Trim and moulding serve both decorative and functional roles in residential buildings. They hide joints, protect edges, and define the transition between surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and openings. Whether you’re tackling a renovation, or planning a new home build, understanding where each type is placed and its purpose helps ensure clean, durable, and professional finishes.
1. Cornice (Coving / Ceiling Moulding)
Function
Cornice provides a transition between the wall and ceiling, softening the junction and concealing small cracks caused by building movement. It also contributes to the aesthetic style of a room — from minimalist to ornate.
Placement
Installed along the top of interior walls, following the ceiling line.
Standard (internal) cornice sits inside the room.
Typically 55–135 mm projection from wall to ceiling, depending on style and ceiling height.
Fixed with cornice adhesive, usually with the wall edge pressed slightly higher to ensure a tight ceiling joint.
Material Options
Plaster / Timber: Traditional, heavier, can be ornate.
XPS/Polystyrene: Lightweight, clean edges, ideal for DIY or fast installs (The Cornice Store range).
2. External Cornice (Eaves Moulding)
Function
Provides a finished edge where the roof meets the wall, shielding the wall from weather and improving curb appeal. It can also conceal soffit or fascia joints.
Placement
Mounted externally under the eaves or parapet line.
Often integrated with soffit boards and fascia trim.
In decorative facades, may feature drip grooves or shadow lines to break up large surfaces.
Material Options
Cement-based, fibre cement, or high-density polystyrene coated for exterior durability.
3. Skirting (Baseboard / Floor Moulding)
Function
Skirting protects the base of walls from impacts, covers the joint between wall and floor, and conceals expansion gaps in flooring. It also provides a visual frame to the room.
Placement
Runs along the bottom of interior walls, above the flooring.
Height usually ranges from 67 mm to 185 mm.
Installed after flooring but before painting or final sealing.
Mitred at internal and external corners, often scribed for tight joints.
Material Options
MDF (common in modern builds).
Timber (hardwood or softwood).
PVC (lightweight and moisture-resistant for wet areas).
4. Architrave (Door and Window Trim)
Function
Covers the gap between wall lining and the door or window frame, while visually framing the opening. Provides a clean finish and protects edges from knocks.
Placement
Fixed around doors and windows on the room side.
Typically 40–90 mm wide.
Top corners are mitred at 45°, vertical legs cut square to meet the sill or floor.
Installed after jambs are in place but before final painting.
Material Options
MDF or finger-jointed pine (painted).
Hardwood for stained finishes.
5. Soffit (Eaves Lining)
Function
The soffit forms the underside of the eaves—the horizontal surface that bridges the gap between the exterior wall and the edge of the roof. It protects rafters from weather and insects, improves ventilation, and contributes to the home’s exterior look.
Placement
Fixed horizontally under roof eaves or overhangs.
May include ventilation slots or perforated panels.
Joins to fascia at the outer edge and to the wall or external cornice at the inner edge.
Material Options
Fibre cement sheets, PVC panels.
6. Fascia Board
Function
Runs along the roof edge and supports the guttering. Also hides the ends of roof rafters and defines the eaves line.
Placement
Mounted vertically at the edge of the rafters or trusses, immediately behind the gutter.
Typically paired with soffit and external cornice systems.
Material Options
Timber (painted).
Aluminium or PVC (low maintenance).
7. Dado Rail / Chair Rail (Optional Interior Trim)
Function
Originally designed to protect walls from chair backs, now primarily decorative — used to break up large wall surfaces or define wainscoting panels.
Placement
Horizontally along walls, roughly 900–1000 mm above floor level.
Material Options
MDF, timber, or PVC.
8. Picture Rail (Optional Interior Trim)
Function
Provides a hanging edge for artwork without driving nails into plaster. Also acts as a decorative upper wall line.
Placement
Runs horizontally 50–100 mm below the ceiling line, often matching cornice profile in style.
Material Options
Timber, MDF.
9. Quads, Scotia, and Beads
Function
Small finishing trims that fill internal corners, floor junctions, or conceal expansion gaps.
Placement
Scotia: Along flooring edges beneath skirting, particularly with floating floors.
Quad: In external corners or between trims for added definition.
Beadings: Around cabinetry, ceilings, or windows for fine detailing.