Which Crown Molding Design is Best for my Home?
Crown molding design can be intimidating. There are a number of different styles, profiles, and types of crown molding. Each is usually available in multiple sizes. How do you choose?
Crown molding is commonly available from 3 1/2" to 7 1/4" although I’ve installed crown molding as big as 10 1/4". Which size is best for your room depends on:
The height of your ceilings.
In general the higher the ceiling the larger the crown molding.
The size of the room.
The larger the room the larger the crown molding should be.
Your taste.
Certain architectural styles tend to understate moldings, others emphasize. A larger crown molding tends to make more of a grand impression.
In a 13 ft x15 ft dining room in today's cape, colonial or ranch with 8 ft ceilings I would recommend a 3 1/2" to 4 3/4" size for conservative tastes, and 4 1/2" to 5 3/4" for bolder tastes. That same room with 9 ft or 10 ft ceilings I would recommend larger 6 1/4" - 7" size or a multi-piece crown molding.
Over the years I've read various books about architectural design and periods and always struck by the recurring word "neo". Neo means new, and it reminds me that over the years even great design has been tweaked and modified. The basics need to be there but there's always room for your personal touch. No need to be intimidated by all the design variables in choosing the perfect crown molding. These pages are merely guidelines, suggestions. Look at catalogs, magazines, other peoples homes to get an idea of what you like.
Lastly, take into account what
crown molding type
you hope to use, and whether you will
hire a professional
for this project, or do it as a
do it yourself project
. We can help you either way. Good Luck!