20 Picture Frame Molding Ideas That Add Instant Character

Living room picture frame molding — Photo:
Carson Downing

Picture frame molding is a classic look that instantly elevates a room and ushers in timeless elegance. From framing wall sconces and accentuating artwork to creating an extra layer of visual interest on a fireplace mantel, picture frame molding adds architectural character in an understated way. It can also stand alone and serve as subtle wall decor.

The origins of picture frame molding date back to ancient Greek architecture, where it adorned doors, windows, walls, and ceilings, but it really gained popularity with the rise of ornately decorated baroque palaces in the 17th century—and now, it's back in style in a modern way. Picture frame molding pairs well with a statement ceiling and looks just as beautiful with a light tone-on-tone color palette as it does in a dark and moody interior. Browse this collection of picture frame molding ideas and learn how to incorporate the decorative wall element into your own home.

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Floor-to-Ceiling Picture Frame Molding

Traditional dining room — John Merkl Photography

Take inspiration from this transitional dining room and extend picture frame molding from floor to ceiling to add interest to white walls. Divide walls into sections and use different shaped and sized molding in each section to accommodate doors, windows, and other decorative details such as a chair rail.

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Incorporate Architectural Details

Side table with bar tools — Werner Straube

If your home lacks character and architectural details, use picture frame molding to add some! Divide the wall horizontally into two sections with a chair rail, then attach picture frame molding on the top and bottom half, varying the shapes and sizes of molding boxes to create depth and dimension.

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Outline Wallpaper Panels with Picture Frame Molding

Wallpaper picture frame molding with striped sofa — Tria Giovan

Gold picture frame molding outlines stunning mural wallpaper panels in this traditional space. Section wallpaper with a large-scale design into panels that follow the architectural lines and curvature of the room, then treat them like individual pieces of art by outlining them with molding.

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Elongate Walls With Picture Frame Molding

Use rectangular picture frame molding to elongate walls and create the illusion of taller ceilings. Position the rectangles vertically one next to the other and paint the walls and molding the same color to seamlessly integrate the two.

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Elevate Bathroom Shelving

Use picture frame molding to elevate open shelves in a bathroom. Here, a lovely sage green paint color on the walls, molding, and shelves sets a calming tone and contrasts shiny polished brass shelf hardware for an effortlessly chic combination.

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Add Molding to a Gallery Wall

Living room with artwork collection — Kim Cornelison

Picture frame molding creates an elegant backdrop for this eclectic gallery wall. It visually separates pictures into groups without breaking up the wall, and its straight lines juxtapose the more freeform and organic nature of the assembled artwork.

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Highlight a Statement Piece of Art

Traditional living room with coffered ceiling — Ryann Ford

Highlight a statement piece of art with elegant picture frame molding to give it a museum-like quality. For added grandeur, flank it with a pair of elegant wall sconces that enhance the symmetrical design and classical look and provide soft ambient lighting.

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Create a Two-Tone Effect

bedroom with two tone black wall and gold lamp — Brie Williams

Add a contemporary edge to picture frame molding by creating a two-tone effect with contrasting paint colors. Use a dark paint color such as this deep navy blue on the lower portion of the wall and molding, and a bright white on the top part for an unexpected twist.

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Picture Frame Molding with Art

Take a modern approach and layer picture frame molding with black and white photographs. Instead of hanging artwork inside the molding, create a more organic layout and hang pieces inside, on, and around the molding for an eclectic, updated take on picture frame molding.

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Picture Frame Molding Accent Wall

Create an accent wall in your bedroom using picture frame molding. Instead of using wallpaper or a contrasting paint color for an accent wall, go for a more subtle yet still impactful approach with three large molding boxes centered around the headboard.

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Picture Frame Molding on Built-Ins

Office with painted coffered ceiling — John Bessler

Built-in bookshelves are an excellent way to customize a room and maximize storage space. Elevate built-ins with picture frame molding details on cabinet doors and sides, and add crown molding to elongate their height. Cover the shelves, walls, molding, and all trim with one paint color—called color drenching—for a cozy space and a dramatic effect.

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Frame Wall Sconces with Picture Frame Molding

For a classic touch, frame a pair of elegant wall sconces with picture frame molding. The timeless detail dresses up this pale pink wall that consists of a grid pattern made up of horizontal and vertical rectangles. Their contrasting size and direction creates subtle contrast while maintaining a sense of symmetry.

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Accentuate a Fireplace with Molding

Green traditional living room — Max Kim-Bee

Accentuate a fireplace with picture frame molding and a bold paint color. It's a simple way to customize it, add character, and highlight it as the room's focal point. It's also a much less expensive way to give a fireplace an updated look than replacing the mantel and surround.

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Use Molding to Frame a Wall Mural

Use picture frame molding with decorative corners to frame a wallpaper or painted mural. It makes for a dramatic addition to an entryway, hallway, or formal dining room, and is a space-saving option for narrow areas where you want to add visual interest but don't have room for a bulky piece of furniture.

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Color-Drenched Picture Frame Molding

Living room with black wall and ceiling — Austin Day

For a seamless transition between walls and picture frame molding, use the same sheen on both. Go with an eggshell finish for an understated look, or go full glam with a high-gloss finish and a deeply saturated paint color.

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Add Historic Charm

Dining room with statement ceiling — Michael Partenio

Turn to wood picture frame molding and wall paneling to add historic charm to a formal dining room. Here, the warmth of the wood creates an inviting backdrop for festive gatherings and pairs well with a statement chandelier, a decorative ceiling pattern, and elegant slipcovered dining chairs.

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Accent Picture Frame Molding with a Mirror

Living room with ceiling medallion — John Bessler

Maximize the effect of picture frame molding with mirrors that reflect the decorative wall panels. Mirrors are an excellent design tool—not only do they serve as wall decor, but they bounce light around to brighten a room and can be positioned strategically to reflect a beautiful room feature such as molding.

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Picture Frame Molding with a Statement Ceiling

Living room with statement ceiling — Werner Straube

Pack double the design punch and pair picture frame molding on the walls with a statement ceiling. In this stylish living room, a dark brown wall color adds luxurious depth and square picture frame molding accentuates a painting above the fireplace. A curved pattern on the white ceiling echoes the decorative wall treatment, drawing the eyes up and highlighting an elegant glass pendant light.

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Picture Frame Molding in a Bathroom

Refresh bathroom walls with picture molding for a chic hotel-style update. Choose elegant slim rectangles and attach them on either side of the vanity mirror, framing a pair of wall sconces with them. Paint the walls, molding, and vanity with the same cream paint color for a bathroom that exudes serene sophistication.

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Oversized Picture Frame Molding

Instead of creating visual repetition with a wall of small molding panels, go with one oversized panel. Use wider picture frame molding to match the panel's size and line up its height with surrounding doorways to maintain a streamlined look.

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