It’s so easy to add door mouldings to create architectural detail in your home!
Did you know that there is a very easy way to create a custom look in a room?
One of the simplest ways to spice up a “plain-jane” room is by adding moulding and millwork to existing door trim. This creates instant architectural detail, resulting in the doors looking larger and more substantial. Decorative mouldings draw the eyes up, making doorways look taller and ceilings higher.
You wouldn’t think that this would make much of a difference, but it truly does.
And it’s such an easy way to dress up builder grade doorways.
When we purchased our fixer upper, every single room needed renovating.
As we tackle each room’s makeover, we are also updating the existing door casements by adding door mouldings.
This gives each room character and detailing. We’re even adding extra moulding to the closet doors, and it’s amazing how something so simple results in such a rich and custom look and it’s a wonderful way to add value to your home without a lot of expense.
This is what all the door casements looked like in our house when we moved in.
They were nice wood doors with classic wood casements.
Nice millwork trim was already there, but I wanted to expand the height to create an illusion of larger doorways and higher ceilings…..and also make them a little fancier. I know…..I can’t help myself….I like fancy.
To design this look, we used pre-primed MDF boards.
You can use solid wood but we chose MDF boards because they are pretty much perfect, consistent in thickness and width, and perfectly smooth with no wood grain or knot holes to deal with. And once painted, they look and feel like solid wood.
Of course, if you have a stained finish, you will need to stick to solid wood.
We used 5.5″ tall baseboard moulding. Yes, that’s right, we used flat baseboard moulding as part of our design!
And this traditional crown moulding:
It was so easy to do this update, and once the moulding was added to the existing doorways, we painted them all white.
-
Step 1: Measure and Cut:
Measure the width of your doorway and cut a section of baseboard molding the same width as the doorway.
Cut a section of crown moulding the same width as the doorway, and mitre cut each end at a 45 degree angle.
Measure and cut a small piece of crown moulding to wrap around the side, with one side mitre cut at a 45 degree angle to fit into the corner of the larger section.
-
Step 2: Apply Door Mouldings as Shown:
The flat baseboard moulding sits on top of the existing door casing.
Place a generous amount of construction adhesive on the back of the flat baseboard moulding and place it on top of the existing door casement. Press to the wall and then use finishing nails to nail to the wall. (We used 1.5″, 18 gauge nails in our nail gun for this.) Try to nail into a wall stud if possible.
“Layer” the crown moulding on top of the flat baseboard moulding, gluing and nailing in place. Then place the crown end piece and nail and glue in place. Caulk and Paint.
It’s such an easy way to add character and detail to a room.
There are so many different designs you can use to add moulding, from very simple to elaborate, so let your imagination run wild.
You can get countless trim ideas from browsing Pinterest or checking out the trim aisles at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
No matter what you do, adding the moulding will create pretty details, and something different from the standard, ubiquitous mitered corner door trim.
I don’t know how many doorways we’ve completed, but we still have quite a few left to do.
We’ve started stripping the guest room down for it’s renovation and adding the mouldings to the doors will be one of the first things on the “to do” list.
So if you’re trying to think of a simple way to customize your home, adding door mouldings may be the answer.
This post is about the mouldings that we used, but remember there are no rules. If you find a different combination that you like, go for it! And remember, just because something is labeled as a baseboard, it doesn’t mean it can’t be used as a door casing!
Cheers,
Cindy
Hi. I’m so happy to see your door moldings. We have high walls in our entrance and it would look much better with height added to the doors in this area. I hate to admit this, but I don’t quit understand how the top (crown molding) piece is cut. So the front piece is cut at a 45 degree angle (with the upper corner larger) but how do you cut the side piece to fit? Thanks for your help.
Hi, love the crown molding on the door facing. Do you do both outside and inside the room?
Yes!
Thank you for this tutorial! What is the dimensions for he crown molding you used. The link doesn’t work anymore. Thanks.
Hi Jessica! I just fixed the link. Here it is: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Architectural-Products-by-Outwater-Designer-s-Edge-Millwork-8-Pack-2-75-in-x-2-5-ft-Polyurethane-Crown-Moulding/5000242071
Thanks
Everything is so classy and beautifully decorated. Love your style.
and, it does look fancy and Fantastic! Great job! Love white… Blessings be with you.
It really does pack a punch of character for such a small detail!
Hi Cindy,
Your home is just beautiful, it really gives me something to aspire to as I renovate my first home, a 1980’s townhouse that has had almost no work on it since it was built and is terribly dated. Slowly but surely I am transforming it into the little French Country home of my dreams.
I’ve been looking for a soft dove gray for my interior and I love the shade on your walls, may I ask the maker and color name? Thanks so much!
Anne-Marie Hamilton
Hi Anne-Marie! The color is Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams.
Makes a big difference doesn’t it!
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas, my question is can you let us know what the height of the ceiling’s are in the rooms, I’m struggling decorating in the home we have bought as it has low ceiling. Even something simple as picking light fixtures Is proving difficult. Thank you.
Frances, this is 8′ ceilings!
I have a molding question that I’d love to talk to you about! We’re building a new home and I am in such a dilemma with some of our door molding. Is this something I can reach out to you about? I would need to send you pictures.
Hi Cindy,
Your work looks fabulous. Was wondering what’s the size of existing casings for the door? Was it regular 2”?
The existing casings were 4″ wide.
What is the color of your door. The one next to the hutch
The color of the door is Sherwin Williams Pussywillow.
Hi Cindy! I love how these mouldings are, simple and elegant. I loved them so much, I decided to add the top sections to my doors. I clicked on your links and ordered both pieces from Lowe’s, but when I got the crown piece it was super tiny, less than an inch tall. I must confess, I didn’t read the size. Is your crown piece less than an inch tall because it looks a lot bigger in your picture? Thank you for a great post!
Hi Lia! Oh no! I’m so sorry….the crown we used is 1.75″ tall. I just checked the link and it goes to the wrong product. Here is the correct link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/1-75-in-x-8-ft-Pine-Primed-Crown-Moulding/3441592 I know Lowe’s will exchange it for you, they are wonderful to do that. Again, I’m so sorry, I feel so bad that you ordered the wrong thing!
I think beefed up trim has more impact than just about anything else. In our first little 1100 sf house, I put 5″ crown and baseboards bc I got a great deal!
Oh, I agree! Adding more millwork always makes a huge impact!Thanks for commenting!
This is amazing! I was wondering how tall your ceilings are and would this treatment look as stunning if the celings were 8′?
Hi Cheryle! Our ceilings are 8′ tall so it works well! Adding the moulding draws the eye up, giving the illusion of higher ceilings. I hope this helps!
Wow! Ok – I am definitely doing this! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Omg Cindy, your home is so freaking fabulous already, and I dd not think it could get any better, but once again, you have proving me wrong. I am in love with your designs, your creativity. My home is calling for your to help
You are too sweet, thank you Ivory!
Love all of your beautiful trim work in your home!…Yes, by you adding the detail at the top of each door adds so much character and height…..Our trim carpenter placed this detail in our home when it was built 13 years ago and I love it…I am in awe of you and your hubby creating such beautiful details in your home. Truly a labor of love resulting in the most exquisite interiors….I am looking forward to your guest room project!
Thank you, Shirley! I will be so glad when this house is finished!
~Cindy~
Thank you for sharing! I have often wondered how this was done, Im reading the steps and thinking yes, yes I can do this THEN the little end pieces I was lost hehe.
My daughter bought her first home all by herself , so happy for her !! We spent seven hours just painting, but its all done and looks so very cute. She lives two hours away so when I go we definitely have to stay focused on getting what I came to do finished ! Funny how Im so eager to get her projects done and put my own on hold!!She wants everything done before moving in hehe, I told her as a homeowner there is always something that needs something !!
Have a super week,
Blessings
Paula
N
Paula, how exciting for your daughter! And you are so right….there is always something that needs to be done when owning your own home!
I really love this idea! We are currently renovating our entire house, as well. That said, I have a different question.
We have a black and silver Schnauzer (Harry Potter) that is freaked out every time he sees Denis going for the power tools.! I end up “baby stitting” him while Denis works, but there will come a day when I am needed to do my thing and we may both need to work at the same time. Does your Schnauzer get upset when you are both working, and if so, how do you deal with that!? I know this isn’t a “Design” issue, but , in a way, it is. Especially if there is a lot of time consuming work to be done over a lengthy time frame. I have never seen this aspect addressed by anyone, and wondered if you had any ideas as to how to deal with stressed out pets during the whole process. I know that WE get stressed out, but they do, too! That causes problems because Harry has taken to “digging” the on carpet before he lays down or hides under the bed.!
Hi Constance! Our RubyLou is fine with all power tools except the nail gun…she doesn’t like it at all and it freaks her out a bit. I don’t know if your baby is crate trained or not, but when RubyLou gets agitated by the nail gun, we put her in her crate in a separate room in the house. We try and put her as far away from the action as we can and if possible turn on a radio for some background sound. She loves her crate, as it is her safe space, with her blanket and favorite toys, and it has a cover over it so it’s a little bit like a cave. She calms down immediately when she’s in the crate. I hope this helps!
Thanks for the suggestions! Harry Potter really freaks when the nail gun comes out, too! There must be something in the noise, perhaps?? He goes under our bed and I turn on music or the fan and that seems to help,but he still wants ME in there with him! (you might get that he is a little bit SPOILED) lol. I will try a crate and see if that helps, because I have a lot coming up and cannot “babysit” him all day. 🙂
Hi Cindy,
I totally agree with you about the value moulding adds to the home. What you’ve done looks wonderful. Did you also do the moulding that goes up the stairs, or was that already existing? If you did do that, would you show some photos that demonstrate how you did it? Thank you.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! We added the millwork to the foyer as well. Check out this post for more pictures and info: https://edithandevelynvintage.com/foyer-progress/
This is so simple yet adds such fancy decor. Even I could do this,and I’m a genuine goofus.(is that a word?). Love that chair in your guest room. Is it going to be reupholstered?
Thank you, Sue! Yes, that chair is on my “to do” list! It’s getting new upholstery so it will work better with our color scheme!
Hi Cindy. I love your all your ideas and have used several of them. Looks like you’ve added some more pieces to the living room. How many more rooms are left?
The rooms that are still not renovated are two bedrooms, mudroom/butler’s pantry, four bathrooms, and we still need to lay hardwood floors at the top of the landing upstairs! Ugh! I’m not sure I’m going to survive!
That was a great idea! Looks more classic and grand! I’m looking forward to see that guest room decorated! I want to know what you’re selling at yard sale? I love your decor taste!!
Thank you, Nancy!
PERFECTION!!! 🙂 Is your hubby for rent?? ha!
He rents pretty cheap, Mary…..afternoon naps and evening cocktails is all he requires!
Great instructions on framing out door. My husband will be pleased we can work with what we have!
Looking forward to guest room makeover.
Thanks, Gaylin!
❤️❤️ these ideas! Thank u!
You’re welcome, Cindy! Thanks for following along!
I always look forward to your post as I learn a lot from each one. Plus the fact that you and your hubby are doing all of it is fantastic. Then again your taste is exquisite and from the begining to the end you somehow make it fun and beauty full Love what you have done .
Thank you so much, Alice! Your kind words mean so much to me!
Love, LUV, love your tutorials! It is because of your precise information and step by step guides (Plus you offer the reader extreme confidence-lol) that I’m getting ready to have a 2nd room of white washed pine ceilings installed. Yippee – less popcorn! You are the best. Thank you kindly:)
That’s awesome, Terry! Thanks for following!
It all looks so lovely! Good luck removing the wall paper. When we moved into our 1950s era home we had pink and blue goose wallpaper in the kitchen that refused to come off. We ended up putting beadboard over it which added to the farmhouse look I was going for.
Oh, I know….so far we’ve had two rooms that the wallpaper refused to come off….we even consulted professionals, and nothing worked. We planked over one room and then primed and painted over another one. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it comes off of the walls in the guest room!
I look forward to each of your post, especially your room renos. Love your style!
Thanks you so much, Regina!
Thank you for sharing this great idea…..always look forward to your post…..just the best.
RTR
Thank you so much, Gray! RTR!!
I LOVE this post – such an amazing transformation! Are your ceilings 8′ or are they higher? I would love to do this in my home, but I only have 8′ ceilings and if some of the doors already have crown molding at the ceiling, I am worried about how that would look.
Thank you, Cheryl! We have 8′ ceilings. Adding the moulding actually adds visual height, drawing the eye up, so the ceilings look a little higher than they are.
Hi Cindy, thank you so much for this very well explained tutorial! Very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share how you and your husband transformed these doors. They look beautiful! Looking forward to seeing what you do to your guest room! Smiles, Deborah:-)
Thank you so much, Deborah!
I just love your classic style and your perseverance at carefully cleaning, renovating and then freshly styling each room. It is encouraging to see that it can be done slowly and methodically and with classic details on your own. What you are doing can be applied to any home. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Oh, Aimee, you are too kind. Thank you so much!
Bravo! Your attention to every detail has created such a beautiful home.
Be sure and include me in you garage sale plan! You know how I love your style!
Will do, Debbie! Thank you!
Cindy, I have windows that appear short as they are double hung windows on right and left of dining table. I would love to do your door crown over those windows. Open floor plan and can see two other windows in family room and about seven doors in kitchen hall , laundry , closet and our bedroom.
Do you think having done this on all your doors that just doing those two sets of double window would look ok or would I open the can of worms to need to do all of them and doors.
Also does your crown have the top on it to be closed or did you add a board on top of crown to close the open area above the crown?
This is a thought process for me. Almost as bad as selecting paint.
Thank you for the posts and your very blessed ability.
Sherrill
Hi Sherrill! I think that since your home is an open floor plan with all of those other doors and windows visible, it wouldn’t look right to jus do those two windows. If the dining room was separated somewhat from the rest, I think it would be fine, otherwise, I don’t think so. I think, in my humble opinion, that it’s all or none! We caulked the top of the crown where it joins to the flat baseboard piece, and then painted. I hope that helps! Good luck!
Simple but classy and elegant. Love it.
Thank you so much, Linda!