At Dahlstrom, we fabricate only the highest quality metal mouldings to help you create a sleek, elegant atmosphere for any room.
We pride ourselves on the rich history of our products. Our oldest designs originate from the industrial era - America’s Big Bang. Even better, Dahlstrom still uses the same tools and manufacturing processes that have been in place since our inception in the early 1900’s.
In addition to their historic authenticity, learn why designers choose metal mouldings over wood.
Got all that? Good. Now, let’s get started on the basics.
Types of Mouldings
Baseboards
Baseboards create a visual break from the horizontal floor to the vertical wall. They perfectly accent the floor design, protect the edges of the room, and create an eye-catching boundary that separates the building’s directional planes.
The height of your baseboards is the largest factor in determining their aesthetic appeal: short baseboards can look cheap and unassuming, while taller baseboards lend natural elegance and sophistication. Most of our baseboards are taller than three inches to ensure a rich aesthetic.
Chair Rails
Chair rails - also called dado rails and mid rails - have the greatest impact on a room’s atmosphere; they are placed on the wall at the approximate height of a chair back. This means chair rails are the closest moulding to eye level and will be the first you see when you enter a room. Consequently, chair rails dictate the proportions of a room - from floor to rail, and rail to ceiling - so their design and dimensions must be carefully chosen.
Originally, chair rails in classical architecture were positioned on a wall based on the proportions of the human body. That is why older buildings “feel” right when you walk in. With proper research and installation, it is possible to recreate that feeling in modern buildings. Dahlstrom metal mouldings take care of the aesthetics; the rest is up to you!
Picture Rails
Picture rails are the least familiar of all our mouldings. They sit between the chair rail and crown moulding, and in the case of Dahlstrom metal mouldings, are generally made of high-end materials like bronze or copper. Picture rails function as a decorative means for hanging paintings and other artistic decorations.
You will most likely find these in an art gallery or museum, but with some imagination, picture rails can be a unique addition to any public space.
Crown Mouldings
Crown mouldings emphasize the space where the vertical wall diverts into the horizontal ceiling; they turn boring angles into beautifully contoured transitions. “Crown” is a blanket term used to discuss cove mouldings, bed mouldings, and cornices. Generally speaking, the size of the moulding you choose will correlate with the height of the ceiling you’re working with; the taller the ceiling, the larger and more ornate that crown can be.
No matter what style you’re considering, we can all agree that crown mouldings instantly add an air of sophistication to any room.
Some of our more popular crown mouldings - model #s 1194 and 911:
These designs are simple yet elegant - a great look for almost any building.
Choosing Your Mouldings
So many ways to up your architectural game. We've barely scratched the surface on some topics, like metal door frame casing.
If you’ve explored our website and come across our catalog, you’ve probably noticed it’s… extensive. With so many designs to choose from, how do you know you’re picking the right one?
Well, all of them can honestly be used however you see fit. But, if you have any questions about our collection, please give us a call. We will gladly help you navigate the catalog to find something that fits your design. We hope to hear from you soon!
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