What Is a Crown Molding?
Crown molding is a decorative element that is installed where the wall meets the ceiling. Molding typically comes in wood or plaster, but you can find it in other materials such as polyurethane as well. You’ve probably seen baseboard molding or molding around doors and windows, but crown molding adds something extra to a room. Crown molding creates a sophisticated addition to almost any space.
No matter the style you use or where you use it, crown molding transforms a room. It makes a space more grown-up, classy or opulent. Crown molding also adds a finishing touch to an area, making it perfect for finished basements as it creates a homier space. The decorative addition is great for walls and ceilings, but feel free to get creative to enhance your space.
When you see homeowners on HGTV fawn over crown molding, there’s a reason why. As This Old House puts it, “In the world of trim, crown is king.” That’s because it provides a transition between the walls and the ceiling. You will also see it above casings, baseboards, and even door frames. It’s known for elegant curves and angles, and it draws the eye up to the ceiling and helps highlight other design and decor features.
According to This Old House, crown molding’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who created some of the design rules and proportions that we use today. While the Greeks used heavy stone, 18th-century American craftsmen went with plaster or wood — both of which are more malleable, lightweight and inexpensive.
Here’s another fun fact about crown molding: Although it seems purely decorative today, it was originally installed to cover gaps where different building materials came together, according to an article by Remodelista. There always is a space where walls and ceiling intersect, and that’s how ceiling molding came to be.
What Are the Benefits of Crown Molding?
When it comes to crown molding’s benefits, it really is simple: It’s simple yet elegant, a true nod to its name. It looks clean, it adds dimension and angles to any wall or doorframe, and a modern crown molding is something that many potential buyers look for in their new homes.
And while crown molding still serves its original purpose of covering the space where the walls and ceiling meet, it also helps elevate your space and make the ceiling feel higher than it actually is.
Crown molding is both timeless and contemporary, and there are ways to make it fit into your home seamlessly. Here are a few of the top trends when it comes to modern crown molding.
Baseboard Styles. Crown molding looks great on walls and door frames, but don’t forget your baseboards, too. Baseboard styles are usually simple, and accented with a small piece of semi-circular trim, according to Bob Vila.
Pretty Patterns. Crown molding is known for its timeless elegance, but it also doesn’t have to make your home look like ancient Greece. Pick moldings with fun patterns, like chevrons or other custom moldings.
Lighted Crown Moldings. These two-piece crown molding systems make for a soft, ambient glow throughout your home. The lights in the lower molding project upward, illuminating the upper piece. These also would look great with high-quality wall units, such as these from Pedini Miami.
Curvature. Moldings aren’t just for your standard rectangular rooms. Flexible polyurethane molding is just that — flexible, and it’s excellent for curved rooms.
Removable Crown Molding. Hollow PVC crown molding also is available, and it’s great for when you want to run new wiring throughout your home but don’t want to have to rip up walls.
How to Pick the Best Crown Molding For Your Home
Again, the best crown molding for your home will be dependent on several factors, including your personal taste, the look you are going for, budget, and how much space you have. Do your research online first, and find a trusted home design or molding expert to help you with choosing the best modern crown molding for your home. If you’re in the Miami area, Pedini Miami is one such leading expert in home design and can help point you in the right direction.
