Window trim frames an interior window to give the room a finished look.
Trim is the wooden molding that frames a window. Though in the realm of building or remodeling your home the window trim may seem like a decision low on the priority list, choosing a trim style that clashes with the rest of your aesthetic can be an interior design disaster. Choose a style of trim that reflects your style and complements both the colors and wood types in the rest of the room for a purposeful finished look.
Classic Trim
Classic window trim is one of the more common window trims because it is understated, easy to install and inexpensive; the simple trim is used in many styles of home, from ranches to contemporary homes. Classic trim features milled wood strips between 2 to 4 inches wide. Mitered joints connect the four pieces at the corners of the window to create the frame. Most classic trim styles feature simple profiles that follow much the same shape as simple baseboard molding. One of the benefits of classic trim is that the simple design lends itself well to a variety of finishes. Leave oak or pine wood trim natural with just a coat of light stain for a subtle finish, or brighten a space by painting the trim a glossy white.
Decorative Trim
Older and historic homes often feature more decorative trim that adds a sense of sophistication or opulence to the space. Victorian-inspired decorative window trim usually features more elaborate profiles than classic trim; the profiles are more akin to crown molding rather than base molding. Though some decorative trim may feature mitered joints, most styles are butt joints that meet flatly with a block situated at each window corner. The wood panels may feature a number of additional mill work or design details. Some pieces include rope details that run up the length of the trim; other styles utilize decorative appliques or inlays in central locations in the trim or on the corner blocks. Egg and dart molding is a Grecian style trim that features a series of alternating egg-shaped ovals and triangular darts for added texture and visual interest. Custom decorative window trim is also an option, though any custom piece will likely be more expensive than a stock design.
Craftsman Trim
During the 1920s and 1930s, an American art movement emerged that placed handcrafted, simple designs at the peak of value and style. The arts and crafts movement also impacted architecture, and during that time the Craftsman style bungalow home gained popularity. Craftsman style trim balances elements of both classic and decorative trim styles. Craftsman trim features wide plank woods with simple profiles and limited mill work. The planks meet flush with plinth blocks at the window's corners; the blocks often feature an inlay, applique or carving design in the shape of a simple rose, called a rosette. Craftsman moldings also typically feature a fluted block at the top center of the trim. The trim is usually left natural with a medium stain that highlights the details of the wood grain, but a soft white coat of paint is also a traditional choice for Craftsman style trim.
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