inspiration · Nested
Traditional Entryway Wall Molding
Traditional Entryway Wall Molding: wall elevation, entryway layout for 6, 8, 10 ft walls, cut list, calculator and pre-cut kits.
Project calculator
Overview
A second, smaller frame set 4 in inside each outer frame using the same profile. It doubles the shadow lines and gives a classic, layered look. Traditional rooms (traditional and classic) typically use nested, french, picture frame layouts: Layered frames, a chair rail and contrasting white trim.
Nested layout on a 8 ft entryway wall
Molding over the full wall height, upper and lower rows divided by a chair rail. On a 8 ft wall with an 8 ft ceiling this gives 3 frames per row, each 26.7 in wide, with 50 in upper and 21 in lower frames. The layout uses about 39 m of 2.5 cm molding, or 17 sticks of 240 cm, including 10% waste. Short walls look best with fewer, taller frames.
Building the nested pattern
Fix the outer frames first, then set each inner frame 4 in inside with spacer blocks so the reveal is identical on all four sides. Both frames use the same 2.5 cm profile.
Traditional look
Layered frames, a chair rail and contrasting white trim. Recommended layouts: nested, french, picture frame.
Wall elevation
Entryway wall sizes: nested accent wall layout
| Wall width | Frames per row | Frame width | Frame height (upper / lower) | Molding incl. 10% waste | 240 cm sticks | Chair rail pieces (300 cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 2 | 30 in | 50 / 21 in | 27.72 m | 12 | 1 |
| 8 ft | 3 | 26.7 in | 50 / 21 in | 39 m | 17 | 1 |
| 10 ft | 4 | 25 in | 50 / 21 in | 50.29 m | 21 | 2 |
Cut list for a 8 ft wall
| Piece | Quantity | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Frame top and bottom (lower row) | 6 | 26.7 in |
| Frame sides (lower row) | 6 | 21 in |
| Frame sides (upper row) | 6 | 50 in |
| Frame top and bottom (upper row) | 6 | 26.7 in |
| Inner frame pieces | 24 | 18.7 in / 13 in |
| Chair rail | 1 | 300 cm lengths |
Pre-cut kits for this wall
Pre-cut kits that fit this project. Open a kit for photos, options and pricing.
Questions
How much molding do I need for a 8 ft entryway wall with nested frames?
About 39 m (128 linear ft) including a chair rail and 10% waste, which is 17 sticks of 240 cm. That assumes 3 frames per row, 26.7 in wide, on an 8 ft ceiling.
How high should the chair rail be in a entryway?
About one third of the ceiling height: 32 in on an 8 ft ceiling, 36 in on 9 ft and 40 in on 10 ft. Short walls look best with fewer, taller frames.
Trace the details
Sources & dates
Prices, options and photos come from our product catalog on the date shown. Layout tables are planning estimates; measure your wall before ordering.
- Paint color dataset (screen approximations; LRV calculated)Recorded November 11, 2026
- DecoMoldings product catalogRecorded November 11, 2026