Torus Architrave
(2 Products)Torus architrave is defined by its prominent, smooth, semi-circular (convex) curve. This "torus" shape is often accompanied by a small flat section (a fillet) or sometimes a subtle step or smaller concave curve (a scotia) that leads into the main curve,
What is a Torus Architrave?
A Torus architrave is an architectural moulding defined by its convex, semi-circular profile, resembling the shape of a doughnut or a "torus" in geometry. This style is part of the classical order in architecture, often found in Greek and Roman design, and is known for its smooth, rounded appearance.
Practically, it covers the junction between the door lining or window frame and the adjacent wall surface. This conceals any shrinkage gaps, rough plaster edges, or inconsistencies, resulting in a tidy and well-defined opening.
Applications
- Framing Internal Doorways: This is its most common application, providing a decorative border around door lining sets.
- Finishing Internal Window Reveals: Used to frame the internal edges of window openings, covering the junction between the window frame and the wall.
- Edging Loft Hatches: Provides a neat and tidy finish around the opening for loft access.
- Creating Wall Features: Can sometimes be used creatively as a decorative trim or moulding in panelling or other wall features (though dedicated picture rails or dado rails might be more common for those specific uses).
Benefits
- Classic & Timeless Profile: The Torus design has enduring popularity and suits many interior decors.
- Neat & Professional Finish: Effectively conceals joints and imperfections around door and window frames.
- Versatile Material Choices: Available in MDF and softwood to suit different aesthetic preferences, applications, and budgets.
- Finish Flexibility: Can be painted, stained, varnished, or oiled depending on the material chosen.
- Complements Skirting: Often chosen to match or complement Torus profile skirting boards for a cohesive look throughout a room or property.
- Ease of Painting (MDF): Pre-primed MDF offers a very smooth and stable base for a high-quality paint finish.
Complementary Products
- Skirting Boards: Torus profile skirting boards are the natural partner for Torus architrave, creating a consistent and traditional look.
- Door Lining Sets/Casings: The framework into which the door is hung and to which the architrave is fixed.
- Plinth Blocks: Small, square blocks placed at the base of architrave uprights, where they meet the skirting board. They provide a neat transition, especially if the skirting and architrave have different thicknesses.
- Rosettes/Corner Blocks: Decorative blocks used at the upper corners of door frames instead of mitred joints, for a more traditional or ornate style.
Maintenance
Once installed and finished, Torus architrave requires little maintenance. Painted surfaces can be wiped clean. Oiled or varnished surfaces may benefit from occasional re-oiling or a light top coat of varnish after many years to refresh their appearance and protection.
Frequently Asked Torus Architraves Questions
How Do I Ensure I Have Enough Material for My Torus Architrave Installation?
To ensure you have enough architrave, it's essential to measure the perimeter of your door or window opening accurately. Most manufacturers provide architrave in standard lengths, so calculating the total length required (adding extra for mitre cuts and waste) will help you purchase enough material for a smooth and complete installation.
It should be noted, that most door sets typically include only enough architrave to cover one complete side of a single door. Therefore, if you plan to finish both sides of the door with an architrave, it might be worth purchasing additional material.
We recommend buying about 10-15% extra, to account for any cutting mistakes or adjustments needed during installation.
How Do I Choose The Right Size (Width And Thickness) Of Torus Architrave?
The right size depends on several factors:
- Scale of the Room & Openings: Larger rooms with higher ceilings and more substantial door frames can often accommodate wider architraves (e.g., 69mm or 94mm). Smaller rooms or narrower doorframes might suit a more modest width (e.g., 57mm).
- Existing Skirting Boards: Architrave is typically slightly thicker than the skirting board to allow the skirting to butt neatly into it. If you're matching existing mouldings, try to keep the proportions similar.
- Depth of Gap to Cover: Ensure the thickness and design of the architrave are sufficient to cover the gap between the frame and the wall effectively.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, it's also an aesthetic choice.
Is Torus Architrave Suitable For Modern And Traditional Interiors?
Yes, despite its classical origins, the Torus profile is surprisingly versatile.
- In traditional homes (Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian style properties), it's a very common and fitting choice, often painted white or an off-white to complement period features.
- In more contemporary interiors, a Torus architrave, especially in a simpler material like MDF and painted in a crisp white or even a contrasting colour, can still work well. Its clean, rounded lines can provide a soft, elegant alternative to more angular modern profiles without looking out of place, especially if paired with a matching Torus skirting.
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