16 Modern Crown Molding Ideas That Add SO Much Character
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Architectural detail serves as the foundation of a home's personality. Without it, the space can start to feel stark and uninspired. Luckily, elements like wainscoting, stained glass, and intricate millwork are available to infuse character into any house, regardless of its age. Crown molding is another one of those classic details that can breathe life into your space. Placed at the seam where the ceiling and walls meet, these crown molding ideas effectively hide cracks while adding a touch of style.
The use of crown molding dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where it was often featured on columns between the pillar and decorative head. Centuries later, crown moldings were made from solid wood and plaster, cut into intricate designs and patterns, often named for their aesthetic alignments (Classical, Greek Revival, Craftsman, etc.). Today's crown molding ideas can be crafted from solid wood, PVC, MDF, and plaster, offering limitless design possibilities and price points for every project.
In addition to its beauty, crown molding is also a feasible weekend DIY project thanks to its relatively simple installation. If you're looking to add crown molding to your space but aren't sure where to start, we have you covered. Read on for 16 chic crown molding ideas that will elevate your home's architectural details.
More inspiration for your interiors:
Break Up a Busy Pattern
While we love the idea of papering an entire room in a vibrant pattern, sometimes your eyes need a break. Use simple crown molding painted in a coordinating color to break up large swaths of patterns like in this dressing room by Jenna Gross of Colordrunk Designs.
Highlight Historic Detail
In our 2023 Whole Home, a historic build outside of Chicago, designer Caitlin Wilson chose to accentuate the original detail in the living room. The intricate crown molding was expertly restored and painted in a bright white to match the rest of the millwork.
Switch Up Your Paint Finishes
In this dressing area, designed by Isabel Ladd, the walls are a traditional eggshell finish, but the crown molding shines in high gloss. This feature now helps to bounce light off the rest of the moody room.
Use Natural Materials
Interior designer Cortney Bishop wanted this South Carolina home to have a “relaxed formality.” To pay tribute to the home's natural surroundings, she opted to showcase the entryway's crown molding in its original natural wood finish.
Draw the Eye Upward
If you have tall ceilings, flaunt them. Take inspiration from The Brownstone Boys who lovingly restored this Brooklyn brownstone to its full historic glory, including the multilayered crown molding in the kitchen. The sleek fixtures help the molding's detail pop.
Streamline Busy Woodwork
With a wall of towering windows comes a lot of corresponding millwork. Rather than have individual frames, architecture firm Pfeffer Torode and designer Liz Bonesio opted for a sleek piece of crown molding that runs throughout. This helps to seamlessly transition to the ceiling without too much going on.
Double Up for Impact
Sometimes, one piece of crown molding simply isn't enough. Lucinda Chambers agrees, her living room boasts a double layer of crown molding with a vibrant contrasting yellow in between.
Try Multiple Tiers
For a ceiling statement, try layering multiple thicknesses and styles of crown molding, as architecture firm Pfeffer Torode and designer Liz Bonesio did here in this Nashville living room.
Disguise Cabinet Tops
Unless your cabinets are custom-fitted, there's often a small gap between the cabinet's top and the ceiling. Use a piece of crown molding to sneakily hide the negative space, as Next Wave designer Jerel Lake did here.
Related Story: Meet the House Beautiful Next Wave Class of 2024
Create Contrast
Millwork and crown molding don't have to be white. Follow in Kemble Interior's footsteps and opt for a bold hue to contrast with the wallpaper or wall paint.
Darken the Mood
A great way to create a moody interior that still feels airy and bright is to darken the crown molding. In this 100-year-old home, a rich wood stain is used to darken the historical features.
Lighten a Color Gradient
In a monochrome space, like this one by Charlotte Lucas, a soft hue on the crown molding can help ease the gradient up to the ceiling, which typically has the lightest shade.
Slim It Down
Minimalists deserve crown molding too! Take this example from designer Jeremiah Brent—an ultra-thin crown molding panel is used right on the seam where the walls meet the ceiling.
Complete the Grid
Crown molding can help create an intentional endpoint for ceiling beams rather than have them run into the adjacent wall. This bright kitchen by Hilary Walker showcases the use perfectly.
Bridge the Gap
Help ease the transition from artful, paneled ceilings to your walls with sleek crown molding. The team at Lucas Studio chose the same paint color for all woodwork for a cohesive look.
Add a Subtle Frame
Crown molding can be an easy way to add intentional details that really round out a well-designed room. In this nursery by Katie Hodges, the molding may be subtle, but the room wouldn't look finished without it.
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