Not all cakes need icing, but they’re arguably better with the sweet concoction. The same goes for a room decked in trim. Read on to steal these ceiling trim and molding ideas to add more style to your rooms.
Special thanks to the KB Classical Moulding catalogue, available at kuikenbrothers.com, for guidance on molding styles and history.
The Purpose of Crown Molding
It isn’t essential, but adding crown molding goes a long way in achieving old-house charm.
Crown Molding Designs
Here, we see what different styles of the trim—Federal, Greek Revival, Early American, Georgian, Colonial Revival, Traditional Revival and Craftsman—can do for your rooms.
Volume for a Low Ceiling
Simple, elegant beading makes this Federal style crown molding help a low-ceilinged room full of feminine neutral accents read as voluminous.
The English-inspired style was popular after the American Revolution and into the early 19th century and characterized by its simple beads (small indented lines) and cavetto (concave) shapes.
Bumped-Up Look
In addition to a four-foot bump out, visual cues like small-scale Early American molding help this reworked kitchen appear larger.
The cyma recta curve (concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge) where the crown meets the ceiling and simple beading makes this molding just enough of an accent for this bold-colored kitchen.
Upgraded Trim for Crisp Lines
Like the rest of the house, this living room was in great shape but needed help. The homeowner hid the original built-ins’ valances with new trim and installed Colonial Revival crown for a crisp, clean look reflected in the dentil mold of the room’s mantel.
Typically reserved for nicer rooms of the home, this style harnesses a mix of bold (Greek Revival) and light (Federal) profiles for the best of both worlds. Crown profiles may include the S shape of an ogee and the double curved cyma.
Uncrowded Crown Style
Older homes have smaller canvases for flourishes like generous crown molding, creating a crowding problem. So this sharp homeowner tacked on Classical Revival top trim on her kitchen cabinets only, providing more room for natural light around the sink.
This style, noted for its dignity and monumentality, makes for a significant style contribution. The bold scale is softened in the small space by the cyma recta (concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge) top and flat-front boards that tie the crown in with kitchen cabinets below.
Original Built-In
A revived original three-corner cupboard becomes the room’s focal point with the help of low-profile crown molding and other trim details.
Barely-There Crown
Minimal trim keeps this breakfast area looking cheery and finished without overwhelming it.
S-Shaped Crown for a Finished Look
A simple ogee (S-shape) crown molding—albeit a small dose—does wonders for putting the finishing touches on a bright redo.
Crown Hugging Odd Corners
Simple Federal crown molding makes this oddly shaped room feel cohesive.
Cohesive Kitchen Cabinets
Glossy white cabinets and stainless steel appliances keep the kitchen area un-fussy in the open plan kitchen/dining/family room setup. Simple Early American-style crown molding—plus a little flourish atypical to the style at the bottom to join the cabinet tops—helps the eye roam to other parts of the open area plan.
Recreate the minimalist look by adding an intricate back bend at the bottom of the crown molding’s flat casing to blend with the top of kitchen cabinetry.
Less Crown, More Impact
In some cases, using bold trim sparingly makes for a bigger statement. Here, Federal crown molding adorns a square column and cabinetry to highlight those structural elements.
Greek Revival
Bright white Greek Revival crown molding gives the eye a place to rest in this blue room absent of wall adornment, save for an awning-style window.
This simple profile is meant to look like the column and entablature decorations found in ancient Greek temples. Supersized ogee (S-shape) and ovolo (convex) curves appear often in this style.
Contrasting Casings
An arch in this master bedroom—modeled after an original built-in bookcase—is grounded by sleek Greek Revival crown molding.
Federal Old-Fashioned Feel
Federal crown molding adds to other old-fashioned details that distract from the bath’s modern amenities, like an air-jet tub.
Nautical Color Combo
A houseboat gets the ultimate nautical treatment with gleaming stained trim against clean white walls.
Minimalist Matching Trim
Minimal Traditional Revival molding was the basis for this dining room’s new sustainable fir window casings. Corner molding provides a little more ornamentation for the eyes.
This style is an evolution of the classical profiles from earlier in the 19th century, minimizing and simplifying them while enlarging the individual parts. Think Greek Revival with more details.
Brightened-Up Compact Kitchen
A skylight and coffered ceiling decked in Federal trim lightens and brightens a tiny kitchen full of reclaimed finds.
Heavy on The Wood Trim
Greek Revival crown molding matches quartersawn white oak cabinets to balance out saturated yellow walls and ceiling, creating warmth in a cabin-reminiscent space.
Pared-Down Crown
Barely-there beading of Early American trim highlights a handsome Craftsman built-in banquette and dining table.
Standout Crown and Feet
Large-scale Early American moldings were made to match substantial kitchen cabinetry feet mimicked from a vintage dresser.
Highlighted Beadboard
The Traditional Revival crown molding in this former sunken living room isn’t the only element that’s seen beading. The weighty topper highlights a beadboard ceiling chosen for its vintage cues.
Crown Curtain Rods
Expand your crown molding horizons by using it to top off other room elements. Georgian trim with dentil details along the French doors and window tops significantly up the space’s design, all while echoing the complementing trim just inches above.
This gracious 17th-century style is design-heavy down to the small square blocks of the dentil trim and other details.
Blended In Built-Ins
Subtle Early American trim tops off the casing of a built-in, making the addition looks like it’s always been there—even though crown molding is absent in the rest of the area.
Early American Trim Gives New Ceiling Height
Lose a drop ceiling and there’s no sense in skimping on the crown molding! Small-scale Early American trim draws the eye upward and makes up for all that new ceiling room.
Coffered Ceiling: Crown For Preservation’s Sake
Gorgeous coffering serves as more than adornment. Designers added the feature to help preserve the pristine plaster ceiling from future water damage and cracks. Plus, the additional surface next to the beams allows for an ornate profile.
Greek Revival Kitchen Trim
Bold Greek Revival trim tops off creamy yellow cabinets in this cheerful kitchen. Kitchen cabinet-topping crown molding lends cohesion to a room full of disparate features like the ceramic-tile backsplash and heart pine floors.
Flat-front Molding with a Shapely Mantel
Flat-front molding with few flourishes—typical of simple Craftsman trim—lets the handsome mahogany mantel and its geometric features command attention.
This relatively understated style is tied to the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized skill and craftsmanship, rather than the ornate details of previous styles.
Elegant Corner Block
Curvaceous corner blocks in the front parlor create additional visual interest to the Colonial Revival crown and green built-in bookshelves.
Federal-Style, Simple and Masculine
Homeowners added low-key Federal-style crown in a formerly dilapidated bungalow’s living room for a masculine finish with few flourishes.
Layers of Molding
Substantial crown molding defines the ceiling and wall, and adds some much-needed ornamentation.
Custom Designs
Stepped-up Traditional Revival crown molding complements the faux-old floral tile on the fireplace’s cast-iron propane insert. Molding built with flat fronts leaves room for custom-look flourishes, like the one pictured.
Framed Up Pocket Doors
Lots of beading at play in the Federal crown molding frames up this dining room’s entertaining features, the built-in China cabinets and arched pocket doors.
Georgian Style
Georgian-style dentil molding—plus extra details—gives this fireplace the ultimate historical treatment. Coordinating crown and window cases dripping in detail and generous beading keep the eye roaming.
Make like a circa 1770’s wealthy landowner and replicate the elegance of the Georgian style with buildable blocks, bed molds, dentil and hefty crown molding.
Chic Corner Blocks
Corner blocks of Colonial Revival crown molding draw the eye upward to the vaulted, beadboard ceiling.
Rosettes
The lighter side of Colonial Revival crown molding and period-appropriate wall color let rosettes on window casings and a classical mantel take center stage in this former frat house’s master bedroom.
Crib with a Coffered View
Inspired by intricate Victorian plaster designs, a homeowner transformed a blank room into a nursery with a whimsical coffered ceiling. Federal molding with stepped details and corners provide lots for developing eyes to gaze upon.
The homeowner used a computerized router to cut patterns from MDF to use as bending forms. Then, he formed the coffering with a vacuum press, and seven pieces of poplar trim laminated, spending a total of 130 hours on the project.
Steel Beam-Disguising Crown
Two essential steel beams—along with a grid of false beams—create a coffered ceiling. Pared-down Greek Revival crown molding complements, rather than competes, with the room’s built-ins.
Obscure Garage Tell-Tale Signs
Federal crown molding masks any remnants of this media room’s former identity—a freestanding garage. Built-in storage and plenty of beadboard throughout make the room feel like it’s been there for years.
Refined Curve With Victorian Ambience
Wide openings with casings were created in an Italianate San Francisco townhouse formerly split up into apartments for a brothel. Federal-style moldings bring a refined and cohesive look to the former place of ill repute.
Fine beading and intricately shaped openings will do the trick for a formal, Victorian feel, even in places of already good repute.
Early American Molding Offers Widened View
Here, crown molding painted to match the ceiling makes the narrow room of the TOH TV Brooklyn brownstone open up visually.
Want to recreate the look? Opt for large-scale, simple Early American molding to get the optimal widening effect.
FAQs
What is a good size crown molding? ›
Even in casual spaces, the crown should be a minimum of 4″ while formal spaces will need a crown of at least 9″. In some cases, you will want a full entablature (cornice + picture mold) that is up to 24″ in height.
Is crown molding in style 2022? ›Tray ceilings, crown molding, painted ceilings, and more have been popping up in home design. In 2022, ceilings continue to take center stage and you can expect to see more options show up for decorating and designing the “fifth wall”.
Does crown molding make a small room look smaller? ›Crown molding adds an elegant touch to a room. However, depending on how you paint them, they can actually make a room appear smaller. Painting the molding a contrasting color, such as white molding on a dark-colored wall, will make the room feel smaller.
Is crown molding still trendy? ›Most people don't feel crown molding is outdated. Crown molding will never go out of style. Keep the above tips in mind when considering purchasing crown molding for your home.
What is the best size crown molding for 8 foot ceiling? ›For an 8 foot ceiling height the recommended crown size is 2-1/2″ to 6″ tall with no picture mold. The square footage and level of formality of the room can help determine what crown size in that range is appropriate.
What are common crown molding sizes? ›For standard 8-foot-high ceilings, the crown/cornice height should be 2½ to 6 inches; for 9-foot ceilings, 3 to 7½ inches, and for 10-foot ceilings, 3½ to 8 inches.
What rooms should not have crown molding? ›There are a couple of situations when you don't want to use crown molding. If you have cathedral or vaulted ceilings, a typical crown molding will probably not fit or look good. Also, crown moldings need a distinct starting and stopping point, ideally going around a room in both directions and meeting again.
Should crown molding match ceiling or walls? ›If your crown moulding is going into a room with high ceilings, you may want it to be the same color as the ceiling to make the room appear smaller. The opposite is valid for a room with low ceilings, as a trim in a contrasting color will make the room appear more spacious.
What is the new decorating style for 2022? ›In keeping with the trend of bringing the outdoors inside, in 2022, we'll see a focus on natural materials like burl, rattan, cane, leather, jute, wicker, ceramics, and woven lighting, furniture, and decor.
What crown molding makes the ceiling look higher? ›For low ceilings (≤ 9-feet), use 2- to 5-inch width crown moldings placed on the edge of the ceiling. This will draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height.
What is the most popular crown molding? ›
Wood is one of the most popular choices for crown molding. Available in a variety of colors and options, wood can be easily stained and painted.
What are the design trends for 2023? ›Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, luxe living, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.
Does crown molding add value to a home? ›Crown Molding can lead to increased home value and a positive ROI depending on how much you have invested in the project. Many homeowners want easy projects that will increase their resale price, and you can do that by adding crown molding.
Should crown molding match in all rooms? ›Not necessarily, but you want to keep it in roughly the same visual family. Moulding is about creating a consistent appearance from floor to ceiling, room to room, so you may not want to mix and match a classic Victorian or Colonial profile for your baseboard with a sharply angled Craftsman crown moulding.
Can I put 42 inch cabinets 8-foot ceiling? ›Most kitchen ceilings are 8 to 9 feet high. You can likely use 42-inch tall wall cabinets, with 12-inch additions on top if needed, to achieve the height you want. You can fill any gaps with crown moulding.
Can you 45 crown molding? ›A power miter saw is the best way to cut crown moulding once you measure the angles. The saw can be adjusted to cut at any angle – set it to 45 degrees for one side of a standard 90-degree corner. The saw can be set to 45 degrees to the left or 45 degrees to the right.
Should crown molding be the same size as baseboards? ›No Way! Ultimately, you can purchase crown moulding and baseboards for your project in whatever configuration you want. However, if you'd like a little help choosing crown moulding and baseboards, to be confident that it will look great – Give Option {M} a try for curated trim styles and designs without the fuss.
What rooms should have crown molding? ›Most experts recommend putting crown moulding in the centralized rooms of the house (like the kitchen, living room, family room, and dining room), however, the bedroom is also a great place to utilize it. It's a great way to increase the sophistication of your bedroom's design without adding clutter.
What widths do crown molding come in? ›Ceiling crown moldings typically measure between 3 and 20 inches wide. Use your room height measurement to help determine the width of the crown molding. Install a crown molding between 3 and 5 3/4 inches wide in a room with ceilings measuring 8 feet.
Should crown molding be painted flat or semi gloss? ›Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are best for trim and molding. Semi-gloss has a higher gloss level than a satin finish, but isn't as shiny as high-gloss. High-gloss is good for trim areas that are washed often.
Should crown molding be the same white as the ceiling? ›
Though it certainly can be, crown moulding does not have to be painted the same color as the ceilings and walls. Using a different colored moulding can really round out a room and add a bit of character.
Is it OK to put crown molding in a bathroom? ›It's a misconception that crown moulding is just for luxurious mansions, regal rooms, and high cathedral ceilings. Crown moulding can be used to elevate any room's interior design, and that privilege extends to bathrooms, as well.
Should crown molding always be painted white? ›Myth #6: Crown moldings should always be white.
This is a frequent design faux pas; in fact, crown moldings should be the same color as the moldings that are already in your house. They can also be painted or stained to match existing color schemes, making them perfectly suitable for any room decor.
If you're using spray paint, you'll need to do it before you install the molding. Painting before installation allows you to paint outside and not worry about ventilation as much. It also allows you to access all sides of the molding that will be visible after installing, and prevents splattering your walls with paint.
What color paint is best for crown molding? ›Pairing gray and white takes any room from bland to classic in a heartbeat. In a kitchen, the combination of these colors, especially gray on a crown molding softens the room and makes it look clean and open. To soften a room and give it a feminine touch, pair grey crown molding with pink paint.
What is the new color for 2022? ›For the first time in Pantone's history, the global color authority dreamt up a brand-new shade for its 2022 color of the year selection. Dubbed Very Peri (Pantone 17-3938), the dynamic periwinkle blue boasts a warm violet-red undertone and signals novelty in these, yes still, unprecedented times.
Is Grey out of style 2022? ›Navy and gray are on the way out
The report also highlighted a declining interest in navy (down 43%), mustard yellow (down 27%), and light gray (down 25%). Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022.
Large-scale accessories like lamps, mirrors, and pieces of furniture are great, but small accessories can also do the trick. Antique boxes, sculptural wall sconces, or even antique picture frames can give your room a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it look like you spent more than you really did.
What is Granny Chic? ›What is Granny Chic? Granny Chic weaves together traditional elements and modern designs to create an eclectic look that still feels homey and approachable. It is the modern revival of the traditionalist design in a way that has elegance but with a bolder, quirkier twist.
What makes a small room look larger? ›Use contrasts and light colors
In the design world, it's well known that light paint colors make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and bright walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and airy, which helps maximize natural light's effect. Dark shades tend to absorb light, making rooms feel smaller.
What colors make a ceiling look higher? ›
Choose a lighter ceiling color.
Paint your ceiling a color lighter than the walls, preferably white. Some believe high-gloss paint is best because it reflects light and makes the ceiling look somehow less fixed and static, while others say a matte finish will help the ceiling to blend in more.
Crown molding not only adds visual appeal to any room, but actually gives the impression of raising the ceiling to make the room appear larger. Crown molding should be painted lighter than your walls to create a slight contrast and draw attention to the space's architectural beauty.
How do you visually make your ceiling look higher? ›- Opt for Furniture that is Low and Horizontal. ...
- Keep Window Coverings Simple. ...
- Use Uplighting. ...
- Patterns and Stripes. ...
- Draw the Eye Up. ...
- Use Vertical Displays. ...
- Consider High Gloss Ceilings. ...
- Introduce a diagonal.
If the measurement on the ceiling is the longest, then the crown molding has a 52-degree spring angle. If the measurement on the wall is the longest, then the crown molding has a 38-degree spring angle. If the measurements are the same, then the crown molding has a 45-degree spring angle.
What size base molding for 8-foot ceilings? ›A general rule of thumb for your baseboards is the 7 percent rule — they should equal 7 percent of the overall height of your room. So, if you have 8-foot ceilings, your baseboards will look best at around 7 inches high.