks on a wall here.
Board & Batten
What is it? Board and batten is a classic wall treatment that combines vertical boards (the battens) with horizontal top trim to create a paneled effect. It works with pretty much every style and it’s one of my favorite trim treatments!
Where have I done it? Grant’s nursery in our second house, our garage and upstairs hallway in this house, and Parisa’s garage and her daughter’s room in her last house!
How hard is it? So easy! This is one of the most forgiving trim styles. Most designs use straight, evenly spaced boards. No fancy cuts needed! And if your walls are a little wonky, it hides a multitude of sins.
How do I do it? Learn how to install board and batten here.
Hopefully these wall trim ideas leave you feeling inspired and ready to dive into your next project!