Stacked moulding has long been a hallmark of true custom framing. It adds depth, structure, and a sense of intention and, when done well, it quietly elevates both the artwork and the space it lives in.
To better understand why stacking works—and when to use it—we sat down with Sue Losco, Director of Product Management at Crescent Brands, to talk through her favorite approaches to layered frame design.
What Stacked Moulding Brings to a Design
According to Sue, stacking isn’t only about embellishment, it’s also about enhancement.
By layering profiles, framers can introduce unique design details without overwhelming the art. A wider outer moulding anchors the piece, while a slimmer inner moulding adds definition and focus.
“I think of stacked moulding as architectural,” Sue adds. “You’re building structure around the artwork, not just outlining it.”
Why Hygge Works So Well as a Stacking Foundation 
Shown above: Hygge 93823 Dove Grey + Minis 46102 Antique Silver + Alphamat Artcare Essentials 8759 Solid Slate + 8747 Solid Grey
When it comes to stacking, Sue suggests starting with a simply elegant moulding like Hygge by Nurre Caxton—and for good reason.
“Hygge has a calm confidence to it,” she says. “The real-wood veneer, subtle grain, and balanced profile give you warmth without visual noise.”
That restraint makes Hygge especially versatile. It can stand on its own, or act as a grounding outer moulding when paired with a secondary profile.
“It doesn’t compete with other elements,” Sue notes. “It supports them.”
Wood on Wood: Subtle Layering That Feels Intentional
Shown above: Hygge 94027 Walnut + Minis 46116 Copper + Bainbridge New Threads 4115 Forest Floor
For framers looking to stack wood mouldings together, Sue recommends letting profile and scale do the heavy lifting.
“When you stack wood on wood, small differences matter,” she explains. “A slight change in width or edge detail is often all you need.”
Pairing Hygge with a slimmer companion profile—such as one of the Minis from Nurre Caxton—creates continuity while still adding visual interest. The result feels cohesive, refined, and unmistakably custom.
“It reads as layered, not busy,” Sue says. “That’s the sweet spot.”
Mixing Materials: Why Wood and Metal Work Together
. 
Shown above: Marrakesh 17941 Saffron Gold + Nielsen Caps ML9721 Matte Black + Alpharag 8655 Pure White
One of Sue’s favorite stacking techniques involves mixing an complex wood moulding, like Nurre Caxton’s Marrakesh, with a straightforward metal moulding.
“Metal brings precision,” she explains. “Wood brings warmth. Together, they balance each other beautifully.”
A simple metal profile—like one of the Nielsen Caps—can create a crisp inner edge that sharpens the artwork visually, while the wood outer moulding softens the overall look.
“Metal almost acts like punctuation,” Sue says. “It defines the image without closing it in.”
This approach works especially well for contemporary artwork, photography, or any piece that benefits from structure without losing warmth.
Don’t Forget the Matboard
. 
Shown Above: Hygge 94031 Driftwood + Alfresco 87202 Silver Leaf Bead + Alphamat Artcare Essentials TM8744 Malacca + Bainbridge Tatami silk 4461 Chinchilla
Stacked moulding introduces natural depth, which makes mat selection even more important.
“Once you’ve layered the moulding, the mats should support the design—not compete with it,” Sue advises.
She recommends controlled contrasts, clean reveals, and neutral tones that allow the frame’s layers to breathe.
“When moulding, mat, and art are aligned, the entire piece feels resolved.”
A Tool Framers Can Keep Coming Back To
For Sue, stacked moulding remains one of the most defining tools in custom framing, offering flexibility without complexity, added value, and the uniquely differentiated design options that only a custom framer can create. “Stacking lets you elevate a design without reinventing everything,” she says. “It gives artwork a sense of place.”
And when it’s done right, the result speaks for itself.
“A well-stacked frame doesn’t call attention to the technique,” Sue adds. “It just feels right.”
