Here’s How to Make a Decorative Moulding Wall

DIY decorative moulding walls are an inspired way to transform a room – and home. Whether you’re imagining wainscotting, a simple chair rail design or a modern, all-over geometric take on wall panelling (like we’re showing here), this project delivers from a décor and drama point of view. You just need a bit of time. Brush up on your math skills too and you’ll achieve the symmetry you’re after. The beauty is that you can create architectural wall panelling looks with basic moulding that might just have guests thinking you’ve got your very own carpenter on speed dial.

What You’ll Need* :

Supplies

1/2" x 1 1/2" Trim MDF Moulding (quantity will vary by wall size and design)
3/4" MDF or scrap wood for diamond template
3 1/2" MDF or scrap wood for spacer templates
2" Brad Nails
BeautiTone Paint
Wood Filler
Caulking

Tools

* Our full assortment of building supplies is available at Home Building Centre and Home Hardware Building Centre locations. To unlock our catalogue of building supplies online, please select your local Building Centre.

Here’s How

For this project, we’ve created a single accent wall that mimics custom panelling, using budget-friendly and easy-to-find moulding and paint. The pattern, based on four connected diamonds, is painted out in a monochromatic look to match our base wall. The result delivers an understated but elegant, three-dimensional effect, and the one-of-a-kind, DIY decorative wall could work in any number of rooms and style of home.

Steps:

1. Assemble all the materials and tools for your project.

2. Measure the width and height of your wall or walls. Determine how many diamonds you want. Our diamonds are 16" x 16".

3. Design your space based on your measurements; plan it out first on paper.

4. Paint your wall or walls. It’s easier to paint before the moulding goes up. Let dry.

5. Measure, mark and cut your moulding into the following pieces. For each diamond, we cut:

(2) pieces at 16"
(2) pieces at 19" with the corner of the pieces cut at 45 degrees. Measure 3/8" in from the end and cut at a 45 degree angle (this will leave a 90-degree flat top)
(1) piece at 6 1/2 "
(2) pieces at 2 1/2 "

Note: The entire diamond design is made by using 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 8' moulding.

6. Measure, mark and cut template pieces:

(1) piece of MDF or scrap wood to 16" x 16" (diamond template); create a grip by placing a screw in the middle of the template
(1) piece of MDF or scrap wood to 3 1/2 " x 20" (20" spacer)
(1) piece of MDF or scrap wood to 3 1/2 " x 8' with both ends cut at 45 degrees (8' spacer)

7. Find the centre of your wall. Using a level and a long, straight edge (we used the 8' spacer) draw a straight line the height of your wall; this line will be used to line up the outside diamond points.

8. Take the 8' spacer and your first piece of moulding; line the moulding up with the line you've drawn on the wall. Temporally nail the 8' spacer (you will move this to create additional rows) and nail the moulding to the wall.

9. Hold the diamond template up against the first piece of moulding. Use the diamond template as your guide to attach the second piece of moulding to the wall.

10. Add the top 2 pieces of moulding and nail them to the wall to complete the first diamond. Remove the diamond template.

11. Place the 20" spacer on top of the first diamond. Add the bottom two pieces of moulding for your next diamond and the square template. Nail the moulding in place.

Then, add the top 2 pieces of moulding and nail to the wall to complete the second diamond. Follow this process up the wall until your first diagonal row of diamonds is complete.

12. Once the first diagonal row of diamonds is complete, move the 8' spacer to create all the additional rows.

13. Once the diamonds are complete, attach the 6 1/2" and 2 1/2" pieces in between all the diamonds.

14. Add wood filler to the seams or joints of all moulding pieces and fill all nail holes. Let dry completely according to product instructions.

15. Sand and wipe clean.

16. Caulk the sides of every piece of moulding to cover any gaps between the moulding and wall. Add a few lines of caulking, then smooth with finger. Continue until all sides of every piece of moulding are sealed.

17. Now you’re ready for painting. Use a roller to paint the front of the moulding and larger wall spaces. Use a brush to paint the trim and the hard-to-get corners. Let dry.