The word “trim” refers to almost every applied decorative element you can think of, including baseboard, door and window casings, chair rail, picture rail, crown moulding, pediments, pilasters, columns, ceiling medallions, ceiling coffers, corbels, spandrels, mantels, and fireplace surrounds.

Baseboard covers the intersection between the floor and wall and protects the bottom of the wall from such things as a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner. The profile of the baseboard is generally deeper (wider) at the bottom than at the top. Except in unique situations, baseboard is found in most homes.

Base shoe is a quarter-round trim. Its two flat sides form a 90-degree angle that fits against the floor and the baseboard; its third side is rounded. In profile, it looks like a quarter circle.

Base shoe elaborates the baseboard slightly but also serves to cover any gap between the baseboard and flooring material.

Ceiling moulding (also called cornice or crown moulding) covers the intersection between the wall and ceiling. Flat- backed types are applied at the top of the wall, butting against the ceiling.

Crown moulding, which is a sprung moulding, crosses the intersection at an angle so its back is in three parts—a broad, flat central area and angled edges.

Door and window casings create a frame around the door or window opening and hide the gap between the jamb and the adjacent wall. The outside edge of the casings is usually flat, to provide surface for horizontal trim—such as a chair rail—to butt into cleanly.

Wall paneling can cover an entire wall or a portion of it. It can be made using frames, panels, bead board, tongue-and-groove boards, or plywood and battens, depending on the style you wish to achieve.

Generally, if the paneling doesn’t cover the entire wall, it is called wainscot and runs either one-third or two-thirds of the way up the wall.

Cap molding and back band have rabbeted edges that fit over the top of wall paneling or the outside of flat casing.

Chair rail is applied approximately 36 inches from the floor. It functions to protect walls from the backs of chairs, but it is also used as a division between paint and wallpaper or two different colors of paint, or simply to create a visual break in the wall.

For those who want a rustic fire place mantelpiece there is always the option of choosing wood, of course many people prefer wood fire place mantels, since they believe that the wood imparts a very warm look to any room, and makes for a cozy environment. There are many types of wood used in fire place mantels, though among the more popular ones is classic mahogany and cherry. That said an oak fire place mantel is also a popular favorite, with the wood imparting a very classic look to any room in which this fireplace is situated. Due to the development of technology the good news is that wood fireplace mantles can now be made out of MDF, which cuts down on the manufacturing costs considerably, and yet can be made to look like one of the typical hardwoods such as oak or mahogany.

Most people, when fitting fire place mantels, usually think in terms of a real fire, or a gas burning insert. However, the electric fire place mantel is also a popular choice, and there are many suppliers which will supply the mantel and the electric fireplace insert itself as one kit. If this is something that you're considering, take time to look at the various deals on offer from the various suppliers, because you may be able to find yourself upon in and get everything you need to put your fireplace mantel in place. Many have considered the fire place look meaning where the fire used to be they prefer the option of shelves for display of collectables or a sound system.