Table of Contents
What Is Crown Molding?
Crown molding is a decorative trim used to decorate rooms and halls. Crown molding installed where the walls and ceiling meet inside a room. It is also called as cornice molding.
It adds a touch of elegance and gives a finished look to the interior space of a building. Crown molding is a wide strip that sticks out from the wall, creating a smooth transition from the wall to the ceiling.
You can find crown molding in different styles, sizes, and materials to match your preferences.
Various building materials are used to construct crown molding. It can be made of wood, plaster, MDF, polyurethane, or other synthetic materials. The molding is often designed with decorative patterns, curves, or beveled edges to make it look beautiful.
Installing crown molding requires careful measuring, cutting, and fitting. It is attached to the wall using nails or adhesive. At the corners, the sections are joined using mitered or coped joints for a seamless appearance. You can paint or stain the crown molding to match the walls and ceiling or leave it unfinished for a natural wood look.
Apart from decoration, crown molding can also serve practical purposes like hiding wiring or separating different wall and ceiling materials.
While it is commonly used in traditional or classic architectural styles, it can also be used in contemporary or modern designs to add a touch of sophistication and charm to the room.
Purpose Of Crown Molding
3 main purposes of crown molding is listed below:
- Crown molding makes a room look very fancy and beautiful. It adds a special design and makes the room feel more special. It’s like putting a nice frame around a picture.
- Sometimes, the walls and ceiling don’t fit together perfectly. There may be small gaps or cracks that don’t look nice. Crown molding covers up those imperfections and makes the room look smooth and neat.
- Crown molding can also help show where one part of the room ends and another part begins. It’s like drawing a line to separate different spaces. For example, it can show where a doorway is or where one room ends and another room starts.
Types Of Crown Molding
1. Conventional Crown Molding:
Conventional crown molding is a simple molding. This type of molding consist of curved profile with a combination of concave and convex shapes. It is one of the most popular type of molding used in architecture.
2. Dentil Crown Molding:
Dentil molding also very popular in building construction. It has a more elaborate design that includes repeating blocks or small tooth-like shapes along the bottom edge. These decorative elements add visual interest and creates a sense of sophistication to the interior space of a building.
3. Egg and Dart Crown Molding:
This type of crown molding features a repeating pattern of oval shapes (eggs) and arrow-like shapes (darts). It adds a classical touch to the room and works well in formal or traditional buildings.
4. Beaded Crown Molding:
Beaded molding has a row of small, rounded beads along its bottom edge. This type of crown molding adds texture and a subtle decorative element to a space. It can be used to create a more rustic or cottage-style look.
5. Cove Crown Molding:
Cove molding has a concave curve that blends smoothly into the ceiling. It creates a soft, flowing transition between the wall and the ceiling. Cove crown molding is often used in contemporary or modern interiors.
6. Rope Crown Molding:
Rope molding features a twisted rope-like design along the bottom edge. It adds a touch of elegance and detail to a room. Rope crown molding is often used in formal settings or to create a luxurious atmosphere.
7. Colonial Crown Molding:
Colonial molding has a simple, clean design with a rectangular profile. It is known by its straight lines and minimal ornamentation. Colonial crown molding works well in traditional or colonial-style homes.
How To Cut Crown Molding
A step by step procedure of crown molding is shown in table:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather tools: Miter saw. |
| 2 | Measure and mark length on the backside of molding. |
| 3 | Set miter saw angle to match spring angle. |
| 4 | Set bevel angle based on wall-ceiling angle. |
| 5 | Position molding upside down against the saw’s fence and base. |
| 6 | Make first cut: 45 degrees for inside, opposite for outside corners. |
| 7 | Make second cut: 45 degrees in opposite/same direction as first cut. |
| 8 | Test fit and make adjustments if needed. |
| 9 | Repeat process for other corners. |
| 10 | Install molding with adhesive or nails, and finish as desired. |
Crown Molding Installation
Time needed: 2 minutes
Here is a step by step procedure of crown molding Installation.
- Get the tools and materials:
You will need crown molding, a measuring tape, a saw for cutting, a hammer and nails, and glue.
- Measure the walls:
Use a measuring tape to find out how long the walls are where you want to put the crown molding.
- Cut the molding:
Cut the crown molding into pieces using a special saw. The ends of the molding need to be cut at a slanted angle of 45 degrees.
- Put the molding on the walls:
Use glue and nails to attach the crown molding to the walls. Start with one piece and make sure it’s straight and level. Then add the other pieces, making sure they fit together at the corners.
- Fill in the gaps:
If there are any spaces between the molding or holes from the nails, you can fill them with a special putty or filler. Let it dry and then smooth it out.
- Final Coating:
You can paint the crown molding with your favorite color or decorate it with stickers or designs to make it look even more special.
Crown Molding Design Ideas
Read also: Types Of Ceilings In Building Construction
Faqs
Yes, crown molding can be put in rooms with bumpy ceilings. Sometimes, extra tricks or materials are needed to make it fit nicely. It’s a good idea to ask a professional for help if the ceiling is uneven.
Crown molding can be used on curved walls or ceilings, but it can be harder. There are special types of crown molding that can bend or adjust to fit the curves. It’s best to talk to a carpenter or contractor who knows how to work with curved surfaces.
Yes, crown molding can be painted or stained to match your room’s style. If it’s made of wood, you can stain it in different colors to make it look nice. If it’s made of other materials, you can use paint to make it the color you want. Just make sure to use the right kind of paint or stain for the material.
Figuring out the angles to cut crown molding can be hard. Usually, a special saw and a cutting guide are used to make the cuts. You can find online help, videos, or apps that can tell you the correct angles based on the shape of the molding and where you want to put it. It’s always a good idea to practice on scrap wood before cutting the real molding.
Yes, crown molding can be used in rooms with short ceilings. But it’s important to pick a style that matches the size of the room and doesn’t make it feel too crowded. Choosing a narrower or simpler crown molding can make the room look nice without making it feel too small.