Crown molding is a type of decorative molding that separates the wall from the ceiling
Different types of crown molding include wood, plaster, PVC, polyurethane, and MDF, each offering unique benefits for your home's decorative style.
Crown molding installation costs $4 to $8 per linear foot, with projects averaging $2,000 to $4,000 for 500 linear feet installed.
Crown molding increases your home value with a return on investment between 50% and 80%, making it a smart upgrade for resale.
Hiring a local crown molding installation professional ensures precise cuts and secure mounting, especially when working with detailed plaster or intricate wood designs.
If you want to add some decorative flair to your living room, crown molding might give you that classic style you’re looking for. Crown molding covers the corner where the wall and ceiling meet and is an easy way to elevate your space. Plus, there are a ton of different materials and styles of crown molding, and each one gives your room a totally different feel. Installing crown molding could even increase the value of your home.
Installing crown molding in your home can offer a healthy ROI of between 50% and 80% on average. Thanks to its aesthetic value, your investment return on a premium finish like this will be at the top of that range in high-end or move-in-ready markets.
Crown molding was originally used to hide any small gaps between a home’s wall and ceiling. While crown molding originally had a utilitarian purpose, it came to serve as a decorative function.
During the Victorian era, intricately carved molding was used to make the parlor and bedrooms even more lavish. Though most modern crown molding is more low-key, it’s still the perfect opportunity to add a little character to your home.
From the practical to the purely aesthetic, there are many reasons for adding crown molding to a room.
The original purpose of crown molding was to cover up any irregularities between the wall and ceiling, and it still serves this purpose even in modern homes. Crown molding can also smooth out any discrepancies between the ceiling and other elements, including cabinets or built-in bookshelves, and can even be used to hide unsightly wires from view.
While crown molding started out with a very practical purpose, it’s also used to add style and character to a room. As a decorative element, crown molding can range from simple and straightforward to ornate and detailed—it’s all up to you and the vision for your space.
Trim improvements, including crown molding, can also increase a home’s resale value. Crown molding complements high ceilings, making homes more aesthetically appealing to help them sell faster.
It’s becoming increasingly popular to install crown molding slightly below the ceiling edge, and install soft lighting behind it. This creates a unique light source throughout the room.
Crown molding costs an average of $4 to $8 per linear foot. For an average project of 500 linear feet, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.
Different crown molding materials may come with different price points. For instance, plaster crown molding is typically more expensive than wood because it demands a higher level of detail during the installation process.
| Crown Molding Material | Cost to Install (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Solid wood | $3–$30 |
| Polyurethane | $2–$10 |
| Plaster | $6–$20 |
| MDF | $1–$7 |
| PVC | $1–$4 |
| Foam | $1–$4 |
| Metal | $10–$30 |
There are a few different types of crown molding materials, including wood, plaster, and PVC.
Wood is a traditional choice for crown molding. It can be simple and straightforward, or may feature decorative patterns or carvings.
Plaster is another common crown molding material. But because plaster can be difficult to handle, it’s a good idea to hire a professional for installation.
PVC is a lightweight and affordable material choice for crown molding. It’s an especially popular choice in bathrooms, where the humid conditions may negatively affect other types of molding.
Polyurethane is a simple and durable material that’s often used for crown molding. This type of crown molding is even sturdier than wood and resistant to mold and rot.
MDF, which stands for medium-density fiberboard, is an affordable crown molding option designed to look like wood—but at a fraction of the cost. In most cases, you’ll have to stain or paint MDF crown molding.
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Find out how much it costs to install crown molding by type and size. Use our expert guide to figure out how much crown molding you need, how much crown molding costs near you, and whether you need to hire a pro.
Discover how much it costs to remove crown molding based on factors like its size, location in your home, material, and more.
If your crown molding has edges or seams, you may want to caulk it. You can DIY this work or hire a pro—use this guide to learn the cost for both.
Does crown molding add value to your home? It adds aesthetic value to some designs, but you should install it less because of ROI and more because you love it.
Need crown molding installed? Learn who to hire, what it costs, and why a trim or finish carpenter is the best choice for a polished, professional look.
When you want maximum durability, consider selecting between PVC crown molding versus wood. PVC is moisture resistant, while wood gives you a vintage design.
