An architrave is a fundamental architectural element that serves as the lowermost horizontal beam of an entablature, resting directly upon the capitals of columns in classical orders. In this context, it acts as the primary lintel or "chief beam" that supports the structure above, bridging the vertical supports to provide stability and define the building's classical proportions. In contemporary architecture and interior design, the term has evolved to also describe the decorative and functional molding that frames doorways, windows, or other rectangular openings. These modern architraves serve to conceal the joint between the wall surface and the frame, protecting edges while adding a polished, finished look that enhances the aesthetic character of a space.