Whether you’re looking to add something special to a room or upgrading an entire house, crown molding is a simple way of adding elegance. It is especially useful for making small rooms feel larger. With crown molding, the ceiling can look higher and the windows can look taller. Installing it on your own can be difficult, so it’s best to call in a professional handyman for help.
What is Crown Molding?
Crown moldings, or cornices, are decorative elements used where walls meet ceilings. They typically feature a gentle curve with attractive designs to create a smooth transition between vertical walls and horizontal ceilings. Crown moldings are made from various materials, including plaster, wood and composite materials (polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene, vinyl or PVC).
Additionally, crown moldings help hide building imperfections, including drywall joints, poor painting or wall cracks. They also make rooms feel bigger by making ceilings appear higher and windows larger.
That said, dealing with crown moldings isn’t easy, especially if you aren’t experienced. DIY crown molding installations can lead to paint scratches and drywall damage. Hiring a professional handyman for your crown molding project is a better idea. While at it, you can also ask them about interior paint ideas for your home.
Materials Used for Crown Molding
Crown moldings come in various shapes, colors and finishes to fit different budgets and preferences. Materials used for crown moldings include the following.
Wood
Wood is a classic choice for crown molding because it’s durable and can be stained or painted to match your room’s design. You can find wood crown moldings in traditional or luxury homes, as they add a unique look to a room. Popular types of wood for crown molding include ash, walnut, pine and oak. However, wood is more expensive and can suffer water damage that leads to warping and cracking.
Plaster
Plaster crown molding is perfect for older homes or spaces needing a detailed and unique design. It can be custom-made to suit a room’s architecture for an excellent finish. However, plaster crown molding is more expensive due to its specialized nature. Its installation also takes more time than other materials. Additionally, plaster is prone to cracking when exposed to water.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is lightweight, durable and moisture-resistant, perfect for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It also looks like wood and offers a fancy finish but is more budget-friendly. However, polyurethane crown moldings dent easily, offer limited insulation and are hard to paint.
MDF
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is an affordable and versatile option. It is easy to paint and provides a smooth, clean finish that suits modern homes. Though not as durable as wood, MDF is a great option for homeowners on a budget. However, you’ll need to choose other options for something stained or more durable, like plaster or wood.
PVC
PVC is another excellent option for crown molding in humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This material is low-maintenance and highly durable, perfect for cost-conscious homeowners. The best thing about PVC is that it’s lightweight and easy to install. Unlike wood or plaster, it won’t crack or warp over time. Plus, it’s easy to paint. Unfortunately, it lacks the appearance of traditional materials like wood or plaster and doesn’t handle heat as well.
What Is the Difference Between Crown Molding and Trim?
Trims and crown moldings, pictured above, are two types of millwork that enhance the look and appeal of buildings. Crown moldings are fixtures placed where walls and ceilings meet. Trims refer to moldings used around windows, doors and along the floor (baseboards). They provide a clean edge and often hide gaps or imperfections in buildings.
Here are more key differences between the two.
Location
Crown moldings are usually placed at the intersection of walls and ceilings as a decorative element and to hide imperfections. Trims are placed around windows, doors and wall bases. They improve insulation, protect against weather damage and enhance the beauty of the structure.
Function
Crown molding’s primary function is decorative, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of rooms. It draws the eyes upwards, creating an image of high ceilings and larger rooms. Trims, pictured above, offer both decorative and protective benefits to buildings. They protect structures from water and elemental damage, like sand and debris, while improving the design.
Design Complexity
Crown moldings are often complex, with detailed designs. They feature curved profiles with acanthus leaves or dentil detailing. In contrast, trims are more practical and less fancy. They have minimalistic designs, such as flat boards and chamfers, effectively framing building elements like doors and windows.
Dimension
Crown moldings are often wider and cover a larger area to draw people’s attention upward. On the other hand, trims are smaller, narrower and less noticeable. They outline windows, doors or floors for a clean, finished look with subtle detailing.
Does Crown Molding Make a Room Look Larger or Smaller?
In most cases, crown molding can make a room appear larger. Here’s how.
Creates the Illusion of Height
Crown molding draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of taller ceilings. This simple design element can make a room with a low ceiling feel more open by tricking the eye into seeing more vertical space. However, you must choose the correct size and color to achieve that effect. A good idea is to match the color of your molding to the ceiling or paint it a lighter color.
Framing the Room
Crown molding helps define a room, providing balance and structure. Without it, the top of the wall might look unfinished or separate from the ceiling. The right crown molding helps make a room more connected and less confined.
Enhances Style
Crown molding can give a room a refined and elegant look, making it feel more sophisticated. This polished look makes the space more open and inviting.
While crown molding can make a room look larger, it’s important to invest in the right style and size of mold. A more complex mold design will overpower a small room, making it feel cramped. Opt for a subtle design that feels lighter and more airy.
For excellent results, hire a professional handyman with experience in crown molding installation. The handyman can also answer your other renovation concerns, such as what to know about replacing siding on a house.
Benefits of Crown Molding
Besides being decorative, crown moldings offer practical benefits to homeowners, including the following.
Hiding Imperfections
Crown moldings can help hide building imperfections where the walls meet the ceilings. These imperfections include poor painting, wall cracks, drywall joints and gaps, providing a clean finish to your home.
Increase Property Value
By using crown molding, you can make your home look more elegant and luxurious, increasing its value. If you plan to sell, consider investing in crown molding to attract high-value buyers.
Improve Room Aesthetics
Crown molding does a lot to improve the beauty of a living space. By creating a smooth transition between walls and ceilings, the fixture improves the overall look of a room.
Allows Customization
Crown molding comes in different designs, shapes and colors, allowing you to customize it to fit your home design. This is important in adding architectural character to your living space.
How a Handyman Can Help With Crown Molding Installation
Installing crown moldings can be difficult if you lack the training and experience for DIY home improvement projects. You’ll likely make mistakes with precise measurements and accurate cuts. Fortunately, a professional handyman can help.
Another advantage of getting the services of a professional handyman is that you can get help with your other home issues. For example, a handyman can power wash a deck and other surfaces.
Let the Pros Handle Your Crown Molding Installation
Crown moldings are excellent additions to your home as they make rooms feel larger. However, if you lack the skills and experience, installing them can be a nightmare. Contact a professional handyman to do the job well.
Call in a Professional for Crown Molding Installation
It’s hard to take back any mistakes you make with your crown molding. That’s why it’s best to let a professional handyman take over. This skilled professional can install the right crown molding for your home and style as you sit back and relax. They can even help you with other home projects, like cleaning gutters from the ground.
