Many of us spend our days surrounded by molding, the trim often used around windows, doors, and ceilings in interiors.
“I love moldings,” he says, “and I love what they can do for a room.” He insists he’s no moldings expert, but he has plenty of insider information that the layperson should know.
Designer Clarisse Demory’s Paris flat came with enviously ornate crown molding.
“Molding” is a general term used for any type of trim inside a home, but ceiling molding generally falls under the term “crown molding.” (“Millwork,” on the other hand, refers to anything that’s been milled from wood—it can mean molding, baseboards, built-ins, cabinetry, and more.)
What’s the difference between “molding” and “crown molding”?
Actually, crown molding was originally installed for practical reasons; only later did it become desired as a decorative element in a room—while still retaining its useful function.
Does crown molding serve a function, or is it purely decorative?
6a Architects stripped back an art space in London with respect to its original charm, lovely crown molding included.
The original purpose still holds true: They clean up the space where walls and ceiling meet.
What are the other benefits of crown molding?
“It’s a lovely bit of detail that can bring out the faded grandeur in an old house while also hiding all sorts of sins—even distracting the eye from cobwebs or peeling paint.”
Several different materials are used today.
What is crown molding usually made of?
“Once you have the plaster mold, you can keep repeating the pattern; it’s much harder to do the same with wood,” says Dixon.
New stepped crown molding is in keeping with a New York City prewar building’s historic bones. See The Architect Is In: Reviving a Family Flat on Riverside Drive.
With so many choices available, Dixon says that prices are hard to estimate.
How much does crown molding cost?
The simplest and least obtrusive of ceiling moldings; see Kitchen of the Week: An Ikea Kitchen with an Elegant Upper Cabinet Solution.
What styles of crown molding are available?
“There are entire catalogs devoted to the different looks for various architectural styles, some much fancier than others,” says Dixon. You’ll find Greek Revival, Classic Colonial, Arts & Crafts, and many more; perhaps you’d prefer the look of a historic French chateau or Victorian mansion.
So many, Dixon can’t keep track of them.
What are the current trends in crown molding?
“It’s wonderful that there are still craftspeople who can do these beautiful plaster installations.”
Thin crown molding doesn’t overwhelm the room (and doubles as a ledge from which to hang art).
We asked Dixon how to know what size and type of crown molding to use where, but “there are whole bibles to determine the exact proportions that fit the size of the room, ceiling height, and more,” he says. But there are still opportunities to be creative.
How do I choose what type of crown molding to use?
Crown molding painted gray draws attention to itself.
How do I choose a paint color for crown molding?
Paint color can really make a difference in how the high the ceiling feels. The molding could also match the ceiling—or even be painted a shade that’s different from either the walls or ceiling.
I’ve moved into a place with crown molding. Can I get rid of it?
Fans of modern architecture often want to dispense with molding altogether.
A bedroom in Justine’s summer cottage on Cape Cod, sans crown molding.
That depends on when the molding was installed.
I want to remove my crown molding anyway. What should I know?