Crown molding is an decorative strip that is installed along the junction between the wall and the ceiling of a structure. Since the angle between the wall and the ceiling is typicaly 90 degrees, people often install crown molding along that joint. Additionally, crown molding can make a room appear more intentional if applied correct.
However, if the crown molding is too small, it can look like a thin strip of ribbons on the wall. Additionally, if crown molding is too large for the space, it can make the ceiling within that space appear to be lower then it is. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing crown molding is the proportion of the molding in comparison to the height of the ceiling in the space to be accented.
How to Choose the Right Crown Molding
For instance, rooms with eight-foot ceilings will require crown molding with a slim profile to complement the relatively low ceiling. In contrast, rooms with twelve-foot ceilings can use crown molding with a more prominent and larger profile. It is important, however, to avoid using heavy crown molding in rooms with low ceiling, as it will make the ceiling within those rooms appear to be even lower.
The profile of crown molding is the face of the molding, and determine the look that is created within the room. For instance, cove molding feature a simple curve in the molding, giving the room a moddern look. Dentil molding features a series of rectangular box in the molding, giving the room a sense of Greek Revival architecture.
Additionally, colonial molding feature a series of stepped curves in the molding, giving the room an instant traditional look. Ogee molding features a specific S-shaped curve in the molding, adding formality and a sense of Gothic architecture to the space. It is important to consider the profile of the crown molding in relation to the other decor elements in the room; if the molding dont match the profile of the furnitures in the room, it may appear as if it was installed in error.
The spring angle of the crown molding is the angle at which the molding rest against the wall and the ceiling. While many do not consider the spring angle until they begin cutting the crown molding, it is important to take note of this value. The spring angle is typicaly 45 degrees, as this angle provide the best balance in relation to the contact of the molding with the wall and ceiling.
Additionally, if you do not consider the spring angle when cutting the molding with a miter saw, the resulting crown molding may have gaps in the joints between the pieces of molding. The material of the crown molding will impact the cost and durability of the molding. Many use MDF for crown molding.
MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard and is a strong material that can be painted to any color. The downside of using MDF, however, is that it isnt moisture resistant, so you should of not place crown molding made of this material in bathroom. PVC is a material for crown molding that is waterproof, making it an ideal option for bathrooms.
However, solid wood and plaster crown molding can provide the room with a sense of historic architecture. These two material, however, are more labor-intensive than other crown molding materials. Finally, there are a variety of installation method for crown molding.
For instance, one of the most common methods of installation of crown molding is the miter joint. Miter joints are a fast way of creating a corner joint between two pieces of crown molding. However, the miter joint may open up over time due to shifts in the structure of the building.
An alternative way of installing crown molding at the inside corners of a structure is through the use of a cope joint. A cope joint is created by cutting the profile of one piece of molding to allow it to fit over the profile of the other. While it is more labor-intensive than miter joints, cope joints are more resistant to the shifting of the structure over time.
Finally, built-up systems of crown molding can be used in very large rooms. Built-up systems include stacking multiple type of molding together. For example, the built-up system may include the installation of crown molding on top of the room, with a flat frieze board installed at the bottom of the room.
This built-up system of crown molding will create a large cornice along the ceiling of the large room. Additionally, when you select the width, the profile, and the material of the crown molding based off the dimension of the room, the crown molding becomes a part of the architecture of that building.
