Offering a subtle way to enhance your home, mouldings can be quite transformative; you could even call them the unsung hero of interior design.
Among the most popular choices are dado rails and crown moulding or coving as it can be known, each bringing unique characteristics and adding a different feel to your space. But which one is the right fit for your design vision? Let’s break down the differences and help you decide.
What is dado moulding?
Dado moulding, usually called a dado rail here in the UK, is a decorative trim usually installed horizontally along a wall, around a room, about one-third of the way up. Initially used to protect walls from being damaged by chairs, dado rails are now a stylish feature that are often used to add depth to a room.
Best suited for:
Dado rails are perfect in classic or formal settings like dining areas, hallways, and living rooms. It’s often paired with paneling or wainscoting to create a layered, textured look.
Why choose dado rails?
- Adds detail and structure to flat walls
- Helps divide walls visually, bringing balance to a room
- Contributes to a more traditional, timeless aesthetic
Styling suggestion: Create contrast by painting dado rails in a different color from your walls, or go for a natural wood finish to introduce warmth.
What is crown moulding?
Crown moulding sits where the walls meet the ceiling. More commonly called coving, it provides a decorative transition that enhances the architecture of a space. Its history dates back centuries, and yet it continues to be a staple for homeowners looking for a polished look.
Best suited for:
Crown moulding works well in rooms with high ceilings, where it adds a sense timelessness.
Why choose crown moulding?
- Creates a polished and high end feel
- Makes ceilings appear taller by drawing the eye upward
- Brings architectural detail to minimalist spaces
Styling suggestion: For a modern aesthetic, opt for crown mouldings with clean, simple lines. For something more traditional, intricate profiles can add a touch of opulence.
How to decide between dado rails and crown moulding
Room functionality: Use dado mouldings in high-traffic areas where walls are prone to scuffs, like dining rooms or hallways. In comparison, crown moulding suits rooms where you want to emphasise elegance and create a polished look.
Ceiling height: Dado rails are ideal for spaces with low ceilings, as they add detail without overwhelming the room.
Crown moulding is more effective in spaces with higher ceilings, where you want the room decor to shine.
Style preference: Dado rails align well with classic or traditional styles, especially when combined with wainscoting or paneling. Crown mouldings are versatile and can complement both modern and traditional aesthetics, depending on their design.
Budget considerations: Dado mouldings are generally less expensive, requiring fewer materials and simpler installation. Crown mouldings, especially those with intricate detailing, may cost more but deliver a significant visual impact.
Why not use both?
Can’t decide? You can always combine them for a cohesive, well-thought out design. Pairing dado rails with wainscoting and crown mouldings creates a striking, sophisticated look that brings harmony and depth to any room.
Whatever your vision for your home, our skilled team takes pride in offering premium-quality hardwood mouldings, including dado rails and crown mouldings, tailored to fit your vision. Using responsibly sourced timber like American white oak and European beech, we provide bespoke solutions that enhance your home’s aesthetic while prioritising sustainability.
Whether you’re looking for a natural wood finish or finished mouldings, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process. With decades of expertise, we’re committed to delivering mouldings that are both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
Looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your home? Get in touch with the team today.
