Fillet
The word ‘fillet’ comes from the Latin ‘filum’, meaning ‘thread’
In classical architecture, a fillet is a narrow band with a vertical face. Fillets are often interposed as rectangular or square ribbon-like bands between curved mouldings and ornaments. They may also be found between the flutings of columns.
Types of fillet include:
- Raised: A fillet that is raised in a band from an architectural element.
- Scotia: A concave moulding between two fillets. This is also one of the elements used in the attic base of columns.
- Sunk: A fillet that is depressed in a band between two other architectural elements.
- Tænia: A fillet that is part of the entablature and positioned directly above the architrave.
In modern construction, the term ‘fillet’ can be used to refer to any thin strip of material, for example a tile fillet, in which roof tiles are set into mortar beneath a parapet to form a flashing, or a mortar fillet, used in place of a flashing at the joint between roof slates and a wall.
In engineering, the term ‘fillet’ can be used to refer to a round joint between two parts connected at an angle.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architrave.
- Balustrade.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Cornice.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fluting.
- Frieze.
- Keel moulding.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Pilaster.
- Rustication.
- Soffit.
[edit] External references
- Doric Column - Moulding
Featured articles and news
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?



















