Internal Door Architrave: What It Is and Why It Matters

What is an Internal Door Architrave?

An internal door architrave is the decorative trim or molding that surrounds the edges of a door frame, concealing the gap between the frame and the wall. It provides a polished, finished appearance to the door installation and is available in various materials, designs, and sizes to suit different interior styles. Not only does it improve the aesthetic appeal of the space, but it also serves functional purposes like protecting the door frame and wall from damage.

Key Functions of Internal Door Architrave

1. Aesthetic Appeal The architrave plays a internal door architrave significant role in enhancing the overall look of a room. By framing the door, it adds a decorative element that contributes to the room’s overall style. Whether it’s a sleek, modern design or a more ornate, traditional look, the right architrave complements the door and interior decor.
2. Concealing Gaps When doors are installed, there’s often a slight gap between the door frame and the wall due to the natural settling of the house or slight imperfections during installation. The architrave neatly covers these gaps, ensuring a clean and smooth transition between the door and wall.
3. Protection Architraves help protect the door frame from everyday wear and tear. They shield the edges of the frame from accidental bumps, scuffs, or knocks, preserving the door’s appearance and structural integrity over time. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like hallways or entryways.
4. Defining Room Style The profile of the architrave can define the design theme of the room. Whether it’s a minimalist, modern trim or a more traditional, decorative molding, the architrave works to enhance the room’s style. It can also be chosen to complement the door itself, creating a cohesive look for the space.

Types of Internal Door Architraves

1. Modern Architraves Modern or contemporary architraves tend to have clean, sharp lines and minimal detailing. These trims often feature square or rectangular profiles, offering a sleek, minimalist design that complements modern interior styles. Ideal for contemporary homes, these architraves help create a simple, clean aesthetic.
2. Traditional Architraves Traditional architraves are more ornate and can include features like curved or bevelled edges, decorative grooves, or raised profiles. These are often used in period or classical-style homes and help create an elegant and timeless feel in the space. Traditional architraves are typically more substantial and intricate than their modern counterparts.
3. Ovolo Architraves Ovolo architraves are characterized by their rounded edges, giving a softer and more classical look to the door. This type of architrave is commonly found in homes with a vintage or period design, adding a touch of elegance to the door and frame.
4. Chamfered Architraves Chamfered architraves have angular, slanted edges, providing a more geometric look. This style is often used in modern homes where sharp, clean lines are a preferred aesthetic. The chamfered profile offers a slightly more sophisticated design than plain square-edged trims.
5. Victorian Architraves Victorian architraves are often highly decorative, featuring intricate detailing like fluted sections, floral patterns, and raised borders. These are well-suited to more traditional or period homes, where a sense of grandeur and vintage charm is desired.

Materials Used for Internal Door Architraves

1. Wood Wood is the most traditional material used for architraves, providing a natural, elegant finish. Options like oak, pine, and walnut are popular choices, each offering unique grains and tones. Wooden architraves can be painted, stained, or left unfinished to showcase the wood’s natural beauty.
2. MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) MDF is a cost-effective and versatile material used for creating smooth and uniform architraves. It can be easily painted to match the interior color scheme and is ideal for intricate designs. MDF is commonly used in modern architrave styles due to its flexibility and affordability.
3. PVC or UPVC PVC or UPVC architraves are highly durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. These are particularly useful in areas exposed to humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. PVC architraves are also low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for busy households.
4. Softwood Softwood architraves are lighter and less expensive than hardwood options. They are commonly used in budget-conscious projects and can be painted or stained to suit the room’s decor. While softwood architraves may be less durable than hardwood, they are still a good choice for areas with lighter traffic.
5. Composite Materials Composite architraves, made from a mixture of wood fibers and resin, provide a moisture-resistant, durable alternative to traditional wood. These are ideal for homes with varying environmental conditions, as they resist warping, cracking, and swelling over time.

How to Choose the Right Internal Door Architrave

When selecting an architrave for your doors, consider the following factors:

1. Style of the Room The style of your room should guide your choice of architrave. If you have a contemporary or modern design, opt for a slim, sleek architrave with minimal detailing. For more traditional interiors, you may want a thicker, more decorative profile that complements other architectural features in the room.
2. Material Different materials offer varying levels of durability and maintenance. Wood provides a natural look with a high-end finish but may require more upkeep. MDF and PVC are both affordable and easy to maintain, though PVC is more resistant to moisture.
3. Size and Proportions The size of the architrave should be in proportion to the door and the room’s dimensions. Smaller rooms may benefit from thinner, less ornate architraves to avoid overwhelming the space. Larger rooms or doors may suit wider, more detailed trims.
4. Budget Material choices often depend on budget. Wooden architraves can be more expensive, while MDF and PVC offer more affordable alternatives. Softwood architraves are also budget-friendly but may require more maintenance over time.
5. Maintenance Consider how much maintenance you are willing to invest in. Wooden architraves may need occasional polishing or re-coating, while MDF or PVC requires less upkeep, especially in high-traffic areas.