Capping the wall tile in the bathroom, framing a design behind the stove in a backsplash; the chair rail and other tile moldings play a key role in most tile design. From the bullnose to the rail molding, tile trim helps complete the design.
Bullnose Tile
The bullnose tile is integral to any wall tile design. Bullnose tile is the finished edge of ceramic or stone tile, which ends a row of tile with a smooth, finished look. The bullnose can be the same shape and size as the rest of the wall tile, or can be only a portion of the width, such as a 2”x6” bullnose finishing the end of a row of 6” wall tile.
Bullnose tile refers to the rounding over the edge of a tile to give a finished edge. Without a bullnose, the ceramic clay body will show through on the edge of the wall. Stone tiles can be ground down into a bullnose on site by a contractor, and most ceramic and porcelain tiles will have bullnose tiles available.
Bullnose tile can be used to finish the edges of a shower, the ends of a backsplash, or even the top of tile wainscoting. Be aware when using solid colored ceramic tiles, that bullnose tiles are often fired at a different time than the field tile, meaning that the colors of glaze may not quite match. This can be true of any color of glaze, including white. Before installing wall tile, be sure to look at a piece of the field tile next to a piece of the bullnose tile in many different lights; if the difference is obvious speak to the vendor about replacing or minimizing the effect before installation.
Domed Moldings
The domed, or pencil molding, is a thin rail molding, typically no more than ½” in thickness. The pencil molding is usually rounded, with no indentation or design elements. Pencil moldings can be made of glass, ceramic or stone, and typically come in lengths of 6” or 12” long.
Domed or pencil moldings can be used in place of bullnose, if no bullnose tile is available, or if bullnose colors are radically different than the field. Pencil moldings are also frequently used to accent and highlight a decorative border, or to even out thickness between borders and field tile, by placing a pencil molding between the border and field tile.
Chair Rail Moldings
The chair rail, or cap molding is a large, decorative rail molding. It can be used to top wainscoting, divide two areas of tile from one another, such as two patterns of tile in a shower above and below a border, or to frame a decorative space.
Use a chair rail as a picture frame around a decorative area behind the cooktop in a backsplash. Or as a traditional finish to wainscoting in a hallway or bathroom.
Rail moldings are available in ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass, sometimes with other decorative elements incorporated. Look for rail moldings that have a secondary base of a rope, relief border design, or extra architectural edge.
Other decorative moldings can include ropes or twists, small architectural moldings of 1” or less in size, bead and dentil moldings. Use moldings of accenting colors to highlight and interest to a design, or to help show off a border. Try mixing materials together as well, using a ceramic molding with tumbled stone, or a glass molding with ceramic. Use appropriately, moldings and trim can complete any tile design.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
