Functional and decorative, door casings (also known as door trim or door moldings) serve three purposes in a room. First, they cover the transition space between the door jamb and the wall. Secondly, they improve the look of a door. Finally, and often most importantly, they add depth, warmth, and texture to the overall style of a room. Though rarely a focal point, door casings play a subtle yet essential role in pulling a room together. Read on for everything to know about door casing styles to use in your home.
Common Materials Used in Door Casings
Paint-grade wood, stain-grade wood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are three commonly used materials for traditional door casings. As its name implies, paint-grade wood is bare wood that will need to be primed and painted. If you choose paint-grade wood, you’ll be able to hide the joints. Paint-grade wood is often made from poplar and pine wood.
Stain-grade wood is similar in that it can be stained in virtually any color. Stain-grade wood won’t allow you to hide the joints, but it is resistant to warping. Stain-grade wood for door casings often comes from maple, poplar, cherry, birch, walnut, and mahogany.
Medium-density fiberboard is a versatile product that looks like paint-grade wood but is formed from sawdust and resin. Typically the least expensive material for door casings, MDF casings often come pre-primed, so they can be painted immediately.
If you’re looking for a modern, unique look, metal door casings are also an option. Sleek and sophisticated, metal door casings can be made of steel, painted steel, or a red metal such as bronze, brass, or copper. Metal door casings may be less resistant to damage such as dents, chips, or scratches.
Types of Door Casings
When planning to redesign your home, you’ll need to select both the type of material and the door casing style. You may opt for a farmhouse style of casing, which adds a bit of warmth to a room, thanks to whitewashing, painting, or staining. Farmhouse styles add a cozy subtle effect.
Minimalist door casings are no-frills casings. These are a terrific option in small spaces where you don’t want the casing to overwhelm the room. If you have a loft or your space leans towards a streamlined industrial vibe, a minimalist door casing can be a perfect choice.
Colonial casings are the most elaborate style. These casings make a statement on their own. They may include shapes, curves, and beads. These detailed casings can add volume to rooms with lower ceilings.
Metal door casings can be amazing for coastal properties or glass and French doors. Metal door casings can range from industrial to elegant, depending upon the style and metal you select.
Door Casing Styles: Tips for Choosing
When planning to renovate, you’ll have dozens of decisions to make on your own, or with the guidance of an interior designer. Although your door casing won’t be your home’s centerpiece, it will contribute to the overall ambiance and energy of the room, so you should choose carefully.
1. Choose Different Door Casing Styles for Different Rooms
One of the fun aspects of selecting your door casing styles is that you can select more than one. In fact, you probably should if you’re renovating quite different rooms in your house. A wooden colonial-style casing may look great in your foyer but would look ridiculous in your minimalist bathroom. Metal casings can be wonderful for balcony doors and French doors but may not work for your bedroom.
2. Consider the Extent of Your Design Project
If you’re completely renovating your home, you’ll have a clean slate, allowing you to choose whatever casing materials and styles you want. However, if you’re only planning a minor update to a room (new paint, and/or other minor updates), keep in mind the overall style of the room. To that end, make sure the new casings match your windows, floorboards, or crown moldings. In other words, avoid adding a steel door casing if your home boasts a modern cottage style and features an abundance of natural woods. This will ensure cohesion in your rooms.
3. Ask an Expert for Help Choosing Your Door Casing
If you’re unsure where to start, get professional help. Most interior designers are available as consultants for both large and small design projects.
Home Design Consultants in Oregon
Samantha Lee Designs is an experienced, highly sought-after interior design firm based in Eugene. Helmed by Samantha Rouleau, our services are available for commercial and residential design projects. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.