17 Sophisticated Crown Molding Ideas

In the world of interior design, crown molding offers an extra “wow” factor to walls and rooms alike. Aside from its decorative function, there are practical reasons for incorporating this elegant architectural detail into your home, and installing it can be an easy DIY project for handy homeowners. With so many design options to choose from, crown molding can fit into almost any home decor style. If you’re considering upgrading your home with it, use these crown molding ideas to help kick off the process.  

What Is Crown Molding? 

Crown molding is a traditional wall feature that was historically installed at the top section of a wall in order to close off the gap where it met the ceiling. Nowadays, crown molding can be made from a variety of different materials and is used primarily as a formal, decorative accent meant to give the appearance of taller rooms. It was originally made from plaster, and still is today—but the process has since evolved, and crown molding can now be composed out of wood, medium density fiberboard, or PVC. One of the reasons it’s such a popular interior design choice is because it's relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Another positive attribute of crown molding is that there are many different styles available, and as such it can be utilized in a myriad of ways throughout a home.

17 Ways to Enhance Your Home Interior with Crown Molding

If you’re on the fence about crown molding and aren’t sure if it’s a good fit for your style, browse through these examples to inspire and help you determine if this decorative trim is the right accessory for your walls. 

1.  Connect the Walls and Ceiling

One of the most traditional and popular methods of using crown molding is to affix it to the space where a wall meets the ceiling. This creates the illusion that the room is taller than it really is, while adding a dignified element to an otherwise simplistic wall. 

2. Create a Coffered Ceiling

Add an extra level of structural support and an eye-catching aesthetic to your ceiling by installing an intersecting pattern of crown molding across it to make a coffered ceiling. The architectural details will have your guests looking up all night.  

3. Build Over Wallpaper

In the world of wallpaper and crown molding, you can have the best of both worlds. Don’t trade one for the other when you can add another eye-catching feature to your walls by combining the two. After all, two wall accessories can be better than one. 

4. Top Off Cabinetry

Adding crown molding to the top of kitchen cabinets will give them a distinguished look, and a clean finish to boot. 

5. Complete Partial Walls

There’s no need to leave partial walls partially finished—just add a decorative crown molding along the edges so they look sleek and complete. 

6. Make Unforgettable Doorways

Upgrade the doorways in your house by adding crown molding to the sides of the frame and along the top, and watch as guests linger just a little longer before entering and leaving your home. 

7. Frame Windows

You don’t always need to look outward to see the beauty a window can provide. Use crown molding to frame the windows in your home and bring the stunning view indoors. 

8. Accentuate Archways

Draw even more attention to archways by lining them with crown molding for a sophisticated and finished appearance. 

9. Elevate Shelves

Finish off existing shelves by adding a line of crown molding along the top of them, or use crown molding to create a new shelf for a convenient area to house framed photos and books. 

Design Styles to Choose From  

No matter the room or feature of your home you decide to showcase crown molding in or around, know that you can customize it to match your personal style by opting for a specific molding or trim design that mirrors your vibe. 

10. Ornamental Patterns

Crown molding conveniently comes in many different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. If your plan is to add crown molding to procure an air of elegance in your home, consider taking it one step further by choosing an intricate or delicate pattern.

11. Sculpted Columns

Columns are regal structures with or without decorative features, but incorporating patterned crown molding around the tops of them is a sure-fire way to elevate their sturdy aesthetic. 

12. Interwoven Gold

Express your inner extravagance by choosing a crown molding style with a gold trim throughout. 

13. Reclaimed Wood

If rustic is your style, standard PVC and plaster material may not be the right fit for your home. Utilizing reclaimed wood as your crown molding could be the happy medium you need to achieve the look you want, without compromising on your interior design taste.

14. Thick Crown Molding

When it comes to finishing touches, sometimes you have to lay it on thick. A dense crown molding trim or accent piece is nothing short of an attention grabber. If you want your home interior to make a statement, there’s no room for subtlety. 

15. Stained Wood Trim

If traditional white crown molding isn’t piquing your interest, you’re in luck. Stained wood crown molding is one of the many design options available to choose from if you prefer to accentuate with dark, rich colors.

16. Earthy Color Pop

Nothing draws the eye like a differentiating color palette, and when it comes to crown molding, you aren’t restricted to coordinating it with an existing wall color. Get creative and bring new depth to a room by using an earth tone for your molding against a light colored wall paint. 

17. Ornate Hallway Features

If you don’t want to go all out with crown molding in your home but still love the aesthetic, there are ways to get your fix without going overboard. Install crown molding corner blocks to add emphasis to archways and hallway entrances without dedicating too much wall space to the look.