Adding statement molding is a fun and easy way to upgrade any space. Molding immediately draws the eye up and adds character to your room. Install flex box molding as a fun variation of the typical box molding. The best part is that it is so simple to do and a great weekend project.
Install Flex Arch Molding
Today I am showing you all the steps to easily add an arch box molding to any room using flexible molding, with simple supplies and a little time. I had done this in our first home in my girls’ bedroom, and I wanted something similar in the girls’ room at the Ranch. So I got my supplies and got to work!
Supplies Needed for Flex Arch Box Molding
- Base Cap molding
- Flexible molding – Make sure your flexible molding is the same profile, width, and thickness as your base cap molding for a seamless look
- Nail Gun
- 1 ¾” Nails
- Laser Level
- Level
- Stud Finder
- Miter Saw
- Miter shears
- Wood filler
- Caulk
- Paint sprayer
- Paintbrush
- Paint to match the walls (the color I used here is Norwegian Blue by Behr)
How to Make An Arch Wall Using Flex Moulding
- Map out your design and spacing. The number of boxes you choose to do and the spacing you want is all personal preference. Typically an odd number of boxes is more visually pleasing, but sometimes an even number makes more sense. And a common spacing is about 4 to 6 inches in between boxes, but it can vary. I always recommend taping some sample boxes on the wall with painter’s tape to give you a better visual.
- For this particular project I decided to use 4” spacing between my arched boxes. I typically like to keep my spacing from the arched boxes to the baseboard and ceiling consistent with the other spacing as well.
- Since I had already previously painted the wall I was going to put the molding on, I decided to paint my molding pieces before attaching them to the wall. I used my paint sprayer, but use what works for you. All painting can be done after the molding is installed as well, which I’ve done before. There are pros and cons to painting before or after.
- While the molding pieces were drying very well, I created a tool to help me get perfect arches. I took a paint stir stick and drilled a hole just big enough for a pencil in one end. Then I measured the length of my arch radius and drilled a hole on the other end just big enough for a nail to fit through.
- Measure and mark where the top of your arch will be, then go straight down the length of your arch radius and mark. This will be the center of your arch.
- Nail your stick tool into that center mark, and, using your pencil and the other hole in your stick tool, mark the entirety of your arch.
- If your walls, ceiling, and baseboard are all level (what a dream!), you can easily use spacers to add the straight pieces of your molding, but my walls were not straight. I decided to draw the entire boxes using my laser level and measurements. This will ensure your boxes are not crooked. And it makes attaching the molding pretty quick and easy since you already have a pattern drawn out.
- Once my boxes are drawn, it’s time to attach the molding to the wall! I started with the flexible molding, using my Brad nailer and 1 ¾” nails, and went to town.
- **TIP** It’s ok if you use more nails in the arch to ensure the molding sits flat on the wall and follows the exact curve of my drawing.
- I like to cut the flexible molding to length after I’ve nailed it to the wall. It is easiest to cut the flexible molding with miter shears, in fact I highly recommend it. But you can use a miter saw. Beware though that the miter saw kind of tries to chew through the flexible molding since it’s not as sturdy; be sure to have it secured well before you attempt your cuts.
- Measure and cut base cap molding with a miter saw.
- Attach it to the wall with a Brad nailer, nailing into studs where possible. It’s okay that each nail does not go into studs; the molding is pretty lightweight and as long as you’re using the right length of nails, between the nails, the caulk, and hitting studs once in a while, the molding will be secure.
- When the molding is all attached to the wall, fill the holes with wood filler, caulk the edges of the molding to create a smooth finish, and do the paint touch-ups to match your wall.
Tips For Adding Arch Box Molding to Your Space
- If your walls, ceiling, or baseboards (or all of the above) are not level, do not use them as a guide for your molding, or your whole room will look crooked. Be sure each arched box is level.
- Caulking around each arched box really does make all the difference. It finishes your project and makes it look more professional, and covers up any flaws in your application. It is especially important in the areas where the flexible molding and base cap meet.
- Be sure your base cap and flexible molding are the same width and thickness, so they match up perfectly. If not, your arch will never have that seamless look.
Can I paint the flexible molding?
Absolutely! I painted mine with my paint sprayer, but you can paint them with a paintbrush and your wall paint just as easily.
How do I space my boxes evenly on the wall?
There is some easy math to determine how many boxes will fit evenly on your wall. First, measure the entire width of the wall. Subtract the total spacing you’ll need between your boxes (ie: 4” spacing times 6 spacers = 24”). Divide this number by the total number of boxes, and you will have the width of your boxes! Here’s how my math broke down.
159 ½” (width of my wall) – 24” (6*4” spacers) / 5 boxes = 27.1” boxes.
Where do I get molding?
There are a lot of different places where you can source your molding. I got my straight base cap molding from Lowes, but you can find this at any home improvement store. For flexible molding, I love Flexible Moulding Concepts and Flexible Millwork, but Amazon does carry some sizes.
That’s it! A simple, high-impact weekend project that is fun and looks beautiful when it’s done. Check out the Arch Box Moulding highlight on Instagram to see the whole process. Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you decide to do Arch Box Molding in your own home so I can see how amazing it turns out! #howwedoandyoucantoo
