A mold transforms an object into a special shape, a particular form. When such a shape or form is used as decoration, and when it thus surrounds an item that is part of a home's architecture, then that shape or form is called molding. Sometimes architects prefer to call such decorative pieces by the name moulding.

Traditionally architects have used molding, or moulding, on cornices, on mantels and on columns. In the past molding that had been created from wood was attached to another wooden object with nails. Other more traditional molding was made from stone or metal. More recently, architects have chosen to create molding from gypsum, plaster, or polymers.

Homeowners frequently seek to add to their home's appeal by using crown molding. Crown molding puts a type of crown above a plain wooden structure. Crown molding is often used above cabinets. Crown molding creates a more appealing feature than the stark lines of an uncrowned cabinet top.

The makers of molding have introduced the use of molds in metal ceiling panels. When these metal panels are placed over a flat ceiling, they create what is now called tin ceilings. Tin ceilings have become popular in restaurants, in nightclubs, in churches and in offices. As the technology for the creation of tin ceilings improves, and as the cost of installing tin ceilings decreases, these metal panels have begun to appear in homes as well.

In fact, tin ceilings have been used on the popular T.V. show Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. Homeowners have discovered that tin ceilings are a great way to carryout insurance repairs. The cost of the tin ceiling is less than a total remake of a damaged ceiling. Building restorers too have turned to tin ceilings in order to perform inexpensive transformations.

As the use of tin ceilings increases, and as more and more homeowners come to appreciate the beauty and utility of molding, there may be reason for the establishing of an accepted spelling for molding. Do architects and home restorers want to use the term molding, or would they prefer to write and talk about the installation of moulding?

Regardless of how it is spelled, molding has the ability to enhance any home or public building. Molding demonstrates the beauty that can be created by using a lovely shape and a few simple nails. Molding allows for the construction, the sculpting of a decorative piece with great eye appeal.