Hey, it's Harper! 👋

If you're dreaming of adding elegant molding panels to your walls — you know, that timeless, custom look we all love — there's one thing you absolutely can't skip:

🎯 Accurate measuring.

Trust me, a well-designed panel layout can completely transform a room. But if the measurements are off? Things can get real awkward, real fast. (Ask me about the time I miscalculated and had to shift every panel two inches. Oof. 😬 )

This guide walks you through how to measure your walls like a pro, whether you're installing the panels yourself or ordering a custom pre-cut kit.

Let's get into it! 🚀

✏️ Step 1: Measure the Full Wall (Minus the Baseboard)

Start with the basics: measure the full width and height of your wall.

But here's the important part:
👉 Don't include the baseboard in your height measurement.
📏 Instead, measure from the top of the baseboard to the ceiling. That way, your panels sit cleanly above the trim.

🗒️ Pro tip from my own chaos: write every measurement down immediately. Always. Ink ink.

🔌 Step 2: Account for Outlets and Fixed Elements

Next up: find anything that might get in the way — outlets, switches, vents, thermostats, etc.

Here's what I do:
Measure from the closest wall edge to the element
Then measure the height from the top of the baseboard

Note the width and height of the element itself

💡 I try to avoid placing panels directly over outlets unless I'm 100% sure I can cut around them neatly.

🔲 Step 3: Plan Your Panel Spacing

Now the fun part: layout planning! 🎨

Standard spacing works like this:
➡️ 15 cm (6") horizontal space between panels
⬇️ 10 cm (4") vertical space between rows

But here's the thing — you can absolutely adjust those numbers. Just keep your spacing consistent across the wall.

👁️ Too much empty space = unfinished

🎯 Even spacing = polished, balanced, chef's kiss

🚫 Avoid Common Measurement Mistakes

Here are some traps I've fallen into (so you don't have to):
❌ Assuming the wall is perfectly square — always measure each side individually
❌ Eyeballing the layout — use painter's tape to mock it up first
❌ Forgetting to subtract baseboard height — it throws off everything

✅ I always tape out the panel layout on the wall first, step back, and check the proportions. Looks weird? Fix it now, not after you've started cutting.

🧭 Measuring Angled Walls or Staircases

You can totally do molding on sloped walls or stairways — it just takes a bit more attention.

Here's how I approach it:
📏 Measure the length of the angled surface
📐 Use an angle finder (or app!) to get the incline
✂️ Cut the top of each panel to match that angle

Then:
Keep the bottom edge level, or
Follow the stair rise for a stepped look

🎯 Space them evenly along the slope. It takes patience, but the result is so worth it.

🧰 Ready to Cut?

Once your measurements are good and your layout looks right: it's go-time!

One last Harper tip: always order a bit of extra material. Trust me on this.

💡 Final Tips Before You Begin

✅ Measure twice, cut once
↓ Always subtract baseboard height
🖊️ Test your layout with painter's tape
🔢 Keep spacing symmetrical
🏗️ Don't rush. Good planning = good design.

🎁 Want Measured, Cut & Shipped Panels?

So maybe you're thinking: “Cool Harper, but I'm not trying to cut trim in my kitchen.” I get it. 😄

🎁 Let Us Do the Cutting for You!

That's why I also offer custom pre-cut molding kits!

Just send me your wall measurements and:

I'll design your panel layout
Cut everything to size
Pack it up and ship it right to your door

👉 A sketch example showing the measurements we need
📩 Just shoot me an email at info@moldartdesign.com and I'll take it from there.

✨ Beautiful walls, minus the sawdust.

Happy measuring!

— Harper