Crown Molding Types & Ideas
Crown molding is one of the simplest ways to elevate the look of any room, adding a touch of elegance and architectural detail that frames your space beautifully. When you’re planning a full residential painting project, choosing the right crown molding can make a dramatic difference. From classic designs that complement traditional interiors to sleek, modern profiles that suit contemporary homes, crown molding offers endless possibilities for customization. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular types of crown molding and share creative ideas to help you choose the perfect style for your home.
Traditional Crown Molding
Traditional crown molding is generally more ornate, and the kind of thing you might find in a well-cared-for 19th century home. The level of detail varies, and you can get some very simple designs, but the key is that the molding generally flares in a straight or slightly convex shape up towards the ceiling. Some of these designs can be very ornate and draw the eye.
Use traditional crown molding in large rooms, where large, ornate molding can make the space look even bigger. Combine it with other ceiling details, and choose white or neutral colors. These ornate designs are more about texture than color. However, black traditional crown molding can really pop. It also looks great with a chandelier or other signature light fixture.
Cove Molding
Cove molding is simple and concave. It's not as ornate as traditional molding and is generally more subtle and streamlined. You can find some ornate designs in this style, but typically not as ornate as traditional. Sometimes you'll see traditional cove molding, which falls somewhere between the two. The key thing is that cover molding is always heavily concave.
Cove molding is often considered more functional than decorative, commonly used to conceal seams such as the gap between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. This makes it a great choice if you prefer a subtle look where the molding isn’t the focal point. However, cove molding can also serve as an elegant accent, especially in rooms with high ceilings or multi-level spaces. It pairs beautifully with painted cabinets, creating a seamless transition that enhances the overall design. Additionally, it looks stunning around archways, allowing the curve of the arch to flow gracefully into the surrounding walls.
Egg & Dart Molding
Egg & dart molding is a particularly ornate style that echoes classical European architecture. It alternates an egg shaped object with an arrow, dart, or anchor, hence the name. It is traditionally wood and often unstained. Larger styles may have other layered elements. It adds a regal feel to a room and symbolizes life (the egg) and death (the dart), although most people don't know that. Late nineteenth and early twentieth century homes may have egg and dart molding.
Use egg and dart molding if you're restoring an older home. It looks great in paneled rooms, especially studies and libraries, stained to match the panels. It also works well with ornate ceilings. Some modern egg and dart molding is plaster - if so, use light, neutral colors unless the overall feel of the room is darker. It also tends to make your house look older...which is not always a bad thing.
Craftsman Crown Molding
The Craftsman era saw much simpler flat crown molding. It is straightforward, straight or slightly convex, but typically lacks the flourishes of traditional crown molding. It is often matched with plain, unadorned baseboards. Like cove molding, it can be used when you don't want the molding to be too obvious or the intent is to hide seams or cables.
Craftsman crown molding works well with simple contemporary styles. Consider an accent color or black, or subtle tone changes to allow the room to flow from the room to the ceiling. It works well in smaller rooms because it doesn't take up that much space. Another great trick is an off white wall and white molding, which tends to be calming.
Crown Molding Materials
Crown molding can be made of a variety of materials. While wood is traditional, you can also get fiberboard, PVC, and foam crown molding, depending on your aesthetic and needs.
Wood Crown Molding
Wood crown molding is typically the most expensive, but also the most traditional. If you are restoring an older house, definitely use wood. Also use wood in paneled rooms or anywhere you want a rustic, natural look.
Wooden crown molding can be painted or stained to keep the wooden look. However, it may not be the best choice for high moisture rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
PVC Crown Molding
PVC crown molding, basically plastic, allows for more precise carvings and shapes than wood. It is also waterproof, meaning it is a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens, and a lot of exterior crown molding, such as at the top of a porch, is PVC.
PVC crown molding can be made to look like wood, but can also be painted any color you can imagine, providing a lot of flexibility for either subtle tone changes or bright accent colors.
Foam Crown Molding
Foam crown molding is typically lighter, smaller, and can be the easiest to install as it sticks to the wall or ceiling using glue. Use foam if you aren't sure that you want the molding in place for a long time.
It's also waterproof, so good for kitchens and bathrooms, and easy to put in place. Don't worry, it's still durable and will last as long as PVC.
Choose the material that best fits your budget, the location, and your existing aesthetic.
Discuss Crown Molding Options with Ace Hardware Painting Services
If you are repairing, replacing, or adding crown molding to a room, your local Ace Hardware Painting Services can help. Check here to find your nearest location. We can give advice on the right crown molding, and help you choose the best paint or stain to match or complement the rest of your room.
