How do I choose the right architrave for my door frame?

When it comes to interior design, small details often make the biggest difference. One of these details is the architrave door frame, a decorative trim that surrounds doors, windows, or other openings. While it may seem like a simple design element, the right architrave can elevate your space, tie together your décor, and give your room a polished, cohesive look.

If you are wondering how to choose the perfect architrave for your door frame, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from styles and sizes to materials and matching with skirting boards.

1. Understand The Purpose Of An Architrave

Before choosing the right architrave, you need to understand its purpose. Architraves are not just decorative; they also hide the joint between the wall and the door frame, creating a neat finish. They help protect edges from damage, making them functional as well as stylish.

When you choose the right architrave door trim, you add a layer of character to your interior while keeping the transition between your door frame and walls seamless.

2. Consider Your Interior Design Style

The style of your home should guide your choice of architrave. For example:

• Traditional Homes: Opt for wider, more detailed architraves with classic mouldings and curves. These work beautifully in period properties and add timeless charm.
• Modern Homes: Choose slimmer profiles with straight edges for a sleek, minimalist appearance.
• Rustic or Country Homes: Look for simple, solid wood architraves that bring warmth and a natural feel to the space.

If you are renovating a heritage property, brands like Period Mouldings offer authentic reproduction profiles that match original designs while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.

3. Match Your Architrave With Skirting Boards

One of the most important rules in choosing an architrave is ensuring it complements your skirting boards. Skirting boards run along the base of the wall, and when paired with matching or coordinating architraves, they create a balanced, continuous look.

A few tips for matching:

• Same Profile Style: Keep the same design pattern for both the architrave and skirting boards for consistency.
• Proportional Sizes: If your skirting boards are tall, choose a wider architrave to maintain balance.
• Material Match: Use the same wood or MDF type and finish to create a unified appearance.

4. Choose The Right Size

The size of your architrave can significantly influence the feel of a room. Here’s how to decide:

• Width: Standard widths range from 50mm to 90mm. Narrow widths suit modern interiors, while wider ones add grandeur.
• Thickness: Standard thicknesses are between 15mm and 25mm. Thicker architraves look more substantial and suit larger rooms.
• Proportion: Consider ceiling height and door size—small architraves in tall rooms can look underwhelming, while overly wide trims in small spaces may feel overpowering.

5. Select The Right Material

The choice of material impacts both the durability and look of your architrave.

• Solid Wood: Offers natural beauty, durability, and can be stained or painted. Perfect for traditional settings.
• MDF: A cost-effective, smooth-surfaced option ideal for painting. Resistant to warping and splitting.
• Hardwood: Strong and premium, suitable for high-end finishes and staining.

If you value longevity and authenticity, Period Mouldings provides high-quality timber architraves that stand the test of time and match various architectural styles.

6. Think About The Finish

The finish you choose will determine how your architrave blends with or contrasts against your walls and doors.

• Painted: Offers versatility—white architraves are timeless, but you can choose bold colours for a statement look.
• Stained: Showcases the natural grain of the wood, perfect for rustic or traditional interiors.
• Varnished: Adds a layer of protection while enhancing wood tones.

Tip: Always consider how your finish will look alongside your skirting boards, door, and wall colour.

7. Decide On Pre-Finished Or Unfinished

Pre-finished architraves are ready to install with a factory-applied finish, saving time and effort. Unfinished options allow you to customise the colour and finish to your exact preferences.

If you want complete creative control and enjoy DIY projects, unfinished is a great choice. But for quick renovations, pre-finished options offer convenience and consistent quality.

8. Pay Attention To Installation

Even the most beautiful architrave won’t look right if it’s poorly installed. Ensure precise cuts at the corners (mitre joints) and proper alignment with the skirting boards.

For the best results, hire a professional joiner, especially if you’re working with intricate profiles or hardwood materials.

9. Don’t Forget About Door Style

Your architrave should complement the door itself. For example:

• A panelled door pairs well with more detailed mouldings.
• A flush or minimalist door looks better with plain, square-edged architraves.
• A glass panel door benefits from an elegant but not overpowering trim to keep the focus on the glass.

10. Explore Custom Options

If you have a unique vision or specific design requirement, consider bespoke architraves. Custom profiles let you match existing mouldings, adapt widths to your preference, or create a signature design feature.

Many heritage homes require custom replication of original trims, and this is where specialist manufacturers excel.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right architrave door frame is about more than just picking a trim; it’s about enhancing your home’s character, protecting your door frame, and creating harmony with your skirting boards.

By considering style, size, material, and finish—and ensuring your architrave matches the rest of your interior—you’ll create a cohesive, elegant look. Whether you choose a modern square edge or a classic ornate profile, the right architrave will make your home feel more complete.

When quality and authenticity matter, brands like Period Mouldings offer a wide range of expertly crafted architraves and skirting boards to suit every style, from contemporary to period properties. By investing in the right design, you’re not just finishing your door frame—you’re adding timeless beauty to your entire space.

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