Thanks Graham, the casing is 2/16" thicker than the baseboard. I leaned the base against the wall for comparison.

I think it would be fine. Much better than the puny one.

If you wanted to kick it up a notch you could add a backband to the casing and a shoe mold to the base board. Casing depth is fine, as long as the base does not protrude beyond the casings face.

Graham

The larger than typical door jamb reveal adds to the overall visual width of the door trim so it works ok with the 5 1/4" baseboard. Plus, the height of the ceiling and potential ceiling/crown moldings work much better with the 5 1/4" baseboard.

Thank you Scott Design, Inc :) I really appreciate it. The reveal is 1/4", was that too big?

The reveal is a bit greater than normal but in this case it works to your advantage, makes the casing appear wider.

Graham

If the baseboard edge was mitered to join casing, probably would look better, instead of huge changes. Of course if it will drive you nuts, cut baseboard flat off and extend casing with trim piece to visually expand look. Then terminate baseboard up to edge of casing. Most would not even notice, with rugs, furnishings and wall hangings to distract the eye. So just depends how important this is to you, and how you want to spend your dollars.

What you are doing looks great. Go for it. It's common for homes from that era to use little base molding, but it looks pretty feeble. What you are doing looks much more substantial.

And, I love Suzy referring to the old stuff as "puny"....perfect!

I agree with Graham at Kitchen Abode. Reveals vary and 1/4" is not too big.

Thanks so much everyone. My last question is would shoe molding at the base be too heavy? I know a lot of more modern houses have no shoe, but some people think it makes the base look more finished.

No shoe molding. Leave it clean.

No shoe.

There are two reasons why you would or would not apply a shoe molding. First is the look, the 2nd depends on how tight the baseboard fits to the floor, the shoe will hide any gaps. If unsure, just install the base and see how you like it, the shoe is need or desired then it can be added.

Graham

If the casing is the same as the baseboard can I flip the casing so the thick side goes in to the door. So then I can miter the base board with the casing.?