Crown molding is an amazing decor feature that is timeless and that commands almost universal interest. It speaks to the detail-oriented home-owners as it comes in beautiful, intricate carving. For the ones that are more concerned about the big picture and the overall decor finish, crown molding is as the name suggests the crown jewel, and the finishing touch to your space. Its absence may not be directly felt but will be a constant reminder that something is missing. Its presence will most certainly make the room feel more complete. 

Yet there is so much more to crown molding than just a decorative piece of trim. It has lived and evolved through centuries of civilizations to what it is today.

Crown molding- A traditional piece

Crown molding dates as far back as about 4000 years ago when Pharaohs used it to build lavish temples. This technique was borrowed by the Greeks and the Romans. Crown molding was used to add to the beauty of these structures and was used on ceilings, pediments, pillars, columns, and any other surface where they would add a touch of luxury.

Crown molding was originally carved out of stone. Stone was phased out to give way to wood, then plaster, and now a diverse array of materials. Ours are made out of high-density polyurethane that is durable and amazing to work with.

Since then, the traditional styles of the crown molding surface have been borrowed from and adjusted to suit contemporary homes. As material and uses have changed, crown molding has shifted from a mark of wealth to an affordable interior decor element for any home.

Crown molding today

Crown molding today comes in numerous designs. Its installation is also subject to an individual’s creativity and taste. 

To complete a room

Good crown molding will flow seamlessly around the room where the wall meets the ceiling. To complement the look, add other trim features such as wainscoting and chair rail molding, or columns. That’s right. Do not shy away from pairing columns with crown molding for fear of overdoing it.

To line the exterior

Use crown molding to frame the exterior of the front door and add some royalty to it. Polyurethane is resistant to heat and moisture and will not crack, warp, or develop mold. 

Add more detail

We are becoming more and more creative each day. In past decades, crown molding was simply lined against the wall all round and that was enough. Now, the options are truly limited only to your creativity and desire.

Try a more detailed layout to line the cabinets for example. Try pairing different patterns such as dentil or rope on the ceiling above an adorned doorframe. 

Bringing it all together

Crown molding is divine in its keen detail and ability to truly complete a room. Yet perhaps the crowning jewel of crown molding, is just what exactly it brings to your home.

Think back to 4000 years. To Egyptians devoting their skill to carve out crown molding. Think back to the Greeks and the Romans and their exquisite temples and grand structures made all the more fascinating by fine crown molding. The designs they came up with that were then borrowed. Now think about your space.

Crown molding allows us to transport the richness of ancient, magnificent architecture through space and time to our homes. With its simple addition, it brings to life this extraordinary element of history. It is a reminder that we can do quite literally anything, even travel back to the Temple of Athena and bring that style back with us to our sitting room.

Consider just how gracefully timeless crown molding has been and what it represents as you set out to find the best style for your home.


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