Crown molding can add a touch of timeless elegance to any room in your house. Carefully chosen crown molding design and installation can transform a space, taking it from basic to beautiful.
When considering crown molding, it’s important to think about the style and size that will work best for each room. The shape of the molding, the height at which it is installed, and other details should complement the room’s existing architectural features. With so many options, it can be tricky to pick the perfect molding to complete your home’s look and feel.
To inspire you and get those creative juices flowing, here are 18 thoughtful crown molding ideas for every room in your home:
Classic Elegance for the Entryway
The entryway sets the tone when you come home or welcome guests into your house. You want this space to feel inviting yet elegant. Simple, classic crown molding helps strike that balance.
For traditional entryways, we recommend symmetrical crown molding in a timeless style. Opt for a 3-4″ molding made of polyurethane, which offers an authentic wood look for less. Add some visual interest by installing it slightly higher than your standard placement, about 9 feet from the floor. The elevated molding makes your doorways feel grander.
To further amplify the elegance, add recessed lighting on a dimmer switch above the molding. The soft glow creates a relaxing ambiance. Complete the look with a beautiful overhead light fixture, lush rug, and decor that makes your entryway feel personal. The classic crown molding provides the chic foundation.
Rustic Touches for the Kitchen
Bring some country charm into your kitchen with reclaimed wood beams and warm, rustic crown molding. This is a great way to give a sleek, contemporary kitchen a cozy vibe or to amplify the rustic style of a country kitchen.
For a charming cottage look, opt for pine wood beams attached to the ceiling with a 4-5″ crown molding in a simple, classic profile. Paint or stain the molding and beams in a light whitewash or similar soft tone to keep the room feeling bright and airy.
For more of a farmhouse feel, use salvaged barn wood beams and leave them unpainted. Opt for a chunkier, more elaborate crown molding profile in a rich wood stain. Raw metal pendant lighting and antique finds will complete this farm-fresh aesthetic.
Rustic beams and crown molding add so much warmth and character to a kitchen space. It’s an easy way to transform plain drywall into a showstopping architectural focal point.
Dramatic Height in the Dining Room
Your dining room deserves a bit of drama. Take this formal entertaining space up a notch with tall crown molding installed closer to the ceiling. Raising your crown molding to about 12-16 inches from the ceiling creates a grander appearance.
For stunning visual impact, we recommend going extra wide as well, with around a 9 inch crown. Pair the dramatic molding with elegant furnishings like a crystal chandelier, high backed dining chairs, and a stately wooden table.
Ornate, carved crown molding can look exquisite in a formal dining room, but it does tend to cost more. For a budget-friendly option with lots of personality, try pine wood boards arranged in a zig-zag pattern. Paint them white for a crisp, sculptural look.
No matter what style or material you choose, bold, tall crown molding makes a spectacular statement in dining rooms. It provides beautiful framing for lively dinner parties and family gatherings at the table.
Cozy Accent Molding for the Living Room
Living rooms need to strike that perfect balance between comfort and beauty. Accent crown molding allows you to add visual interest without going overboard.
Rather than molding along the entire perimeter, use it selectively to highlight certain architectural elements. For example, frame a bay window with crown molding to create a cozy sitting nook in your living room. Or accent the wall space around your fireplace mantel.
For small living rooms, consider a skinny crown molding profile, around 3 inches wide. This delicately ornaments the room without overwhelming it. A soft white paint color will make the molding blend in yet still catch the eye.
For a bit more texture, frame out those key areas with reclaimed wood planks instead. Whitewashed faux beams add rustic cottage charm to modern living rooms.
Accent molding with purpose helps pull your living room look together, elevating it visually without sacrificing that welcoming, homey vibe.
Modern Minimalism for the Home Office
Clean lines and minimalist details are key to creating a calming, distraction-free home office environment. You can incorporate crown molding while still achieving a sleek, modern aesthetic.
For contemporary offices, we suggest MDF molding no wider than 3 inches with a simple, streamlined profile. Paint the molding white and install it fairly low on the walls, about 6-7 feet from the floor. This placement almost makes it disappear, simply helping delineate the wall-to-ceiling transition.
Or, to add a hint of warmth, use the same thin, low-profile molding but stain it in a light wood tone like oak. This complements mid-century modern and Scandinavian styles nicely.
The minimal molding helps ground the space visually without being showy. Pair it with sleek metal fixtures, an uncluttered desk, and clean-lined Scandinavian furniture for peaceful productivity.
Queen Anne’s Lace for Shabby Chic Bedrooms
Looking to create a romantic, vintage-inspired bedroom? Intricate Queen Anne’s lace crown molding delivers beautiful shabby chic style.
Queen Anne’s lace molding features lacy curves, florals, and ribbon-like detailing. Opt for molding made from polyurethane versus plaster – it’s affordable, durable, and mimic’s the real thing beautifully.
Paint your Queen Anne’s lace molding in a pretty, pastel hue like powder blue, lavender, or blush pink. For extra charm, consider distressing the finish. Pair it with weathered hardwood floors, painted furniture, and a ruffled canopy bed for the ultimate cottagecore vibe. Add in some distressed shiplap walls for extra cottage charm.
The ornate molding helps breathe delicate life into shabby chic bedrooms. Its soft femininity looks dreamy yet still refined. Let this molding style crown your sleep space with romantic whimsy.
Mediterranean Style for the Dining Nook
Transform an unused corner into a stunning breakfast nook with the help of decorative crown molding. This architectural detail brings Mediterranean flair to any kitchen or dining space.
To create a European bistro vibe, frame out a cozy banquette dining nook with 3-4” plaster crown molding. Opt for a profile with lots of ornate curves and decorative corners for lots of visual interest. Paint the molding in a striking shade like midnight blue, olive green, or rich terracotta.
Hang pendant lighting over the table space to create even more texture and architectural depth. Add patterned tiles, a trellis, or accents like cast iron and stained glass for a transportative Mediterranean feel.
The ornate molding helps carve out a distinct dining space that feels worlds away, even in a small corner of your kitchen. A touch of european charm goes a long way.
Beach House Beauty in Bedrooms
Dreaming of lazy beach vacations all year long? Bring the breezy beauty of a beach house into the bedroom with the help of simple crown molding.
For breezy, coastal vibes, stick with thin, uncomplicated crown molding. Paint it bright white and pair with weathered floors, whitewashed furniture, and airy linens.
Make the molding feel more beachy by accenting it with rustic reclaimed planks framed out as the headboard wall. Paint some distressed shiplap in a pale blue-green tone. Hang sheer linen curtains to blow in the breeze from open windows.
Keep the overall aesthetic light and neutral to evoke those relaxing seaside getaways. Crown molding adds just enough detail without going overboard. Let this simple molding style add a touch of coastal charm that never goes out of style.
Arts and Crafts Style for the Fireplace
The classic Arts and Crafts style features simple lines, natural materials, and handcrafted elegance. For a touch of this charming design in any room, frame out the fireplace with rustic yet refined crown molding.
Arts and Crafts molding often features clean right angles and overlapping planks, with a focus on displaying natural wood grain. Use reclaimed pine boards, sanded smooth and finished natural. Opt for two stacked rows of planks to build out a linear frame that highlights the beauty of the wood itself.
For variation, mix in some hand-carved half-rounds molding accents. Paint them white to pop against the natural pine background.
Finish the look off with an antique limestone mantel. Layer on artsy accents like woven blankets, handmade ceramic vessels, and beautiful dried botanical displays. Let this crafted crown molding become an earthy focal point.
MCM Style for Modern Spaces
Mid-century modern design pairs perfectly with simple, low-profile crown molding. Strategically placed MCM molding can accentuate the clean lines of any contemporary space.
For a retro modern look, opt for crown molding no more than 2-3” wide placed about 7 feet up the wall. Choose a profile with an angled, asymmetric look. Paint the molding a rich tone like chocolate brown, olive green, or burnt orange to contrast with bright white walls.
Use the molding to highlight specific zones in an open concept space. For example, crown the ceiling over your living room seating arrangement or frame out the dining area. Floating shelves mounted to the molding help delineate each functional zone.
The retro molding brings sculptural definition to otherwise minimalist, contemporary spaces. Let this simple yet shapely detail draw the eye while still celebrating sleek, modern style.
Natural Wood for Rustic Dining Rooms
Rustic spaces deserve natural, organic crown molding to complement reclaimed floors and rough-hewn furniture. Unfinished wood molding adds beautiful texture.
For a rugged yet refined look, combine stained barnwood planks with raw-edge natural molding. Use salvaged wood like pine or cypress milled into chunky 8-10” crown profiles. The uneven planks and rough shape add striking drama.
Or, for a more refined take, adorn the dining room with rich cherry or red oak molding. Allow the smooth milled wood to shine in its natural state. Match the warm hues with an antique wood dining table and textural elements like jute rugs.
Let the wood speak for itself by opting for organic textures over ornate details. Rustic crown molding looks gorgeous when the natural grain and raw imperfections show through.
Built-In Elegance for Libraries
Build striking wooden built-ins topped with elegant crown molding to create a regal library look in any room. This architectural detail commands attention and displays your book collection beautifully.
Opt for high-quality mahogany or cherry wood built-ins and matching crown molding. Allow the rich tones to shine through with a clear varnish finish. Ornate carved molding and rounded edges add striking dimension.
Flank windows with built-in bookcases boasting 5-6 inch crown molding up top. Fill the shelves neatly with books, decor, and reading nook accessories like cozy chairs and swing arm sconces.
The built-ins draw the eye up while the crown molding elegantly frames the space. Together they create an impressive focal point worthy of your inner bibliophile’s book collection. Display your literary treasures proudly.
Wall Paneling for Historic Charm
For a stately historic look, install traditional wall paneling topped with crown molding. This classic combination adds European flair and harkens back to old-world estates and aristocracy.
Stately spaces demand dramatic molding, so opt for hand-carved Federal-style crown profiles up to 12 inches wide. Craft them from mahogany or walnut hardwood for rich, warm hues that feel luxurious and timeless.
Install panels of raised beadboard wainscoting using tongue and groove construction for stability. Top the pristine white wainscoting with two stacked rows of crown molding to craft an imposing wall framing.
The grand molding and traditional panelling together create nostalgic old-world charm, perfect for home libraries, offices, dining rooms and more. The effect feels elegant like a luxury chateau or sophisticated gentleman’s club.
Contemporary Contrast for Bold Living Rooms
Make a bold statement in your living room by pairing sleek, contemporary design with eye-catching crown molding. Contrast is king with this creative, unexpected combo.
Install wide crown molding at least 8-10 inches tall in a striking painted color. Black, navy, or charcoal gray look especially sharp against a bright white wall. For a retro vibe, opt for metallic like brass or chrome.
Keep furniture, fixtures and decor decidedly minimalist and modern. The juxtaposition of sleek and colorful is bold and intriguing. For example, ornate black molding pops against a stark white sofa and marble coffee table.
Creative contrast helps elevate basic living rooms into something special and thought-provoking. Don’t be afraid to break design “rules” with this daring decor decision.
French Flair for Chic Master Suites
For a bedroom as chic and stylish as a Parisian pied-a-terre, install crown molding with antique French flair. Timeless and tres chic!
Seek out crown molding styles featuring soft curves, floral motifs, and vintage French script font. Look for intricate plaster molding or sculpted MDF. For romantics, paint the molding antique white or blush pink.
Position ornate French crown molding about 8 feet up the wall, above panelled wainscoting for a grand effect. Hang a crystal chandelier and antique mirror suited for Versailles, and bring in luxe French decor. Tufted headboards, silken throws, gilded accents and fresh flowers abound in this glamorous oasis.
With the right ornate molding and elegant accents, your master suite feels oh-so-chic. This dash of French styling brings a luxurious joie de vivre to bedrooms.
Masculine Study Style for Offices
Carve out a refined, club-like atmosphere in your home office with substantial crown molding befitting an aristocrat’s study. Tailored, dark molding suits this masculine space.
For a stately look, opt for wide, 8-10 inch crown molding in a traditional style. Made from mahogany or cherry wood, choose a deep, rich stain that feels substantial and sophisticated. Top dark walnut bookcases and cabinetry with matching molding.
Install it approximately 8 feet from the ground, above dark wood wainscoting for striking contrast. Oversized leather office chairs, a globe bar cart, and dark patterned area rugs complete the gentleman’s study vision. Keep the overall aesthetic handsome yet smart.
Elevate your office from a makeshift workspace to your own private escape. Dark molding details craft a warm, distinguished ambiance perfect for focus and big ideas.
Simple Yet Striking for Nurseries
A baby’s nursery should feel comforting yet still stylish. Simple, clean-lined crown molding helps strike that balance. Visually interesting without overwhelming.
For nurseries, we recommend MDF crown molding no more than 3-4 inches wide. Paint the molding bright white or in a cheery pastel to match the room’s palette. Opt for simple, approachable profiles rather than anything too ornate.
Install it about 7 feet high – well above a curious baby’s reach! This placement also draws the eye up, making low ceilings feel airier.
Pair the slim molding with light colors, whimsical art prints, comfy seating and sweet bedding. Keep the ambiance fresh and inviting so you actually want to spend time in this happy space, even after baby outgrows the crib.
DIY Accent Beams for Game Rooms
Transform the look of your game room with easy DIY wood accent beams paired with simple crown molding up top. This budget-friendly combo adds stylish texture.
Use 1×3 boards to create faux beams, painting or staining them to contrast the wall color. Install them horizontally about two feet down from the ceiling. Outline them with 1-2” inexpensive foam crown molding up top for a polished look.
The visual impact punches up game rooms dramatically, and the DIY approach costs a fraction of real wood beams. Finish the fun space with eye-catching lighting, colorful bar stools, and of course the essential entertainment must-haves.
With smart board placement and fool-the-eye crown molding, you can build a cool, laid back game room that looks amazing without breaking the budget.
Scandi Style for Serene Bathrooms
For a serene, minimalist bathroom oasis, look to Scandinavian style as inspiration. Simple lines and light colors paired with thin, straight crown molding create a peaceful ambiance.
Opt for breezy wooden slat accent walls to add texture without clutter. Outline the slats and shower with clean 2-3” crown molding. Paint everything crisp white for a bright, airy look.
Incorporate other Scandi elements like woven wall hangings, marble accents, and sleek white fixtures. The overall effect should feel pure, relaxed, and subtly elegant.
Strategic slim molding helps ground the aesthetic without overpowering the space. Follow this Danish approach to craft a spa-like bath that soothes mind and spirit.
Baroque Opulence for Dining Rooms
For drama and majestic allure, adorn dining spaces with opulent Baroque-style crown molding. Intricate details and dark, moody hues transport you.
Baroque crown molding features elaborate scrolling, curving lines, and gold gilding for striking visual impact. Ornate plaster or polyurethane molding offers the look without the hefty price tag.
Paint your statement-making crown molding in a rich shade like emerald,