How to Specify Curved Mouldings for Luxury Projects

Beautifully crafted and expertly fitted curved timber mouldings can transform any space, creating seamless flow and sculptural detail in curved hallways, sweeping staircases, bay or feature windows, and arched doorways. When specified correctly, curved architraves and skirtings deliver cohesion, proportion, and design impact across contemporary, coastal, and classic interiors.

In practice, curved mouldings fall into two distinct categories:

• Mouldings used on curved surfaces – such as skirting and wainscoting following a curved wall or stair.
• Curved mouldings applied to flat surfaces – such as curved architraves around arches and openings, or curved corner trims for panel moulding.

Each behaves differently and requires a slightly different specification approach. This guide walks you through both.

Why Intrim curved mouldings create high-impact architectural moments

Curves have become one of the most defining interior features of recent years. Beyond trend, they deliver something that straighter lines often can’t: softness, movement, and visual flow.

Use Intrim curved moulding profiles to:

• Highlight architectural transitions, such as archways or gallery-style passages.
• Create decorative accents around bay windows or curved feature walls.
• Elevate staircases, turning functional structures into architectural centrepieces.
• Unify heritage and contemporary design, blending ornate profiles with organic forms.
• Introduce subtle luxury, particularly in high-end residential or boutique commercial projects.

Used thoughtfully, curved moulding trim provides a sense of craftsmanship that transforms a space from functional to memorable.

How to specify curved moulding: a step-by-step workflow

Curved trim moulding for architraves relies heavily on early design clarity and precise documentation. Below is a specifier-first workflow that covers both mouldings for curved surfaces and curved mouldings for use on flat surfaces, ensuring smooth collaboration between designer, builder, and Intrim as your custom moulding manufacturer.

Part 1: Mouldings for Curved Surfaces

Curved skirtings and wainscoting

These applications involve mouldings that physically follow a curved wall, stair, or structure. The moulding itself remains straight in profile, but must flex to match the radius of the surface it is being fixed to.

Step 1 — Identify which elements will curve

Before selecting materials or profiles, map out exactly which architectural elements follow a radius. This drives every decision that follows.

Ask yourself:

• Will the skirting or panel moulds curve?
• Is the curve part of the wall, or a stair sweep?
• Does the curve need to appear continuous, or can it be broken into segments?

Include simple notes on your drawings (e.g. “Curved skirting to follow wall radius”) to establish intent for all project stakeholders.

Step 2 — Define the design intent early

Curved mouldings are as much a design decision as they are a technical requirement. Clarifying intent early prevents downstream compromises and helps maintain visual consistency.

Things to consider:

• Is the curve a hero or a subtle detail?

A bold curve may suit sculptural entries while softer curves are better for organic contemporary interiors.

• What is the relationship between curved and straight sections?

Does the moulding wrap the room or stop at a feature?

• How does the curve relate to scale?

Tight curves deliver impact but require careful profile selection.

Providing your design rationale in the documentation helps ensure the finished result reflects your vision.

Step 3 — Capture the geometry (what Intrim needs)

For curved skirting and wall mouldings, Intrim requires only the radius of the curve, measured in millimetres. Providing a clear, accurate radius ensures the curved moulding flows smoothly, aligns correctly with adjoining straight sections, and installs cleanly on site. Each curved segment should be clearly labelled on drawings with its radius, profile code and finish to avoid ambiguity during quoting, fabrication and installation.

Step 4 — Check profile compatibility for curves

Not every profile suits a curve. A profile that looks elegant on a straight wall may distort visually when bent or kerfed.

Here are Intrim’s top tips for choosing compatible profiles:

• Slimmerprofiles typically follow curves more naturally.
• Ensure curved sections align perfectly with straight runs in adjacent spaces.
• Consider how the moulding interacts with corners and transitions.
• For feature arches, use the same profile as the classic architrave to maintain visual cohesion.

Step 5 — Document your curved mouldings clearly

Most specification problems arise from unclear drawings, not from issues with the mouldings themselves. Make sure your documentation includes:

Plan View

• Show the curve clearly with the radius labelled.
• Indicate the centre point or chord + rise where applicable.

Elevation

• Show the moulding profile, height, and how it meets straight sections.

Section Detail

• Illustrate how the moulding sits against the wall build-up or stair stringer.

Schedules

• Include profile code, finish, and location.

Part 2: Curved Mouldings on Flat Surfaces

Curved window and door architraves, arched openings, curved corner trims for wainscoting

These applications involve mouldings that are custom-manufactured in a curved form, then fixed to flat walls. The surface remains straight; the moulding itself is curved.

This is typical for:

• Arched doorways and windows
• Feature openings
• Curved corner trims for panel moulding layouts

Because these elements define architectural openings, precision is critical.

Step 1 — Identify every curved opening

Before selecting materials or profiles, map out exactly which openings and transitions are curved. This defines both the scope and the visual hierarchy of your design.

Ask yourself:

• Which doorways, windows, or passages are arched?
• Are curves decorative, structural, or both?
• Should curved openings be focal points or subtle details?
• Do the curved profiles need to match straight architraves elsewhere?

Clarifying this early ensures curved elements are treated as intentional design features—not last-minute site decisions.

Step 2 — Define the visual relationship

Curved architraves should integrate seamlessly with the surrounding interior, reinforcing the home’s overall style rather than appearing as an isolated feature.

Consider: 

• Should the curved architrave be the same as straight profiles?

Matching profiles maintains continuity and flow, while a contrasting profile can be used to highlight a feature opening.

• Does the curve repeat elsewhere in the home or appear only once?

Repeated curves create rhythm and cohesion; a single curve becomes a focal point that draws attention.

• Should the curve feel bold and architectural, or soft and understated?

Bold curves suit grand entries and statement spaces, while gentler forms work best in calm, contemporary interiors.

These decisions guide profile selection and ensure curved openings feel purposeful, balanced and resolved within the overall design.

Step 3 — Capture the geometry accurately

Curved architraves require highly accurate geometry:

• Radius in millimetres

• Centre point or chord + rise

For bespoke or irregular arches, the most reliable method is creating a physical template (as outlined in the architrave template guide). This captures irregularities that drawings or measurements  may miss.

Visual examples of impactful curved architectural moulding

Example 1 — Curved Window Continuity

Curved window moulding framing arched feature windows creates visual flow and adds a sense of formality and grandeur.

Example 2 — Staircase Sweep

Curved wall moulding or wainscoting lining the staircase wall provides texture to a key space in the home, leading guests gracefully between floors.

Example 3 — Arched Doorways

Matching a curved architrave to its straight counterpart ensures profile continuity and elevates classic or Hamptons-style interiors.

Example 4 — Feature Wall or Hallway Curve

Curved skirting and wall moulding along a hallway or as a feature wall creates movement and softens an otherwise rigid passage.

Explore Intrim’s full project gallery for more curved moulding design inspiration.

Common specification mistakes (and how to avoid them)

A well-specified curve is made in the design studio, not on the building site, so creating clear documentation is essential to avoid errors and delays. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Mistake 1 — Supplying photographs instead of measurable geometry

Photos help demonstrate intent, but cannot replace radius information.

Mistake 2 — Forgetting to confirm the minimum workable radius

Tight curves require careful profile selection or kerfing work to avoid distortion.

Mistake 3 — Mismatch between straight and curved profile sections

Always ensure profiles match in depth and shape to avoid visual breaks. Be sure to specify your curves alongside your straight moulding for consistency and cohesion.

Mistake 4 — Overlooking build-up thickness

Changes in plasterboard or wall lining thickness can alter where the curve begins.

Mistake 5 — Missing or unclear drawing notes

Ambiguity leads to on-site workarounds that compromise design quality.

Don’t let simple mistakes impact the quality of your project. Book a design consult with an Intrim specialist for guidance on moulding specification, profile selection, and custom curved designs.

How do I measure the radius for a curved architrave?

To accurately measure the radius of a curved architrave — especially for bespoke or irregular arches — the most reliable method is to first create a physical template of the curve. Here is a quick overview of how this method works:

1. Prepare the arch by removing excess plaster so your template material can sit flat against the curve.
2. Mark the start and end of the curve, and fix support nails to hold your template board.
3. Use a semi-rigid material (like thin plywood or MDF) positioned with tape and nails to trace the curved edge directly.
4. Remove and label the resulting template — this custom curve represents the true shape and geometry of your arch.

Once you have the finished template, you can more precisely determine the curve’s geometry (including radius and profile shape) from the traced line. This method accounts for irregularities in plaster, reveals, and onsite conditions that simple chord and rise measurements can miss.

What is the minimum radius for curved skirting?

The minimum workable radius depends on the profile thickness and material you select. Slimmer profiles can follow tighter curves, while deeper or more ornate profiles may require a larger radius to maintain their shape. Flexible or kerfed profiles typically allow tighter radii than solid timber. At Intrim, we recommend selecting a flexible polyurethane skirting. Our 18mm polyurethane profiles require a minimum radius of 400mm.

For project accuracy, Intrim can advise the minimum radius for your chosen profile based on the design and application.

Are curved architraves more expensive or harder to install?

Curved architraves generally involve more precise fabrication and careful preparation, so they do cost more than standard straight profiles. Installation also requires accurate set-out to ensure the moulding follows the intended radius without distortion. However, when specified correctly, curved profiles often reduce on-site adjustments and deliver a seamless, high-end finish that’s well worth the investment! View our curved moulding installation guide for a step-by-step overview of installing curved architraves.

Do curved mouldings suit modern interiors?

Absolutely! Curved moulding types complement the soft, organic forms currently shaping contemporary design. They introduce gentle movement, soften hard architectural lines, and add a level of craftsmanship that elevates minimalist, luxury interiors, such as modern contemporary and coastal designs. Our Shadowline system is a fantastic example of versatile skirting that can be curved to suit both modern and coastal styles.

Choose Intrim for Architectural Curved Moulding

Ready to specify curved mouldings with confidence? Our team can review your drawings, help confirm measurements, and guide you toward the ideal profiles for your project. Explore curved moulding options online or book an appointment with our design experts today.