Ogee Architrave

What is an ogee architrave?

An ogee architrave is a door or window surround moulding with a profile based on the ogee curve -- a double curve that is concave at the top and convex at the bottom, creating a flowing S-shape when viewed in cross-section. It is one of the oldest decorative moulding profiles in Western architecture and has been a staple of British interior joinery since the Georgian period. Today it remains one of the most popular architrave profiles for period renovations, extensions, and new builds seeking a traditional character.

The ogee profile pairs naturally with ogee skirting boards for a fully matched room scheme, and also works well alongside torus skirting boards where a slightly different profile on the architrave is acceptable. For rooms with dado rails and cornices, the ogee profile provides a consistent decorative language across all the mouldings in the room.

Choosing the right size

Ogee architrave is available in a range of widths and heights. As a general rule, the width of the architrave should be proportionate to the weight of the door frame and the height of the ceiling. In standard rooms with 2,400mm ceilings, a 70mm wide ogee architrave is typical. In rooms with higher ceilings or grander proportions, 95mm or 120mm gives a more balanced result. Our tall architrave collection covers wider options for larger door openings and high-ceilinged rooms.

Matching with skirting boards

For a period-coherent finish, matching the architrave profile to the skirting board profile creates the most resolved result. If you have ogee skirting in the room, the ogee architrave is the natural companion. If you are choosing both from scratch, browse our ogee skirting boards alongside this collection to select a complementary size combination. Where the architrave meets the skirting at the base of the door frame, a plinth block provides a clean architectural stop and avoids the need for a complex mitre joint.

Materials and specification

All our ogee architraves are manufactured in high-density MDF, pre-primed and ready to paint. MDF architrave is the standard choice for residential use -- dimensionally stable, smooth-faced, and easy to paint. Flexible MDF architrave is manufactured with a pliable core for arched openings, curved door frames, and radius corners. Fire-rated MDF architrave is produced from a fire-resistant MDF core for commercial premises, HMOs, and projects where Building Regulations require a higher level of fire performance. For all architrave profiles including ogee, see our full architrave collection.