Either incorporate or exclude the grate in or out of the frame. To do otherwise would give the appearance of a mistake in craftsmanship.

U.S.M.C. Semper Fi !!!

Thanks for the reply. I'm still not sure....

Excluding the grate completely leaves the frames 12" long, when all the others are 24". However, they would be complete frames.

If I include the grate, the frame on

the left is: left leg: 24"

right leg: 12" (because it reaches the grate)

bottom left to right is broken up where it meets the grate

the right is: right leg: 24"

left leg: 12"

bottom right to left is broken up where it meets the grate

Which looks less like a mistake? Or do I exclude this wall completely? I can do that because this wall is through a butler's pantry and is somewhat removed from the dining room.

Thanks for the help.

This could be a matter of personal preference but the conventional wisdom on Wainscoatings and decorative mouldings like this is to have continuity in the lines. Without actually seeing the project it is harder to distinguish the end result. From your description though I don't think excluding this particular wall is a bad thing. If it is more of a hallway then I would exclude it and create a seperation to keep the formal dining out of the hallway.

If you find that you cannot exclude the room then it might be beter to have smaller and complete frames especially if there is some room seperations that already exist. Again, It is also a matter of preference.

This could be a simple matter of personal preference but the conventional wisdom on Wainscoatings and Decorative Mouldings of this type are to avoid hitting objects and having continuity in the trims. With that said, not being able to see the project makes it difficult to distinguish the end result. From your description though, eliminating this wall may not be a bad thing. If it is more of a hallway, then I suggest that you eliminate it and create a seperation of rooms. Keep the Dining room in the Dining room. If you find that you cannot eliminate this room then having smaller complete frames may be the better way to go. Again, It may be a matter of preference.

I hope this helps.

U.S.M.C. Semper Fi !!!

Thanks so much for the input. As it turns out, you have the opinion as my husband :) I think I'll go ahead and leave this wall out. Appreciate the help.

Kelli