Notice the ornate crown molding along the top of the window panel.
Crown molding is a type of cornice or decorative molding that goes around the walls of rooms, just below the ceiling, or around the edges of other structures, such as cabinets and shelves. You can use crown molding to help add sophistication and elegance to a particular space, as well as to hide unsightly gaps or seams along the top edges of your walls. If you are thinking of installing crown molding, there are several styles to consider.
Wood
Wood crown moldings are the most traditional and natural molding option and you can incorporate them into almost any style of interior design. For example, for a rustic setting, use unfinished wood crown moldings, which will allow you to see the wood's natural colors, textures and blemishes. For a more contemporary look, use moldings with linear grooves and other features and paint them a uniform color. According to Crown Molding Shop, people commonly use hardwoods, like oak, cedar and mahogany, for their crown moldings. However, poplar is another popular choice, particularly when it comes to applying paints. If you want to achieve that wood crown molding style without paying for expensive hardwoods, using fiberboard is a good option. The material is comprised of compressed sawdust and resins and is particularly good at holding paints, stains and other finishes.
Plaster
If you are trying to create an elegant space in your home, incorporating plaster crown moldings may be what you are looking for. Plaster moldings have an incredibly smooth, stonelike quality to them and they are particularly well suited for displaying highly ornate and Romanesque patterns and designs. According to Home Addition Plus, the material is also resistant to shrinkage, expansion and warping, regardless of the humidity or temperature.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) moldings are a relatively inexpensive crown molding option. They are comprised of synthetic resins, which chemists fabricate using polymerization. Because they are waterproof, PVC crown moldings are great for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. In addition, they do not shrink, warp or expand.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene crown moldings are another inexpensive option. However, you will likely want to paint them, as their outer surfaces are porous and mottled, just like a cup made from polystyrene (Styrofoam). While their appearance may not be as crisp as the plaster variety, polystyrene crown moldings are much easier to install. Due to their light weight, you can stick them on to your walls or another surface using a construction adhesive. Just keep them in place with some tape while the adhesive dries.
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