What is architrave?
The dictionary definition of an architrave is a decorated or moulded band that is used in framing an opening, most typically, it would be used to frame a door or window. According to the Collins English Dictionary the word architrave dates circa the 16th century and is French from Italian, archi which has Greek origins meaning beginning or first, in British English this is a variant of arch and Latin trave(trabem) which is a crossbeam or beam. Very simply put together, architrave, archi trabem means the first or original beam.
What is an architrave used for?
Once in place, architraves are a decorative trim that is used to hide the joint between the wall and the door frame and to create a finished overall appearance. Any small gap or uneven surface is easily and attractively concealed behind an architrave, ensuring a clean appearance which can be easily painted or stained to suit your space. They are also used to conceal any movement or shrinkage that may happen over time.
Note: Ensure that your architrave is securely fixed in place, whether with glue or nails before decorating.
Are architraves a new idea?
No, architraves are not new ideas. They have been used in buildings for over two thousand years and can be seen in early classical architecture dating circa the 6th century B.C.E. such as the Temple of Apollo in Corinth, where architraves lay flat atop columns. In early examples of architecture, architraves can be seen along with friezes and cornices to create a full surround of an opening. Today they are representative of a decorative moulding that surrounds the entire opening, both along the top and at the sides.
Are architraves old-fashioned?
Although they are most typically found in period homes, architraves can still be found in new builds. New build homes typically have a more simplistic, narrower decorative moulding design to suit smaller scale rooms. Period homes typically have more ornate and elaborate architraves as the room dimensions in older homes are often larger than newer builds, allowing for more grandeur. Not only can architraves finish off the look of your room, but they can create depth in a simply designed space, adding interest and becoming a design element in their own right.
How do I choose the right architrave for my home?
Choosing the right architrave for your space is a personal choice and while many homes may seem to have an expected style, always choose what’s right for you and you're aesthetic. While some people may opt for matching skirting and architraves, others prefer complimentary designs and do not choose identical profiles. There is no ‘right’ option for your home, as many styles may suit your space and compliment your design style or the pre-existing features of your home.
When considering which profile to choose for your home, consider the size of the room and the opening that it will be surrounding and look to the scale of the architrave in your space as the most important indicator of the right fit. At Alsford, we have a selection of hardwood, softwood and MDF architraves in multiple styles, with both modern and traditional profiles to consider. Our MDF architraves are available primed white to save you time when you're decorating.
Is skirting and architrave the same?
Whilst architrave and skirting boards are both decorative mouldings, they are not the same in use. An architrave is fitted around a doorway or window, while a skirting board is fitted to the wall where it meets the floor and this would follow the interior perimeter of the entire room. Both of these decorative mouldings meet in a room around a doorway, where the architrave extends at the sides down to the floor and the skirting board meets it.
Is architrave the same as a door frame?
The simple answer is no. A door frame serves to support the door while an architrave is the decorative moulding that is used to finish off the appearance of the doorway and does not offer any support function. A door frame is essential in supporting the door in its place while an architrave provides a finished element to your space, but is not an essential structural element. When both are in place, an architrave covers a door frame against a wall so that the door frame is only very slightly visible when the door or window is in place and closed.
Is architrave the same as coving?
Architrave and coving are both decorative mouldings but they are not the same in use. Architrave is fitted around a doorway or window while coving is fitted against all walls in a room where the top of the wall meets with the ceiling. Just as skirting would, coving is fitted to the wall and follows the entire perimeter of the interior of the room in most cases. These decorative mouldings are unlikely to meet at any point in a room and do not need to be identical in design, though we do recommend choosing complimentary styles and considering scale when choosing these.
What if I can’t find the architrave I’m looking for?
If you have a specific design that you are trying to match but you don't see it on our website, simply enquire with our specialist team of professionals who can work with you to produce your own designs or match a profile from an existing sample. If you bring a small piece of the original profile into one of our stores, or send us a drawing with the dimensions and the meterage you need, we can follow up with you and provide a quote to provide bespoke timber profiles.
Our expert team in our specials department will work with you to produce an exact match cutting tool that can be used over and over again to produce your specific profile once you've agreed on your design. Your timber profile can be machined from a variety of timber specimens, both common and exotic, so please contact us today to find out more about how we can help produce the perfect architrave for you. All our timber specials are machined at our head office in Erith and then transferred directly to your local branch for delivery or collection to suit your needs.
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We hope you now feel more comfortable with what there is to know about architrave. If you have any more questions, contact our timber experts, we're always happy to help.