Home Improvement Advice for Decoration

Do it Yourself Tips for Decoration

Below are some terms that you should know when decorating your home:

What is a border?

A border normally matches the wallpaper/paint, it has the same concept as wallpaper but on a smaller scale, it usually sits on top of the dado rail or around the top of the wall near the ceiling. It works as a contrast and breaks up a plain looking wall.

What is cornice work?

Coving and cornice work is a decorative plaster mould that is fitted where the ceiling and walls join each other around the complete edge of a room. You can buy a number of Georgian and Victorian duplicate original plasters or have your own moulds made. We advise you to visit your local DIY store for any examples. Sometimes as a result of ageing in a property your coving and cornice work may need to be repaired. Repairs can be made to the coving and cornice work without replacing it. Cracks can be made good with a filler, but any section of the cornice or coving work missing will need to be reformed and fixed in place. If large areas are damaged or missing then the mouldings will have to be re-made in the workshop and, once completed, fitted in your home.

What is a dado rail?

A dado rail is a wooden bar (shaped, sculpted or plain) that separates your wall into two parts, normally fitted at about waist height. This rail can be painted or varnished either before it is fitted or after. It was originally fitted to stop chair scuff marks on walls.

What is a picture rail?

A picture rail is a small wooden rail (similar to a dado rail) that is fixed near the top of the wall originally designed to hang pictures from, and can look quite effective. It's perfect if you do not wish to ruin your walls when hanging pictures.

What is a skirting board?

A skirting board is at the bottom of a wall and joins to the floor, these are normally wooden. A skirting board is used as a protective kick plate, to protect the base of the wall. Once again, these can be plain or sculpted.