How to Choose Crown Moulding That’s Right for Your Home
If you’re thinking about renovating your home, it’s doubtful that crown moulding is the first thing that comes to mind.
With so many considerations to make when doing renovations, and so many different options for what you can do, figuring out how to choose crown moulding may end up pretty low on your list of priorities.
But the truth is crown moulding can have quite a significant impact on the overall look of your home.
Not only does it add a more finished look to any room by creating a visual transition between the walls and the ceiling, but it also helps to create a more cohesive look across rooms and can be used to conceal wiring, imperfections, and other elements that may detract from your home’s aesthetic.
So, if you want to learn more about crown moulding, or you’re just wondering how to choose crown moulding, then you’re going to want to keep reading.
Because in this article, we’re going to explore the different types of crown moulding that are available and offer some advice on how you can choose crown moulding that’s right for your home.
What Kinds of Crown Moulding Are There?
Crown moulding comes in many different styles to suit various architectural themes and design preferences. Some of the most popular styles include:
Classic or Traditional
This style features intricate patterns and designs, often with scrolls, leaves, and floral patterns. It’s ideal for homes with a classic, elegant interior.
Craftsman
Emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty, Craftsman-style moulding typically features clean, straight lines and minimal ornamentation. It’s a good match for homes that feature Craftsman or Mission-style architecture.
Victorian
Victorian crown moulding is often very ornate, featuring elaborate designs such as intricate floral patterns, vines, and ribbons. It’s most suitable for homes that aim to capture the elaborate and decorative essence of the Victorian era.
Contemporary or Modern
Modern or contemporary moulding is characterized by its sleek, clean lines and minimalistic design. It’s often less ornate than traditional styles and can have a geometric, streamlined appearance.
Art Deco
Art Deco moulding often incorporates bold geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns. It’s a great choice for a home with a 1920s to 1940s aesthetic or for adding a retro-modern touch.
Colonial
Colonial moulding is known for its simplicity and symmetry, often featuring a convex shape in the profile. It’s suitable for homes that want to reflect the understated elegance of early American architecture.
Shaker
Similar to Craftsman-style moulding but even more simplified, Shaker moulding focuses on functionality and straightforward design. It’s a good match for minimalist or country-style interiors.
Rustic
Rustic moulding is great for showcasing the natural beauty of wood, as it tends to have a more rugged, unfinished look. It often includes knots and grain patterns and is perfect for cabins or homes with a rustic or country theme.
How to Choose Crown Moulding
Crown moulding is a classic and popular choice for adding elegance and architectural interest to any room, and it’s installed at the point where the wall meets the ceiling, offering a traditional aesthetic that can incorporate both simple and intricate designs.
Truth be told, crown moulding can be made from many different materials, but for obvious reasons, this article will focus solely on crown moulding that’s made of wood.
That being said, if you want to be confident that you know how to choose crown moulding that’s best for your home, you’ve got to consider several things, including:
Making Sure It Matches Your Home’s Style
The architectural style of your home is a crucial consideration to make when selecting crown moulding.
Traditional and historic homes often pair well with ornately carved mouldings, while modern homes might benefit from sleeker and simpler designs. But regardless of your home’s style, if you want it to look its best, make sure the moulding complements your home’s overall aesthetic.
Wood Types and Finishes
When choosing crown moulding for your home, there are a multitude of woods and finishes to choose from, including:
Hardwoods like Oak and Maple: These kinds of wood are highly durable and ideal if you’re looking for a prominent, long-lasting feature.
Softwoods like Pine: These types of wood can be easier to work with, suitable for painted finishes, and are often more cost-effective.
Exotic Woods: These wood types offer unique grain patterns and colours but can be significantly more expensive depending on what you choose.
At this point, you should also consider whether you want a stained or painted finish. Stained wood mouldings showcase the natural grain and add warmth, while painted mouldings offer versatility in matching or contrasting with the colours of your home’s décor.
Proportions and Scale
The size of the moulding should be proportional to your room’s ceiling height and overall scale.
A general rule is that larger, more intricate mouldings are more suited to rooms with higher ceilings, as the width of the moulding should balance the room’s dimensions without overwhelming it.
Installation Techniques
While wood mouldings can be more expensive than synthetic options, they offer a timeless and high-quality look. However, proper installation is vital to their longevity and appearance.
With that in mind, you should consider whether you’re equipped for a DIY installation or require professional assistance, and if you do need help, make sure you’ve budgeted for both the material and labour costs.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Crown moulding that’s made of wood is going to require some maintenance to retain its beauty, especially if it’s stained or painted.
Wood moulding in particular can be susceptible to environmental changes like humidity and might need refinishing over time if you want to maintain its appearance.
Customization and Design Options
One of the benefits of custom wood moulding is the ability to customize its design in pretty much any way you’d like. From intricate hand-carved details to custom profiles, custom-made moulding can make your home look much more unique.
So, if you’re going to get it custom-made, make sure to take some time to sit down and think about exactly what kind of design you want.
Are you looking for a carpenter in Kelowna to build custom wood moulding for your home? Our master woodworker, Andy Ingram, has over 30 years of experience, and he can bring practically any idea into reality. For more details, contact us, or check out our portfolio to see what we’re capable of creating.