Back at it... question about proportion

"Paul O." wrote in news:zXwji.3673$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr22.news.prodigy.net:

Got some scraps? Trim them to various sizes, and hold them up in the room where this will be. Ask the opinion of the people who will live there.

Me, I use 2". YMMV.

Patriarch

What NOT to do:

Thanks, sounds like a good idea.

I sorta thought so too when I first did it, but after seeing well designed stuff with a much more critical eye, I realized just how gaudy/gingerbread looking it is in actual use.

One thing I've noticed about "trim" elements is that they changes so much with both perspective and finish that it takes an innate, artistic ability in the design stage to get it right.

To my eye, the darker furniture is, the more you can get away with large trim, but the lighter finishes seem to benefit more from smaller trim.

Of course this is all subjective ... but I prefer "elegant", although I rarely achieve it.

A well done cove molding, of the right size for the piece, can be one of the most delightful design elements in a piece of furniture.

The fact that you're even asking means you've probably got what it takes to make a good decision in the regard ... some of us only learn by living with a piece for a while and then wishing we could do it over again.

Good luck ... the advice to try some different sizes and styles using cheap wood is sound and will save some angst down the road.