On the surface, crown molding ideas (as most understand them) are usually very different today than they once were in our past. And that’s because once upon a time, the idea of crown molding was used less as a decorative accent and more as a functional necessity to hide cracks where the wall + ceiling meet. 

Truth be told, what we often think of as being merely decorative,  crown molding actually still serves this function today. So while we’ve put together this guide to explore different crown molding ideas, we’re also diving into all the ways in which crown molding can be used throughout your home. 

But first let’s tackle some basics, shall we?

What is crown molding used for?

We already know that crown molding was created to serve as a functional tool that helps hide some of the imperfections that naturally happened due to settling. But fast forward a bit + today

it’s used today in the typical way in which you expect crown molding to be used –– for adjoining the wall + ceiling. To introduce an elevated feeling of elegance + sophistication to the room.

Where To Put Crown Molding?

But crown molding can also be used in several other ways. From cabinetry + bookshelves to fireplace mantels + doorways there are numerous crown molding ideas to be considered when remodeling or building a custom home.

Ceilings + Coffered Ceilings

When it comes to bridging the gap where your walls meet the ceiling there are infinite styles + crown molding ideas to choose from but if you really want to add some sizzle that makes any room come to life –– coffered ceilings is where it’s at! Not only are they guys beyond gorgeous to look at, but it sets the tone for the whole house by adding a layer of allure that makes the space appear larger. Talk about making a statement!

Cabinetry + Bookshelves. 

Whether integrated into your kitchen cabinetry design or to create those swoon-worthy bookshelves and built-ins by playing up the decorative detail, crown moulding definitely knows how to dress things up. By elongating cabinetry + adding height it gives off the illusion of grandeur. Not to mention in these instances, a little crown molding goes a long way in the elegance of your home.

Fireplace Mantels

If when looking at your fireplace, you have a really simple mantle that feels lackluster + underwhelming on its own, one of the things you can do (besides slapping a fresh coat of paint on the darn thing) is adding some crown molding to it. 

By simply building up the architectural detail around your fireplace you create both a striking focal point that grabs attention in a room (+ makes you smile) not to mention it also makes a huge statement about the level of craftsmanship or attention to detail that can be expected throughout the rest of your home.

Archways + Doorway Openings

Another crown molding idea that’s certain to create a beautiful stop + stare focal point is simply adding a layer of intentional detail to enhance those otherwise boring archways + doorway openings.  Sadly most people don’t give it much thought but here’s the silver lining. It is for this very reason (because the transition spaces within our humble abodes often get overlooked) it gives us the perfect opportunity to create striking first impression 

By paying attention to the detail of interior archways or above the header of your doorways 

Hidden within these transition spaces lies an incredible opportunity to showcase adjacent rooms as works of art while also creating an elevated sense of continuity between rooms.

Above Windows

We’re all accustomed to the simple trim work that often frames out the windows from the inside of our home but what happens when we incorporating crown molding above the window? Kid you not, it’s one of the easiest ways to make those beautiful windows of your seem larger while anchoring any inset window treatments.

The Benefits Of Crown Molding

The design decision to add crown molding to your home has incredible benefits that, like its history, make it both beautiful + also functional. Which is what I like to call a #WinWin situation my dear :)

So, what are these?

Increased Property Value

Depending upon the style of your home the crown molding ideas you have may vary from moldings with clean + modern lines to those with more ornate styes. One of the things we’ve done which increases your property value but also keeps your investment down is used faux crown molding materials that look expensive but are not the significant cost of true wood molding. The cost savings isn’t about doing things at a lower cost for the sake of being cheap, it’s about being conscientious of sustainable practices + materials while also reaping the rewards down the road for the changes you’ve made in investing at home.

Fixing Imperfections

I know we’ve talked a lot about crown molding + how it helps cover up the irregularities from where the wall meets the ceiling but unfortunately even with custom built-ins or kitchen cabinets without crown molding there may still be a gap between the cabinet + the ceiling on one end but not on the other. So the benefit of crown molding even with high quality built-in cabinetry is hiding this gap with a gorgeous crown detail. 

But it doesn’t stop with cabinets or built-ins because imperfections happen when two colors meet or a wall covering + a ceiling meet. And of course you want a perfect + seamless transition between the color or texture on your wall + your ceiling :)

Making Rooms With Tall Ceilings Feel Comfortable

At Elegant Simplicity, we l-o-v-e tall ceilings but in a home with large great rooms + nothing on the ceiling things begin to feel very “squatty.” The tall ceilings create this open + expansive vibe to your home + one of the amazing crown molding ideas that we love to tap into on projects is pulling all that beauty up onto the ceiling. This way, everything from the flooring, furniture, decor + artwork all the way up to a stunning crown molding feels intentional + well thought out.

Creates An Elegant Simplicity To Your Home

We won’t elaborate on this one too much, but crown molding can absolutely add a layer of elegance to your home. You want to keep in mind a few really basic things to consider when selecting + from the various crown molding ideas out there.

What to consider when it comes to crown molding ideas + designing your home?

Style

One thing we often hear is, I don’t like my home’s existing style can we introduce what I like without alienating what we already have? The answer is, yes! 

Choosing the right style for your home doesn’t have to be tricky. Take a look around at the existing profiles of any crown molding you already have, your kitchen cabinets, fireplace mantel + doorways. Even if you don’t land on the exact same crown molding unless you’re planning on changing any or all of these, you’ll want it to tie in + feel natural to your home.

What you want to do in this case is really lean into the style of crown molding you’re choosing (like above) allow for it to 

Scale

When it comes to scale — bigger is better *wink* No, seriously — an extremely small trim will underwhelm while an oversized trim won’t feel awkward unless your ceilings are too small. In general, anything with 9’ ceilings can handle a fairly large crown molding. Under 9’ ceilings + be very mindful. 

So, how do you know what is too big or too small? Test it. Hold the piece of crown (or the pieces) up to your ceiling. Walk out of your room + back into your room. Did it feel awkward to you? If it did, was it overbearing + demanding too much attention, or was it underwhelming?

Painting or Staining

While we’ve talked about whether real wood or a composite material makes sense for your application you’ll also want to consider whether or not you’ll be painting or staining the crown molding. 

Painting will absolutely make a difference in how high the ceilings feel in your home. In fact, there are actually colors that are good for creating positive energy + the illusion of space. Most commonly, we paint crown molding + oftentimes you guessed it — it’s white. However, in some instances, an accent built-in may have a unique color + therefore the crown molding is painted to match. And lastly, in other instances, the crown may be stained or painted to match the color of your ceiling so the ceiling appears to hug (or gracefully cap) the top of your room.

We’ve even gone so far as staining existing wood trim — this is always a stunning option :)

Crown molding ideas are a dime a dozen + that’s because they really do tighten up the look of your home. Making it feel like a sense of appreciation went into creating the space. And to be fair, while there’s no shortage when it comes to crown molding ideas + how you can incorporate it through your home — when done right it’s understated elegance.

Hopefully, we’ve gotten your creative juices flowing + you’re able to see the different ways crown molding can be used to level up the look + style of your home!

Or if you’re in the planning stages of your next project, let’s chat.  

P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.