Why Wood Molding is Important and What are Their Basic Types

There are hundreds of wood mold design that are there to choose in a custom frames.

Through the history wood molding has had an important role to play in making a picture

frame provide a royal finish. Wooden frames can bring old age feeling and sophistication

to your photograph. Wood Mouldings are the material of choice for many art lovers.

Although the make of frame is seldom mentioned or demanded by the buyers, but special

attention is given to the design and finish of the frame.

Wooden frame can be designed and cut in various designs and they have the option of

built to buyers’ specification easily, however there are 6 basic shapes where wood

molding can be categorized into. These frames make up for most of the custom framing

projects and offer enough variety to the frame

In the figure below, Molding shapes W1 and W2 are the most common round shapes

wood molding design you will find in the industry.

Shape W2 is known as Half-Round (also known as Clamshell) and is more popular today

than a fully round shape. Shape W3 called as flat frame are even popular these days then

a rounded frames. The reason for these frames to be popular is that they are simple in

design and do not detract the viewer’s eye from the photograph. They are even more

affordable as they are easy to make.

Shape W4 called as Reverse Sloop provides a sleek design to the frame and used in most

of today’s contemporary frames and even on awards and certificates. These kinds of

Hand crafted picture frames

Why Wood Molding is Important and What are Their Basic Types

frame are known to reflect light from the artwork which is sometime desirable for certain

framing projects.

Shape W5 known as a Shallow Scoop has higher outer edges, thus draws the viewer’s eye

towards the frame. These are best used for large frames i.e. above 20 inches and helps in

neatly separating the artwork and matting from the wall.

Shape W6 is called as Reverse Scoop. Its main property is that, it slides away from the

artwork and pushes the artwork outward and away from the frame. Thus giving a

projected feeling to the frame.

Apart from these shapes there are many wood mould designs and shapes available, both

fancy and contemporary. So it is important to have a good knowledge upfront. There is

nothing quite like the style and warmth of wood for framing, everything from

contemporary photo art to traditional oil painting. Wood moulding frame are best to

preserve family heirloom and irreplaceable artwork. However care needs to be taken to

choose acid free materials that can preserve the artwork for decades.

Hand crafted picture frames