Moldings can be used to dress up ceilings.
Using mouldings to trim ceilings can add detail and sophistication to your décor. Moulding is used in a variety of ways, from adding crown to frame the ceiling to trimming around ceiling fixtures to paneling the entire ceiling. Investigating the creative options is sure to uncover an idea that will suit your space and tastes.
Crown Mouldings
Crown moulding is a fairly common element included in many homes. A number of different installation options for this type of moulding are available.
Crown can be installed in a continuous fluid line with mitered corners to frame the entire ceiling. This method is fairly traditional and works well in most styles. It requires specialized tools and a certain degree of skill to install.
Using corner blocks to join crown is a little more expensive, but may be an option for the do-it-yourselfer who is intimidated by cutting miters. Many different styles of corner block are available in home improvement centers. Choose the one that best suits your existing wood work or architectural style.
Combining crown moulding elements to achieve a custom look may be the option for you if you are not happy with the prefab choices available. Use a flat backer board to attach more than one moulding together to create a more ornate, or specific design to match existing moulding.
Medallions and Other Frames
Using trim to frame features is another way to incorporate moulding into your ceiling designs.
You can purchase round plaster or plastic moulding rings, or medallions, and use them to surround the base of light fixtures and ceiling fans where they attach to the ceiling, or you can use them on their own to create a focal point in a large ceiling.
Framing a section of ceiling is a good way to visually separate rooms in spaces that have shared ceilings. Apply flat-backed mouldings in a picture frame style to delineate individual spaces. Leave a single frame or create a more intricate pattern with multiple-sized frames, one inside the other.
Multilevel, or tray, ceilings with taller sections can benefit from moulding. Run a line of the same crown you used at the wall ceiling joint to frame out each new level. Here you can use traditional mitered joints or corner blocks.
Paneled Ceilings
While drywall makes up the majority of ceilings in contemporary American architecture, wood-paneled ceilings are also common.
Frame a wood panel, skylight or ceiling mural with moulding to add detail to the center of a large room. Paint the surrounding ceiling in a complimentary color, or use dark wood against a white ceiling to create a dramatic contrast.
Use mouldings to create artificial beams running across the ceiling to break up large spaces. Paint your beams the same color as the ceiling for a subtle effect or stain them in your favorite wood color to make them stand out.
Using moulding to make wood library paneling across an entire ceiling creates a rich, warm feel. This is done traditionally in rooms with paneled walls or floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
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