What is furniture base molding?
Furniture base molding is a trim piece that’s placed at the bottom of cabinets or furniture to cover gaps between the furniture and the floor.
It gives your cabinets a finished, polished look while also protecting the base from wear and tear.
DIYers and RTA cabinet fans alike love base molding for how it transforms their projects, adding both style and function with ease.
But it’s not just about appearances—base molding also adds stability and protection, helping to keep the bottom of your cabinets safe from scuffs, dings, and dirt.
In short, it’s both a practical and stylish addition to any cabinet project.
Why is Base Molding Important?
Protection from Damage
Base molding helps shield the bottom of your cabinets from scuffs, scratches, and dirt that can build up over time. Without it, those lower edges can wear down quickly.
Polished Look
It covers any gaps between the floor and your cabinets, creating a smooth, seamless appearance. This makes your cabinets look like they’re custom-fitted.
Upgrade for RTA Cabinets
If you're working with RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) cabinets, base molding adds an extra layer of style and professionalism, making your project look more high-end with minimal effort.
Types of Furniture Base Molding
Shoe molding is a thin, rounded trim that’s great for covering small gaps between the cabinet and the floor. It’s perfect for adding a subtle, finished look.
Cove molding features a concave shape and is often used to create smooth transitions between surfaces. It adds a touch of elegance to any cabinet project.
This is a thicker and more noticeable type of base molding, commonly used to give cabinets a sturdy, classic look. It’s perfect for larger cabinets that need a strong visual foundation.
What is the Most Popular Base Molding?
The most popular type of base molding is shoe molding.
Its simple, rounded design makes it a favorite for DIYers, especially when working with RTA cabinets. It’s easy to install, provides a clean look, and doesn’t take up much space, making it a versatile choice for most projects.
What is the Difference Between Trim and Base Molding?
It’s easy to get confused between trim and base molding, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Trim
Trim is a general term that refers to any decorative or protective woodwork that covers gaps or frames the edges of surfaces like walls, doors, and windows. Trim can be used in a variety of places, including the top of cabinets, door frames, and window casings.
Base molding
Base molding is specifically designed to cover the gap between the bottom of cabinets or furniture and the floor.
While trim can be placed almost anywhere, base molding has the special job of giving cabinets a clean, finished look while protecting them from scuffs and dirt near the floor.