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What Is Crown Molding?

Crown molding is a type of decorative trim added to the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling. It’s an architectural detail that makes a room feel taller by drawing the eye up. “Crown molding is a relatively inexpensive way to make a room seem more upscale,” says Michael Boucher of Full Scale Woodworking.

There are several crown molding material options, and an endless array of profiles and styles. A few of the most common materials include:

• Wood is the standard, and more durable than its synthetic counterparts. Most home improvement stores carry different hardwoods (great if you want to stain it) and primed wood for painted crown molding.
• Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is less expensive than wood, but might not be worth the savings. It can sag over time if not installed properly and is susceptible to water damage.
• Polyurethane or PVC is waterproof, so it’s great for bathrooms and other areas with a lot of moisture. DIYers like PVC because it’s lightweight and easy to cut.

Crown Molding Tips

Once you decide on adding crown molding to your home, you might be wondering what style to choose. Crown molding comes in many styles from sleek and modern to traditional and ornate. Here’s a tip to help you decide on the right profile to fit your decor, from Interior Designer Shane Francesca, “I recommend printing out [a photo to scale] of the different types of molding you are considering, and holding those up and viewing them in place before deciding.”

There are no hard rules about which rooms crown molding should be used in. “Some people choose to have it in every room because they love it, while others want to use it as more of an accent for specific rooms,” says Interior Designer Marco Bizzley.