Tips on crown molding sizes

Although crown molding is usually seen as a decorative element, it plays a significant architectural role in the interior design of a room. It provides a fluid connection between the ceiling and the wall, instantly giving elegance to the space. Even better, it hides blemishes like gaps and uneven surfaces, and the transition between rooms. On the same note, it’s mainly used in large, public rooms to distinguish them from more casual/ informal and private spaces. 

However, to achieve this distinction, you need to apply different crown molding sizes. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong crown molding size is one of the most mistakes homeowners make when installing crown molding.

 Luckily, you can easily avoid that mistake by knowing how to choose the correct style and size of crown molding for your project. In this post, I’ll show you some simple and clear rules that every homeowner, builder, or architect should consider when selecting crown molding for your upcoming project. 

First, let’s look at why the size of crown molding matters! 

Importance of choosing the right size of crown molding for your project 

To start, the finish of your crown molding will depend on the type of molding selected. In that regard, choosing a wide piece of the crown may make the room appear smaller. In addition, it will make the room appear congested and overshadow the rest of the room décor. On the other hand, installing a narrow trim in a larger room will hardly stand out since it will disappear into the ceiling and wall. 

Therefore, choosing the size of the crown will establish proportion and balance in a room to create an appealing space. 

Factors to consider when choosing the right crown molding size 

• The existing cornice/ trim 

Crown molding should complement the existing trim, instead of competing with it. To accomplish that, look at the dimensions of other trims in the room like window casing and baseboard. In most cases, matching the crown molding and baseboard sizes is the fastest way to achieve a polished look. 

• Room’s purpose 

In the past, crown molding was installed in grand public areas like the entry foyer, dining room, or drawing room to make a statement. However, they’re currently installed even in smaller rooms, making size an important distinguishing factor. For instance, spaces like powder rooms and bedrooms are usually fitted with smaller, less elaborate pieces of crown molding. 

• Ceiling height 

The height of the room’s space is the most important factor to consider when selecting the ideal crown molding size since it acts as a reference point. 

With that in mind. here’s how you can use the ceiling height to find the appropriate crown molding size for the room; 

• 8 ft/ lower ceilings

In general, ceiling crown moldings have a width of about 3 – 20”. For a room with an 8 ft or lower ceiling, the ideal crown molding sizes should be between 2.5 and 6” wide. To determine the appropriate crown style and size in that range, consider the level of formality and square footage of the room. For instance, a wide molding is suitable for a larger room, while a more narrow molding works better in a smaller room. 

• 9 to 10 ft ceilings

To estimate the perfect crown molding size for your 9- 10 ft ceiling, increase the width of the crown by ½” for every foot of ceiling height. In that case, 9 – 10 ft ceilings can sustain larger crown moldings with a width of about 3 – 7.5” and a picture mold in formal public rooms. These crowns are also known as cornices and are usually made up of 2 or more molding profiles. This makes them stand out more, especially in spaces with a higher ceiling height. More importantly, make sure the molding covers the horizontal gap between the ceiling and the wall at an angle of 38 – 48 degrees. 

• 10 ft & above ceilings

Vaulted and other types of ceilings that are more than 10 ft high require larger molding to make a visual impression. Generally, the crown should be at least 4 inches wide in casual spaces, and about 9” wide in formal spaces. To determine the crown molding size for such rooms, allow a rise of 1” for every foot of ceiling height. Also, you can combine multiple crown pieces at the bottom or top of the angled molding to create the illusion of a larger trim.  

Other common mistakes homeowners make when installing crown molding 

• Painting crown molding in the low ceiling with a contrasting color 

In general, painting your crown molding with a color that contrasts with the ceiling and wall isn’t a great idea, especially if you’ve got a lower ceiling. This is because the contrast will attract attention to the junction, making it certain that your ceiling is low. However, by avoiding this mistake, you’ll make your ceiling appear taller. 

• Choosing a crown molding style that doesn’t match the rest of your house

In addition to choosing the right crown molding size, you need to ensure that the trim will match the overall appearance of your home. For instance, a sleek, simple crown is a great match for a relatively modern home. Contrarily, if you’ve got an older house with several traditional, complex elements, a more detailed molding will fit perfectly. Overall, choosing a style that matches the appearance of your home will make it look better and feel more natural.  

• Installing crown molding without the right tools and skills 

Lastly, don’t handle the task yourself if you don’t have the important tools necessary for crown molding installation . Also, hire a professional instead if you don’t have the necessary skills since the outcome will be unappealing. 

Conclusion 

To sum up, determining the ideal crown molding sizes for your projects is a relatively simple task. You only need to consider the height of the ceiling, the type of crown molding material, and the desired effect the crown will have in that room. Hopefully, by following the tips I’ve listed above, you’ll easily find the right crown molding size for any room of your choice. Even better, this will ensure that your space has a balanced and more appealing look.

People Also Ask 

1. Does Crown molding make my room look taller? 

Over the years, crown molding has been used to make the ceiling height appear taller. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong crown molding size will make the room look shorter. For that reason, it’s always important to measure the height of your ceiling before you choose your cornice. In essence, 3 – 5.75” wide moldings are used in 8 ft ceilings, while 4.25 – 7” wide moldings are used in 9 – 10 ft ceilings. In addition, 7+” wide moldings are used on ceilings that are taller than 10 ft. 

2. Does crown molding have to match the baseboards? 

Baseboard and crown molding don’t have to necessarily look the same. However, they should have the same element to create a cohesive appearance. Plus, choosing the same profiles will help to create visual harmony from the floor to the ceiling. 

3. Should the crown molding size be the same throughout the house? 

Corn molding creates a consistent appearance from floor to ceiling in different rooms in your house, However, these sizes don’t have to be necessarily the same throughout the house, especially if the rooms have different ceiling heights. 

4. What is the standard size crown molding? 

The stand size crown molding for 8-foot high ceilings should be 2.5 – 6” wide, and 3 – 7.5” wide for 9-foot high ceilings.