Crown molding is a type of molding that fills in the space between the ceiling and the tops of walls. It adds character to a room and provides it with a finished look. However, there are hundreds of types of crown molding available, and selecting the right one can be difficult. With a bit of preparation and some research, you can select crown molding that will compliment your home's design and look great for years to come.
Instructions
1. Measure the height of the ceiling in the room where you want to install crown molding. Wider molding is best for tall ceilings and narrower molding should be used on shorter ceilings. In a room where the walls are seven feet tall, use molding that's no larger than three inches. A room with a 17-foot ceiling can accommodate eight-inch molding, according to Glass Creek Remodeling.
2. Consider the overall design of your home. Contemporary homes generally call for more subdued designs. Older homes and period-style homes may look better with more ornate, intricate designs.
3. Take the size and style of the room's baseboard into account. Your crown molding should match the size and style of the baseboard to give the room a coordinated look. If you have larger or smaller than standard baseboard, you may have to choose larger or smaller crown molding to balance the room.
4. Decide what material you want your crown molding to be made from. For a natural, stained-wood look, a hardwood such as oak is a good choice. If you are going to paint the molding, softer woods such as pine are less expensive and will look the same after painting. Modern crown molding also comes in materials other than wood, such as polyurethane. These alternative materials are generally cheaper than wood, and are often easier to maintain.
5. Visit your local home-improvement store and purchase small samples of the types of molding you are considering. Temporarily attach them and see how well you like the designs before purchasing crown molding for the entire room.
6. Select the crown molding which meets your requirements, and that you think looks best in the room. Your personal taste will factor into any home-improvement decision, and only you can select crown molding that is right for your living space.