What is Egg and Dart Molding?

The earliest examples of Egg and Dart Molding were found in Ancient Greek architecture. It is comprised of an egg which represents a shield and dart for the spear. It was used in many mediums as a decorative device– it was made from stone or plaster– anything. Nowadays, with the innovation in molding field, egg and dart molding can be made by PU already, which is more decorative and environment friendly. It was later on used by the Romans. The egg and dart molding has strong ties to the Ionic order. The Ionic order is one of 3 orders– the others being Doric and Corinthian. The way that the Greeks through of the orders is that the Doric order was supposed to represent a strong male spirit– which is seen in the way the overall order is simple and the way that the columns are flexing in the middle as to look like they are flexing under the stress and the heaviness of what they are holding up. the Ionic order is supposed to represent a female spirit in the way that it was still simple, but had more curves to it. The Corinthian order was meant to capture the feeling and spirit of a young maiden with how elaborate and whimsical it is.

The egg and dart is a type of design that easily fits in with many different styles– it just depends on how you choose to style it. You can use large crown in a more classic room or even a modern room. The egg and dart molding can either be brought out or more understated. If you would want to have a touch of the egg and dart without it being overbearing, then the best molding to go with is the Chantilly Egg-and-Dart. It is petite in its measurements, but it still has a powerful design that effects the overall space.

The Egg and Dart is a great molding for so many applications. The inspiration to write about this style molding was this month’s Architectural Digest featuring Timothy Corridors elegant Paris apartment. If you have a desire for something that is bigger and commends the attention of the space without being really too large. The moldings that are perfect for that is the Preston Egg-and-Dart and the Bentley Egg-and-Dart. The molding offers a larger angle of lean with the egg-and-dart detail running across the bottom.

The most attention grabbing moldings are the Classic Egg-and-Dart and the Beaded Egg-and-Dart. These moldings are dramatic and they are the kinds of moldings that will change the actual architecture of the overall space. It is a great way to do so without having to tear down walls or making huge steps toward renovation. Putting molding up is something that doesn’t take nearly as much time as a complete overhaul of the architectural integrity of your home.

To make the molding stand out more you can choose to paint it any color that you like for different effects that it could have. The moldings can be brightly colored or much more subtle. You could also choose to gold leaf them for a more regal finish.

Egg-and-dart is a repetitive design that today is most often found on molding (e.g., crown molding) or trim. The pattern is characterized by a repetition of oval shapes, like an egg split lengthwise, with various non-curved patterns, like “darts,” repeated between the egg pattern. In three-dimensional sculpting in wood or stone the pattern is in bas-relief, but the pattern can also be found in two-dimensional painting and stencil.

The curved and non-curved pattern has been pleasing to the eye for centuries. It is often found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture and, so, is considered a Classical design element.