Hey there! I’m a supplier of decorative moulding, and I know that measuring for decorative moulding can be a bit of a head – scratcher. But don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through it step by step. Decorative Moulding

First off, let’s talk about why accurate measuring is so important. Decorative moulding isn’t just for looks; it’s also about fitting in perfectly with your space. If you measure wrong, you might end up with pieces that are too long or too short, and that can really mess up the whole aesthetic.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start measuring, you’ll need a few basic tools. A good tape measure is a must – have. I prefer a retractable one that’s at least 25 feet long. It gives you enough length to measure large areas. You’ll also need a pencil and a piece of paper to jot down your measurements. A level can be handy too, especially if you’re installing the moulding on a wall. It helps you make sure everything is straight.
Measuring Walls for Baseboard Moulding
Let’s start with baseboard moulding. This is the moulding that goes along the bottom of the wall. First, measure the length of each wall. Start at one corner and measure all the way to the opposite corner. Write down each measurement. If your room has any alcoves or bay windows, measure those separately.
When you measure around doorways, you have a couple of options. You can measure right up to the door jamb and then cut the moulding to fit. Or, you can measure across the doorway, but you’ll need to account for the thickness of the door jamb when you order the moulding.
For the height of the baseboard, a common height is around 3 – 5 inches. But it really depends on the style of your room and your personal preference. Measure from the floor up to the height you want the baseboard to be.
Measuring for Crown Moulding
Crown moulding is a bit trickier. It goes along the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling. First, measure the length of each wall just like you did for the baseboard. But with crown moulding, you also need to consider the angle of the ceiling. If your ceiling is flat, it’s easier. But if you have a sloped or vaulted ceiling, you’ll need to measure the angles carefully.
You can use a protractor or an angle finder to measure the angles. Place the tool at the corner where the wall meets the ceiling and get the angle measurement. This is important because crown moulding is often cut at an angle to fit the corners properly.
Measuring for Chair Rail Moulding
Chair rail moulding is installed about 32 – 36 inches above the floor. It’s a decorative element that also protects the wall from chair backs. Measure the length of each wall, just like with baseboard and crown moulding. And make sure to measure the height accurately from the floor to where you want to install the chair rail.
Measuring for Window and Door Casings
For window and door casings, measure the height and width of the window or door opening. Measure the height from the top of the opening to the bottom, and the width from one side to the other. You’ll also need to measure the thickness of the wall. This is important because the casing needs to fit snugly against the wall.
Accounting for Corners and Joints
When you’re measuring for moulding, you need to think about how the pieces will fit together at the corners. Most moulding is cut at a 45 – degree angle to create miter joints. But if you have an irregularly shaped room, you might need to use different angles.
To account for the corners, measure the length of each wall up to the corner. When you order the moulding, make sure to add a little extra length to account for the cuts. A good rule of thumb is to add about 10% to your total measurement.
Measuring for Circular or Curved Areas
If you have circular or curved areas, like a rounded bay window or a curved wall, measuring gets a bit more complicated. You can use a flexible measuring tape to follow the curve. Start at one end of the curve and follow it all the way around to the other end. Write down the measurement.
For circular areas, you can also measure the diameter or the radius. If you know the diameter, you can calculate the circumference using the formula C = πd (where C is the circumference and d is the diameter).
Double – Checking Your Measurements
Once you’ve taken all your measurements, it’s a good idea to double – check them. Measure each wall and area at least twice to make sure you have accurate numbers. If you’re not sure about a measurement, take it again. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Ordering the Right Amount of Moulding
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to order the moulding. Make sure to order enough to cover all the areas you measured. Remember to add that extra 10% for cuts and mistakes.
If you’re not sure how much to order, you can always give me a shout. I’ve been in this business for a while, and I can help you figure out the right amount based on your measurements.
Installation Tips
After you’ve measured and ordered the moulding, it’s time to install it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a miter saw to cut the moulding at the right angles. And use a nail gun or screws to attach the moulding to the wall.
If you’re not comfortable installing the moulding yourself, you can always hire a professional. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a really rewarding project.
Conclusion
Measuring for decorative moulding doesn’t have to be a pain. With the right tools and a little know – how, you can get accurate measurements and create a beautiful look for your space. Whether you’re doing a small DIY project or a big home renovation, getting the measurements right is the first step.

If you’re in the market for decorative moulding, I’d love to chat with you. I’ve got a wide range of styles and materials to choose from. Just reach out, and we can discuss your project and find the perfect moulding for you.
Wall Panel References:
- "Home Improvement for Dummies" by Roy Barnhart
- "The Complete Guide to Trim Carpentry" by Patrick McCombe
Yongkang City Dashu Decorative Materials Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional decorative moulding manufacturers and suppliers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please rest assured to buy bulk customized decorative moulding at low price from our factory.
Address: No. 1199, Huajie West Avenue, Huajie Town, Yongkang City
E-mail: m13506791251@163.com
WebSite: https://www.dashutrim.com/