Crown Moldings Styles

Factors to Consider when Choosing Crown Molding Styles

When making a home out of a house, or an office out of a rented space, every detail matters. Each room speaks to the personality of its user and is the manifestation of your uniqueness. Crown molding is a popular finish that adds a spark to the wall and ceiling. Yet it requires some thought in order to sit just right. When choosing crown molding, consider the overall look and feel you want whenever you walk into the room, the structure and layout of the room, personal preferences, and the budget. Here is a deeper dive into the things to consider when choosing crown molding.

Ceiling Height & Room Proportions

The wrong crown moldings could have a room feeling like the White Rabbit’s House in Alice in Wonderland- too small to fit anything. Conversely, the molding will be invisible where it is too plain or thin for the room’s high proportions.

Generally, simple trim will be ideal in low-ceilinged walls. It provides an elegant finish without overshadowing the style of the decor.

On the flip side, high ceilings go well with elaborate molding. Here, thick, single trim completes the ceiling and walls. Alternatively, stacked crown molding easily draws the eye while complimenting the rest of the room.

When looking at the room, think about how everything will fit into it and what the accent elements are. An overcrowded room laden with furniture, art decor, fabulous paint-work and all the good stuff may feel smaller and will be more harmonious with quiet, non-competing trim. Alternatively, sparsely-filled space provides more leeway to play and can hold more exciting molding.

Architectural Style of the Room

While crown molding dates back to the Greek and Roman architectural eras, the interior finish has evolved over the centuries. Today, numerous styles complement modern architectural choices. Extremely elaborate molding may be out of place in a minimalist space. At the same time, plain molding may be unseen in an intricately designed area. Therefore, aim to pair the home’s style with complimenting trim that will give off the I-have-always-been-here vibe.

For example, dentil designs are more popular in ancient spaces like Victorian houses. Cove molding fits into spaces that are not too modern and that would benefit from a classic touch. Modern styles combine crown molding with other aesthetic functionalities. For example, ceiling trim is used to hold lighting pieces like fairy lights that add a spark to a room.

Personal Style & Design Preferences

Rules aside, the beauty of trim lies in the eyes of the beholder. Two homes could be similar in design and space, yet embody very different qualities. Some people enjoy cool, calm tones and bring this out with their choice of decor and color. These space-owners will likely opt for molding that does not shout or glare.

They are more comfortable with simple but classy trim. Then there are the eccentric types who want every item to be as bold. This type is likely to go for crown molding that stands out on its own yet compliments other outstanding elements.

Finally there are those who like a bit of both worlds- simplicity with a wild twist. These will be seen combining simple crown molding with fancy decor or vice-versa, in a way that shouldn’t work but which surprisingly does.

The only key is to pick out pieces that go well together, whether quiet or loud. Refer to other elements like room proportion and architectural style, to help guide the implementation of your personal style. Sometimes the ideas may look better on paper than in reality, but we can always experiment until we arrive at the place that feels right.

The budget

At the end of the day, the buck stops with, well, the buck. Budget considerations are a must when making any decisions. Luckily, there are multiple crown molding materials available to suit different pockets. Wood crown molding is a favorite for its warm and earthy feel but can be expensive. Alternatives like polyurethane provide the same look and feel but at a more affordable rate. Moreover, the material is durable and resistant to weathering. Crown molding installation goes a lot more smoothly after ironing out the essential considerations. While fitting the trim makes a fun DIY project, seeking a professional’s help is always great when you are stuck.