Crown moulding is a beautiful and timeless way to add elegance and sophistication to any room in your home. It can help to define the space, draw the eye upward, and create a cohesive look throughout your home. However, with so many styles, sizes, and materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right crown moulding for your space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right crown moulding for your home.
Determine the Style of Your Home
The style of your home is a key factor to consider when selecting crown moulding. Crown moulding should complement the style of your home and create a cohesive look. Here are some examples of different home styles and the crown moulding styles that would work best:
Colonial: For a Colonial-style home, consider a classical and elegant crown moulding that features historical details such as acanthus leaves, dentil blocks, or egg and dart patterns.
Victorian: Victorian homes are known for their ornate details and intricate designs. When selecting crown moulding for a Victorian-style home, look for moulding that features elaborate details and patterns. Polyurethane moulding is a good choice for this style of home as it can achieve highly intricate designs at a fraction of the cost of wood or plaster.
Craftsman: Craftsman-style homes are known for their simple, yet elegant design.
Modern: For a modern home, consider crown moulding that has sharp lines and a bold contemporary aesthetic.
Consider the Ceiling Height
Ceiling height is an important factor to consider when selecting crown moulding. The height of your ceiling will impact the size and style of crown moulding that will work best. The face dimension of the crown moulding is the most relevant dimension when selecting the right size as it is a measurement of the crown moulding once it is installed. Here are some general rules of thumb for selecting the right size crown moulding based on ceiling height:
For ceilings that are 8 feet high, select a crown moulding that has a face that is between 2-4 inches.
For ceilings that are 9 feet high, select a crown moulding that has a face that is between 3-5 inches.
For ceilings that are 10 feet high, select a crown moulding that has a face that is between 4-6 inches.
For ceilings that are 12 feet high or higher, select a crown moulding that has a face that is between 5-9 inches or larger.
Determine the Size of the Room
The size of the room is another important factor to consider when selecting crown moulding. A larger room can handle a larger and more ornate moulding, while a smaller room may require a simpler and more streamlined moulding to avoid looking cluttered. Here are some general rules of thumb for selecting the right size crown moulding based on room size:
For small rooms, consider crown moulding that has a face that is between 2-4 inches.
For medium-sized rooms, consider crown moulding that has a face that is between 3-5 inches.
For large rooms, consider crown moulding that has a face that is between 4-6 inches
For open-concept spaces, consider using the same size crown moulding throughout the space to create a cohesive look.
Select the Material
There are several materials to choose from when it comes to crown moulding, including wood, plaster, and polyurethane. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right material for your crown moulding:
Wood: Wood is a classic choice and offers a natural look, but can be more expensive and requires regular maintenance. Wood moulding can be stained or painted to match your decor.
Plaster: Plaster is a more durable option, but is also much more expensive and requires professional installation due to it’s heavy weight. Plaster moulding is often used in historic or period homes.
Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a lightweight and affordable option that is easy to install, and offers a similar level of detail and depth as wood or plaster. Polyurethane moulding is available in a variety of styles and is primed so it can be painted to match your decor.
Choose the Style
Once you’ve determined the style, ceiling height, room size, and material, it’s time to choose the style of crown moulding. There are many styles to choose from, but these are the most common:
Ornate: Traditional crown moulding features intricate details and ornate designs, making it a popular choice for historic or period homes.
Geometric: Contemporary crown moulding has clean lines and minimal ornamentation, making it a popular choice for modern homes.
Smooth: Craftsman crown moulding features a simple, yet elegant design that is often seen in bungalows and other Craftsman-style homes.
Outside of these styles, there are many more, so don’t be shy and explore them all!
All of these tips should help you narrow down your search to just a handful of options or less. But what if there are still several options that you cannot decide between? In that case, you can order a 12″ long moulding sample from any product page for just $5. This sample will allow you to dry fit the crown moulding in your room and should give you a better idea of how it will feel in the space.
Installation Tips
Once you’ve selected your crown moulding, it’s important to install it properly. Here are a few installation tips to keep in mind:
Paint your mouldings before installing them, then simply touch them up once they are installed.
Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists and mark them before installing the moulding.
Cut the moulding at a 45-degree angle for each corner, and use wood glue and nails to secure it to the ceiling and wall. The easiest way to do this would be to use a chop saw that can adjust to different angles; however, if you don’t have access to this tool, most crown moulding can be mitered using a $10 miter box that you could find at your local hardware store.
Fill any gaps or nail holes with wood filler and sand the surface smooth before painting or staining.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crown moulding can be a daunting task, but by considering the style of your home, ceiling height, room size, material, and style, you can select the perfect moulding for your space. With the right crown moulding, you can add elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.