All architectural mouldings give buildings their character, especially on older buildings. One of the most attractive features on any building.

The architrave, by definition, is the cross piece, sitting above columns forming a rectangular opening. It usually follows the same style as the cornice which sits at the top of the entablature (it literally means 'main beam'). Architrave has come to also mean the moulding around any door or window, in this meaning it is typcially entirely decorative, it is there to provide both an enhanced framing effect and to disguise the join between the structural frame and surrounding walls.

In traditional architecture the architrave forms part of the sheltering structure, forcing rainwater away from the walls, especially over doors and windows. However in many modern and reproduction buildings it is simply there for decoration.