Onlays and Appliques

Wood appliques and onlays serve as decorative architectural elements. They get their names from the action of being applied or laid onto another surface — fitting, right? Typically they are ornamental wood carvings made from cherry, maple, rubberwood or oak, but polyurethane and metal are also options. You will often see such furniture appliques in the shape of a rosette, shell, basket, wreath, pineapple or floral design. If you are searching for a way to add classic and traditional style to your space, wood appliques are a timeless option.

Where can I put wood appliques?

Onlays are designed to add visual interest to flat areas. If you have a flat surface that could use a bit of embellishment, then an applique might be appropriate. The wall space above doorways and around windows are common spots to put an onlay, as well as on a cabinet, mantel or mirror frame. Wood rosettes are usually square and can be found on the corners of window and door framing to add interest to otherwise plain architecture. Ceiling medallions are easy to create with a round applique and less expensive than other medallion options. The great thing about wooden appliques is that they can easily be stained or painted to match the object they are being applied to. Because of this, you can look for a design you love without worrying about the color.