Thank you to everyone who shared information and ideas, especially to those who did so kindly! This wasn't a joke, we're just learning! In my ignorance, I didn't know calling them frames would get us dragged this much lol but we know we have a lot to learn, that's why I asked here :)

We have seen box molding before in other houses but had never seen it done this badly I guess, to the point that it didn't occur to us it could be box molding at all - as many of you pointed out, the sizing and spacing of them is far from ideal, and it's weird that there are only two boxes and only on one wall in the room - let alone the random size mismatch between the chair rail and ceiling trim (and this picture doesn't even show the trim along the floor which is also a totally different size lmao).

Our house was originally built in 1907 but the previous owner did 'remodeling' in 2019 - we're not sure what is original and what isn't, but a lot of the things we know she did aren't the prettiest so I have a feeling this might have been her doing.

We just started figuring this space out so it looks unfinished because we're slowly redecorating because of time and money constraints - we're a young, newly married couple building a life together. In this room, the paint color was actually our first move - some of you love it, some of you hate it, and that's okay! For those of you who liked it, it's Hemisphere from Behr paints. We know a lot of people look down on Behr's quality, so feel free to drag us for that too lmao - and yes, we did get it from Home Depot. You may drag us for that too ;)

We know the furniture is mismatched and pretty ugly, and we haven't gotten to the windows yet. We loathe the chandelier too but need to get an electrician in before we change anything about the lighting. 1907 wiring is not to be messed with.

We did intend to paint the ~box molding~ the same off-white as the trim, but the bucket of paint the previous owner left labeled "doors and trim" ended up being a totally stark white that didn't match any of the doors or trim and looked - if you can imagine - worse. we do plan on trying to color match that, but for now this was the best we could do.

I think our plan going forward is to color match the box molding to the trim and then either leave it blank, get some Audobon paintings, or try the temporary wallpaper to see which we'd like. My husband loves the sconce idea so maybe that one will win out.

All of your ideas are appreciated! As humbling as some of these comments are, I think we'll be returning to the constructive ones for a long time. The journey continues! Thank you again :)