Your home’s windows are not just functional elements for sunlight, cool breezes and great views. They’re also key design features that play a bit role in your home’s overall aesthetic. This is why choosing the right window trim, and window mouldings, is one of the best ways to level up your home’s curb appeal.
Whether you’re renovating a classical home from yesteryear, or building a new home for generations to come, window trims and window mouldings are key to nailing your design brief and achieving your desired style.
In this handy HPAM guide, our expert team break down how to choose the perfect window trim and mouldings. With these tips, you’ll feel confident in selecting designs that not only enhance your windows, but also complement your home’s design.
Step 1. Understand the Role of Window Trim and Mouldings
Before diving into styles, let’s take a quick look at what window trims and window mouldings are all about.
Trim simply refers to the casing or edging around windows. It serves both a decorative and functional purpose.
Window mouldings however are the additional detailing beyond the basic trim. They come in many different forms and are synonymous with a wide range of architectural styles.
Together, they frame the window, enhance its appeal, and help protect your home from leaks and wind.
Step 2. Consider the Architectural Style of Your Home
To make the right window trim and moulding choices, you first need to consider your home’s architectural style.
To create a cohesive look, we always recommend choosing a window trim that complements your home’s overall design.
Here’s our top trim and mouldings recommendations for popular Australian homes:
Victorian Homes
Victorian homes are known for their ornate and intricate detailing.
For this style, opt for elaborate mouldings with multiple layers and decorative elements like rosettes and corner blocks.
Window trim in Victorian homes often features bold designs with intricate carvings, making the windows a statement piece.
Colonial Homes
Australian Colonial architecture tends to lean toward symmetry and simplicity.
If this is your home’s style, opt for clean, wide window trim with minimal detailing.
A subtle crown moulding above the windows can add an elegant touch without being overly ornate.
Craftsman Homes
Craftsman homes celebrate handcrafted, artisanal details.
Window trim in this style is often wide, with a flat, simple design.
We recommend you choose a trim that emphasises strong lines and sturdy proportions, as well as natural look finishes for an authentic craftsman look.
Modern Homes
Modern homes are all about clean, minimalist lines.
Trim and mouldings for this style should be sleek and straightforward, without unnecessary ornamentation.
Thin, streamlined window trims in neutral colours are ideal for modern designs, allowing the window itself to take centre stage.
Step 3. Choose the Right Materials
Window trim and mouldings come in a variety of materials, each with its advantages and considerations.
Our top pick? Expanded polystyrene.
Expanded polystyrene mouldings are lightweight, easy to install, and moisture-resistant.
They are especially useful in humid environments (such as here on the Gold Coast!) and are an excellent option for adding decorative elements to window trim with minimal effort.
Step 4. Proportion and Scale
This one is tricky to get right, so pay attention here.
We always recommend you keep the size of trim and mouldings in proportion to the size of the window and the room.
Why? Because small windows generally look better with slimmer trim. And, larger windows can handle wider, more substantial trim.
Similarly, in rooms with high ceilings, you can opt for larger, more elaborate mouldings, while smaller rooms benefit from simpler, scaled-down trim.
A good rule of thumb is that window trim should generally be between 2 and 6 inches wide (depending of course on the window size and style of your home).
For homes with high ceilings or large windows, we suggest going wider to balance the proportions.
Step 5. Colour and Finish Choices
Once you’ve chosen the style and material, your next step is colour!
Colour has a lead role in the final look and impact of your trim and mouldings.
For great impact, we recommend you paint window trim in a contrasting colour to the wall.
When it comes to colours, white is a popular choice as it highlights the window and provides a crisp, clean frame.
In modern homes, trim is often painted to blend with the wall colour for a more seamless appearance.
If a bolder look is more your style, consider making a dramatic statement with darker colours like charcoal or black.
Step 6. Consider Additional Features
Your design choices don’t end at just window mouldings and trims.
Why not consider adding extra details like window hoods or pediments above the windows for a more finished, architectural look?
Window mouldings can also incorporate intricate carvings, raised panels, or curved shapes to add depth and dimension to the trim.
Whether traditional or contemporary, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our product range.
Final Thoughts from High Profile Architectural Mouldings
Choosing the perfect window trim and mouldings is all about balancing aesthetics with practicality.
By considering your home’s architectural style, selecting the right materials, and paying attention to size and colour, you can enhance both the interior and exterior of your home.
And, with the right window trim and mouldings, your windows will not only frame beautiful views but also add character and value to your home for years to come.
For more tips and high-quality architectural mouldings, visit High Profile Architectural Mouldings.
Contact us today to start your next project and add the perfect finishes to your home.
