What is the term for an ornamental horizontal band on a wall?

The correct term for an ornamental horizontal band on a wall is the frieze. This architectural element typically features decorative motifs and can be found in various styles, adding visual interest to the wall. In classical architecture, the frieze is often part of a larger schema, including the architrave and cornice, and it is often located above doorways, windows, or along the upper part of the walls.

Friezes can be painted, sculpted, or made of materials like wood or plaster and are designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. In situations where a more intricate design is desired, incorporating a frieze can create a striking focal point in a room. The distinct nature of a frieze serves to differentiate it from other elements like molding, which is generally a broader category that refers to any decorative trim, and cornice, which specifically denotes the uppermost part of a structure that projects over the wall, often incorporating a frieze itself. Beadboard, on the other hand, is a type of paneling that features vertical grooves and serves a different decorative purpose.