Decorating your walls can feel overwhelming, but the right decorative trim for walls can completely change the vibe of your space. I created this post because I believe that walls deserve more than just paint or wallpaper. Adding trim not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings depth and character to your home. With so many options available, it can be tricky to choose the best style for your needs.
If you’re someone who loves home decor, particularly vintage-inspired designs, you’re in for a treat. This post is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, interior design lovers, or anyone looking to add a personal touch to their living spaces. You’ll find ideas that celebrate architectural details and help you create a unique atmosphere in your home.
Get ready to explore 12 fabulous trim ideas that range from classic to contemporary. Each idea brings its own charm and can easily be implemented in your space. Whether you want to highlight a feature wall, add elegance to a room, or simply refine your home’s overall look, these wall molding ideas will inspire you. Let’s bring some personality into your walls and watch your home transform!
Key Takeaways
– Decorative trim can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, adding both depth and character.
– Crown molding and wainscoting are timeless choices that elevate a room’s elegance effortlessly.
– Chair rails and picture rails help define spaces while providing opportunities for creative wall art displays.
– Vintage lace trim offers a delicate touch that can soften a room’s look, perfect for a cozy atmosphere.
– Faux finishes can create artistic flair without the commitment of permanent alterations, allowing for more playful design choices.
1. Crown Molding: Elevating Elegance
Crown molding creates a graceful frame at the ceiling line. It visually lifts the room, making ceilings feel taller. You can go modern with a smooth white profile or lean traditional with carved floral details. The result is a timeless finish that blends history with today’s design.
For best results, measure carefully, plan precise miters, and paint after installation. If your budget is tight, choose lightweight foam or PVC and pre finished options to reduce labor.
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– carved crown with soft wall tones for harmony
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– Install with precise miter cuts for clean edges
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– Use foam or PVC options for budget-friendly installs
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– Paint in high-gloss white for dramatic lift across ceilings
Crown molding anchors the room with refined silhouette. The right texture catches light and adds depth without shouting.
Crown Molding: Elevating Elegance
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Creative Crown Foam Crown Molding Installation Kit – 80 ft.
Amazon$56.99
Creative Crown | 48 Ft of 3.5″ Angelo Foam Crown Molding kit W/precut Co…
Amazon$189.85
WAPANE 360″ x 3.1″ Peel Stick Foam Molding Trim Self Adhesive, Crown Mol…
Amazon$30.69
Self-Adhesive Flexible Crown Molding PVC Ceiling & Wall Decoration Trim …
Amazon$21.99
Art3d 10-Pack 47Ft White Ceiling Crown Molding Trim, High Impact Polysty…
Amazon$49.992. Wainscoting: A Touch of Class
Wainscoting adds texture and scale to your walls. It creates a refined boundary between wall and space, instantly elevating dining rooms and halls. Choose raised panels for classic charm or beadboard for a lighter touch. This trim merges vintage vibe with modern ease.
Measure wall heights and plan panel sizes before cutting. Two tone finishes, darker below and lighter above, add depth.
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– beadboard below with lighter walls above for depth
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– Install panels with hidden nails for seamless look
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– Paint panels to harmonize with room palette
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– Add art or photos to accent panels
Wainscoting blends old world texture with modern calm.
Wainscoting: A Touch of Class
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Art3d Premade Board and Batten Paintable Wainscoting Kit, MDF Accent Wal…
Amazon$99.99
Weysat MDF Board and Batten Wall Panel Kit 94.5in x 47.2 in Premade Wain…
Amazon$59.99
Allwood Beaded Knotty Pine Wainscot Kit, 18 Linear Feet of Wall Length
Amazon$155.50
Ekena Millwork, WPKP56X03CS Classic Shaker, 8′ Length PVC Wainscoting Ki…
Amazon$125.88
3. Chair Rails: Defining Spaces
Chair rails create a visual pause that defines spaces. Placed about a third up the wall, they anchor furniture and art. A contrasting profile or bold color adds character without clutter. Used thoughtfully, they guide the eye and protect walls in high traffic areas.
Measured consistently to keep the line level in every room. Paint or stain to suit the rest of your palette.
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– Pair rail with bold wallpaper above for drama
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– Install level line to maintain symmetry
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– Paint rail in contrasting color for emphasis
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– Use integrated lighting along rail to highlight art
Chair rails add character while keeping walls protected.
Fun fact: chair rails are a decorative trim for walls, placed about one-third up, defining spaces and protecting surfaces. When paired with bold wallpaper above, the effect is dramatic yet calm—no clutter, just crafted character.
Chair Rails: Defining Spaces
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
20 Ft X 1.6” Molding Trim Peel and Stick Chair Rail Moulding for Walls …
Amazon$29.99
Peel and Stick Wall Molding, Chair Rail Wainscoting Panel, Finish Trim f…
Amazon$24.00
Ekena Millwork 4 3/8″H x 5/8″P x 94 1/2″L, (3″ Repeat), Victorian Chair …
Amazon$42.48
Endurathane Antonio Chair Rail, 3 5/8″H x 3/4″P x 94 1/2″L, Factory Primed
Amazon$40.08
Ekena Millwork 3 5/8″H x 1 1/4″P x 94 1/2″L Bedford Chair Rail
Amazon$35.534. Beadboard: Classic Touch
Beadboard brings cottage charm with subtle texture. It works in kitchens, baths, and powder rooms, adding brightness. Run beadboard vertically for height or horizontally for traditional warmth. Paint it fresh white or in a soft color to suit your vibe.
Measure wall space accurately and cut panels to fit. Beadboard can be installed vertically or horizontally for a variety of moods.
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– Pair beadboard below with white walls for cottage vibe
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– Install vertically for extra height
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– Keep seams hidden with careful caulking
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– Use hooks or shelves above for function
Beadboard adds texture and practical charm.
Beadboard: Classic Touch
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Art3d Wainscoting Wall Panel Kit, 37.8″ Tall Beadboard Panels for Walls,…
Amazon$89.99
Interwood Reversible Beadboard Wainscoting Panels – Primed Tongue & Groo…
Amazon$114.99
York Wallcoverings Best of Country Bead Board Removable Wallpaper, White…
Amazon$46.445. Picture Rail: Gallery Effect
Picture rails offer flexible art hanging and classic charm. Used with care, they let you swap art without wall damage. Choose a color that contrasts for a statement, or blend for cohesion. Position high enough to accommodate frames and shelves.
Install at seven to eight feet for proper display. Use sturdy anchors to hold weight.
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– Paint rail in bold contrast to walls
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– Install at seven to eight feet for proper display
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– Hook brackets sturdy for heavy frames
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– Pair rail with console table below for balance
Picture rails elevate your gallery and protect walls.
Picture Rail: Gallery Effect
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
STAS Riva – 47 inch Wooden Picture Rails – Robust Wood Art Hanging Mould…
Amazon$21.00
EWPC11 Picture Hanging Rail 1-5/8″ Tall x 11/16″ Moulding. Unfinished, P…
Amazon$36.54
EWPC12 Picture Hanging Rail 2-1/4″ Tall x 3/4″ Moulding. Unfinished, Pop…
Amazon$42.70
Mocking Bird Sturdy Picture Rail Hanging System, 66 lb (30 kg) Max Load …
Amazon$21.99
Picture Rail Molding Hooks and Wire – 5 Pack – Includes Silver Rail Hook…
Amazon$43.206. Decorative Plinths: Grounding Elegance
Decorative plinths ground walls with solid presence. Placed at the base of a wall, they anchor the room and add a subtle weight. Vintage forms range from simple bevels to ornate details. A dark plinth against light walls creates depth and sophistication.
Secure firmly and align with the floor line. Color them to contrast or match nearby trim.
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– Paint plinths dark for contrast against light walls
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– Secure firmly and align with floor line
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– Display small sculptures to anchor space
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– Keep them as architectural accents rather than furniture
Incorporating plinths adds finish and character to your walls.
Decorative Plinths: Grounding Elegance
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Design Toscano English Rosette Indoor/Outdoor Sculptural Garden Plinth B…
Amazon$73.84
Classic Statuary Stand Outdoor Pedestal Sculpture Decor Plinth Base Rise…
Amazon$67.99
TOETOL Garden Outdoor Statues Classic Plinth Sculptures Decor Base Riser…
Amazon$113.99
17 Inch Sculptural Garden Plinth Base Statue, Embossed Design Durable an…
Amazon$109.00
Design Toscano KY0631 Rococo Sculptural Plinth,Faux Stone Finish
Amazon$243.687. Baseboards: Refining the Bottom Line
Baseboards finish the bottom edge with polish. They hide gaps and provide a gentle transition from floor to wall. Choose profiles that echo crown molding for a cohesive flow. Go tall in rooms with high ceilings to emphasize height and grandeur.
Match baseboard height to room scale. Keep them clean with regular dusting and touch-ups.
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– Choose tall profiles to emphasize ceilings
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– Coordinate with crown molding for flow
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– Keep clean with regular dusting and touch-ups
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– Consider finish that matches trim palette
Baseboards subtly elevate the whole room.
Baseboards: Refining the Bottom Line
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Wall Baseboard Molding Trim,8-Pack of 48 x 3.27 Inch,Peel and Stick High…
Amazon$49.99
Art3d Wall Baseboard Molding Trim 8-Pack of 56 x 3.2 in., High Impact Po…
Amazon$54.99
Sunnyglade 10-Pack Wall Baseboard Molding Trim of 44.5 x 3.2 in, High Im…
Amazon$47.99
8 Pcs Wall Baseboard Molding Trim 47.2 x 3.15 in, High Impact Polystyren…
Amazon$42.99
8. Wall Paneling: Bold Statements
Wall paneling makes a bold tactile statement. It works from classic to modern rooms, adding texture and scale. Choose from painted or natural wood to suit your mood. Patterns like herringbone or chevron add movement.
Pattern or finish shapes mood. Patterning and finish drive the vibe.
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– Install panels in herringbone for modern twist
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– Paint panels in deep hues for drama
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– Balance complexity with simple art below
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– Keep grain and texture visible for depth
Wall paneling turns a plain room into a textured showcase.
Wall Paneling: Bold Statements
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Olanglab Wood Veneer Wall Panels 6 Pack, 24‘’X48‘’ Sound Absorbing Panel…
Amazon$139.90
from Plain to Beautiful in Hours 124-bm-HERRINGBONE Herringbone 3D PVC W…
Amazon$143.93
Art3d Slat Wood Wall Paneling for Interior and Ceiling Decoration – Pack…
Amazon$129.99
Art3d Slat Wall Panels, WPC Soundproof 3D Wall Paneling for Interior Wal…
Amazon$139.99
Art3d 24-Pack 3D Wall Panels for Interior Wall Décor, PVC Wavy Textured …
Amazon$44.999. Ceiling Medallions: Exquisite Details
Ceiling medallions add a crest of detail around lighting. Choose a size that fits your fixture and room scale. Finish in plaster, white, or metallic for different vibes. Vintage medallions feel timeless and luxurious.
Match medallion to fixture size for balance. Try metallic paints for luxe glow. Place in smaller baths for surprise. Secure with adhesive and screws.
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– Match medallion to fixture size for balance
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– Try metallic paints for luxe glow
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– Place in smaller baths for surprise
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– Secure with adhesive and screws
Ceiling medallions elevate a room with refined sparkle.
Ceiling Medallions: Exquisite Details
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Livex Lighting, 8200-57, Ceiling Medallion, Hand Applied Venetian Patina…
Amazon$154.44
Ekena Millwork CM24DI Diane Ceiling Medallion, 24″OD x 3 5/8″ID x 1 1/4″…
Amazon$43.98
Ekena Millwork CM20VI 20-Inch OD x 3 1/2-Inch ID x 1 1/2-Inch P Vienna C…
Amazon$36.09
Ekena Millwork CM18RL 18-Inch OD x 3 1/2-Inch ID x 1 1/2-Inch Riley Ceil…
Amazon$29.99
Ekena Millwork CM18GA 18-Inch OD x 3 1/2-Inch ID x 1 3/4-Inch Granada Ce…
Amazon$37.9210. Architectural Niches: Display Spaces
Architectural niches create intimate display spaces. These recessed walls frame art, plants, and keepsakes. Backed shelves and lighting make them glow. They add depth and crafted detail to plain walls.
Ensure proper reinforcement for heavy items by reinforcing with backing panels to handle weight. Backlighting can create a dramatic halo effect behind objects.
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– Use niches for plants, sculpture, or books
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– Reinforce with backing panels for weight
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– Backlight to create dramatic halo effect
Niches turn wall space into a curated gallery. Textures from materials add warmth.
Fun fact: Architectural niches are a form of decorative trim for walls and can boost perceived depth by up to 40%. Even a shallow 8-inch niche, backed with lighting, turns art, plants, or books into focal points—without expanding the room.
Architectural Niches: Display Spaces
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Golden Cloud Shape Floating Shelves with LED Lights Wall Decor,Gold Meta…
Amazon$32.99
Mkono Artificial Ivy Macrame Hanging Shelves with Lights Set of 2 Boho W…
Amazon$29.99
PHAREGE Moon Phase Floating Shelves White Gold, Set of 3 Small Decorativ…
Amazon$22.99
Danya B. Decorative Wall Mount Floating Intersecting Cube Accent Wall Sh…
Amazon$39.99
BAYKA Floating Shelves, 22.5 inches Rustic Wood Wall Shelves for Bathroo…
Amazon$31.9911. Vintage Lace Trim: Soft Touches
Vintage lace trim softens walls with delicate charm. It adds whimsy and a gentle, feminine touch. Place along top edges or around mirrors for a romantic finish. Pair with pale colors to glow softly.
Secure with fabric glue or double sided tape.
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– Adhere lace with fabric glue for gentle bonds
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– Pair lace with pale wall colors
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– Frame mirrors with lace for romance
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– Use sparingly to keep space breathing
Lace trim adds a personal and inviting finish. It softens edges and invites touch.
Decorative trim for walls like vintage lace instantly softens a room. A foot of delicate lace along top edges or around mirrors can add romance with pale colors. Secure with fabric glue for gentle, lasting charm.
Vintage Lace Trim: Soft Touches
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Women’s Vintage Lace Trim Satin Mini Skirt High Waist A Line Bodycon Sho…
Amazon$24.99
Women’s Elegant Lace Trim Shirts Casual Victorian Blouse Long Sleeve But…
Amazon$28.99
Women’s Sleepshirt Charming Satin Lace Trim Short Silky Nightgown
Amazon$42.58
Women’s Vintage Floral Velvet Lace Trim Dress,Western Sexy V-Neck Long-S…
Amazon$35.49
Women’s Steampunk Thin Jacket Gothic Victorian Mid-century Vintage Lace-…
Amazon$38.8812. Faux Finishes: Artistic Flair
Faux finishes bring artistic depth to plain walls. Sponging, glazing, and stenciling mimic rich materials. They add vintage texture to modern spaces. Practice on a scrap board before committing.
Practice first on sample board before applying. Layer glaze and sponge for depth. Seal with topcoat for durability. Pair with trim for cohesive drama.
Faux finishes turn walls into art that shapes mood. They celebrate craft and texture.
Faux Finishes: Artistic Flair
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Price updated on December 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
AMY HOWARD AT HOME – Glazed Over – Finishing Glaze For Faux Painting – W…
Amazon$28.99
General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects, 1 Quart, Van Dyke Brown
Amazon$41.49
General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects, 1 Pint, Pitch Black
Amazon$22.00
General Finishes Water Based Glaze Effects, 1 Pint, Smokey Gray
Amazon$32.95
Rust-Oleum 315881 Chalked Decorative Glaze, Semi-Transparent Aged, 30 fl…
Amazon$29.74Conclusion
Decorative trim for walls is a fantastic way to inject personality and sophistication into your home. From classic crown moldings to playful lace trims, there’s an abundance of options to explore. Each of these vintage-inspired ideas not only enhances the visual appeal of your spaces but also tells a story, linking your home with history and tradition.
Consider which trim styles speak to you and how they can complement your existing decor. Embrace the charm and elegance these architectural details can bring to your home, and let your walls become a canvas for your personal style.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best decorative trim ideas to add depth to walls without a full remodel?
Start with classic options that deliver depth without heavy renovations. For decorative trim for walls, crown molding, picture rails, chair rails, and panel molding are versatile starters. For a vintage-inspired look, choose profiles with beaded edges or rosette details to add character. You can create shadow lines by painting the trim a shade lighter or darker than the wall, or by using two-tone finishes for an aged effect.
Practical steps: measure and mark where trim will sit, select material you can work with (pine or MDF), cut miters with a saw, apply glue, nail the pieces, fill seams, sand, prime, and paint. Before committing, test your wall molding ideas in a small area or on a sample board. Finish with a durable sealant to protect the architectural details for walls in high-traffic rooms.
How do I choose trim styles for home that fit a vintage-inspired look?
To nail a vintage vibe with decorative trim for walls, pick styles that echo a favorite era—Georgian bead molding, Victorian rosettes, or Arts and Crafts paneling. Scale matters: wider profiles feel grand on tall ceilings; slimmer ones suit cozy rooms. For wall molding ideas, repeat a couple of profiles around the room to create rhythm. Choose materials that fit budget and upkeep; wood for authenticity or MDF with glaze for a vintage look. Finish options matter: a warm stain, off-white paint, or a subtle antique glaze can enhance architectural details for walls. Also plan lighting to let shadows highlight depth.
Is it easy to install decorative trim on existing plaster or drywall, or should I hire a pro?
DIY is totally doable. For plaster, secure trim with finishing nails into studs whenever possible, use wood glue, fill, sand, and prime. For drywall, you can use finishing nails or strong adhesive depending on the profile. Cut with a sharp miter saw, keep lines true with a level, and pre-paint the trim if you like. After mounting, caulk the joints and touch up paint. This approach makes decorating walls more affordable and lets you achieve decorative trim for walls and wall embellishment techniques without a full remodel. If you are unsure about long runs or ceiling heights, consider a pro for perfect alignment.
How can I mix wall molding ideas with other interior design accents for balance?
Think of trim as the design backbone. Start with a limited color palette and pick one or two interior design accents that echo the trim’s tone. Use wall molding ideas to frame statement wallpaper, vintage textiles, or antique lighting. Keep spacing proportional—avoid too many tight grooves in small rooms. Alternate textures: painted trim, wallpapered panels, and matte walls to prevent busy surfaces while still delivering depth. Repeat a trim profile in at least two locations (chair rail and cabinet edge) to create cohesive architectural details for walls. Remember: in vintage charm, less is often more.
What maintenance tips help vintage-inspired trim stay looking authentic over time?
Maintenance is about care, not constant work. Clean decorative trim for walls with a soft cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh cleaners that wear finishes. Repaint or re-stain every few years to preserve color and detail, or apply a glaze to bring out texture. Check humidity and temperature changes that can cause cracking, and seal gaps with flexible caulk to prevent moisture. For durability, use archival paints and a UV-resistant sealant, and occasionally apply a light wax or furniture oil on wooden trims. With proper care, your decorative trim for walls remains a timeless architectural details for walls in any room.
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