Historic wall box molding in modern Manhattan home

Video of the process

NYC Box Molding and Chair Rail Carpentry

Louis XIV, aka the Sun King, was King of France for 72 years and 110 days, eking past the late great Queen Elizabeth II on her throne for 70 years and 214 days. Among his plethora of significant accomplishments were architectural feats in which he played a leading design role. He embraced symmetry and all manner of molding, from simple box style like seen here to extravagant ornate kinds. And like the king, this client loves blending old and new, historical with modern, classic and contemporary.

Our Paintworks team walked alongside the homeowner to craft their vision into reality, assisting with molding size, profile and color. Success on a project like this one is dependent upon intricate planning and superior attention to details, once everyone is on the same drawing page for the same outcome. Precise measuring, constant level monitoring, exact placement and meticulous installation are imperative. That’s all before expertly applying Benjamin Moore’s luminous, elegant, Dove Wing paint. We are all confident the room is ready for a spot of tea and croissants or crumpets with any king or queen, and we knew from the beginning it “woodwork”!

At beginning, marking walls, planning ahead

Installing wall molding level, square, and right

Precision, experienced tradesmen at work

Box molding installed, ready for expert painting

Classy wall trim in luxury NYC residence

Cut, installed, primed, painted low box molding, chair rail, high picture molding for sensational, classy living room.

Beautiful box molding adds dimension and style.

Custom Manhattan Decorative Moldings  

Central Park West borders the entire, 2 ½-mile western edge of Central Park, and people live here in large part because of this 843-acre park. From streams and woods to open green spaces and myriad paths, the park beckons urban dwellers who crave a major slice of nature in the neighborhood. The architecture is stunning as well, and this client wanted some 1920-30’s flair in the apartment.

Adding box molding, a chair rail and picture molding on an otherwise blank, boring vertical wall transforms it into an exceptionally attractive visual component to the overall decor. All the molding came from Dyke’s Lumber Company, founded in 1909 and continuing its tradition of quality and integrity to this day. We measure twice and cut once to get each piece accurate for installation. There is not only a retro feel, but also an elegant charm with texture and final coats of Linen White, a creamy off-white star of Benjamin Moore’s neutral shades. The project successfully radiates the grace and grandeur found in glorious rooms a century ago.  

In process. Unfinished molding cut, leveled and installed.

In the beginning. One of the dull, flat, boring, non-sensational walls.