Liistud

Liistud is a term used in Estonian carpentry and interior design to refer to narrow, elongated strips of material used as trim or moulding along edges and joints. Derived from liist, meaning a strip or border, liistud come in a wide range of profiles from plain to decorative and are produced in several materials to suit different environments.

Common materials include wood (softwood and hardwood), composite materials such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and modern plastics like PVC or polyurethane. Profiles can be plain square-edged, rounded, or intricately moulded, sometimes designed to imitate traditional architectural detailing.

Applications include door and window casings, base and cornice mouldings, picture rails, panel edges, and edging along shelves or furniture. They are typically installed by adhesive bonding or nailing, with finishing options including painting, staining, or veneering to match surrounding surfaces. In damp or exterior contexts, moisture-resistant variants are used to reduce warping and deterioration.

Historically, liistud have been a standard element of Baltic and broader European interior architecture, reflecting regional styles of trim and joinery. Modern production enables mass customization, allowing architects and builders to specify profiles that integrate with both contemporary and historic designs.

See also: moulding, trim, baseboard, coving, architectural detailing.