Crown molding ideas come in a variety of styles and eras, which means there’s a lot to think about when considering cornices. Typically, but not exclusively found in historic homes, crown moldings have been used throughout architectural history to embellish the top of a wall where it joins the ceiling, but they are more than a purely decorative adornment.
Aside from thinking about the time, there are many flourishes you make to add interest to your crown molding. Think about how you use color and what patterns you like. Also, think about the space and size before committing to a specific style that could overwhelm the space if not done right.
For those looking to introduce a simple living room idea like crown moldings into their home, these are the factors to consider.
8 crown molding ideas for every property style
“The purpose of cornices is to bring order to a space and to provide the foundation for interior design to build on,” says interior designer Max Rollitt (opens in new tab), whose furnishing projects consistently refer to and reflect a home’s heritage. With that in mind, the right design of your crown molding can set the stage for your interiors.
1. Get historically accurate with your crown bar ideas
(Image credit: Kasha)
In some parts of the world, crown molding is more of a historical artifact than others. Crown shape periods can be divided into Classical, Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Contemporary. The classical era derives from the principles of Greek and Roman architecture. “In classical buildings, cornices are based on the four classical orders: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Tuscan,” says Max Rollitt.
Georgian and Regency moldings are softer in style, while crown moldings in Victorian and Edwardian homes are more floral and decorative. Art Deco moldings typically consist of geometric shapes. “Flavour has always been a factor, and you’ll be surprised at how much choice there can be while staying true to the era,” says George Jackson’s Xana Haley (opens in new tab)Specialists in architectural interior decoration.
Lasts should always try to stay as close as possible to the style appropriate for the house date. Review the edging categories and ask a neighbor to inspect their edging for comparison. “I usually orientate myself on the existing interior design – baseboards, baseboards, architraves or fireplaces,” advises Max.
Of course you are flexible depending on your taste. “If you’re concerned about the level of embellishment, go for something simpler while it’s still stylistically appropriate,” he adds.
2. Try a simple design
(Image credit: Orac Decor)
For a simple look, a simple, plain crown bar can go a long way. The simpler version of the molding is a series of linear elements without decorations or details. It ensures a seamless connection between the ceiling and the wall while being subtle and stylish.
Simple moldings are often arched to create a coved effect and can be installed in ornate stacks to add interest in classic and understated ways.
3. Or opt for an enriched style
(Image credit: Stephan Julliard. Design: Le Berre Vevaud)
An enriched crown bar is floral or patterned. “Once you put in a finished molding, it’s the hallmark of an era,” says Miles Leigh, director of Cornice London. Each era had its own favorite style.
The quality of a beautifully decorated cornice is evident in the definition of the ornamentation. Enriched styles also vary by room. “It varies by era and size of house, but in a Victorian house you would have an ornate cornice in the main rooms – the reception room and master bedroom – and a plain cornice of a similar size and shape in the common areas. Hallways, bathrooms and second bedrooms,” adds Leigh. Ornate cornices are generally more expensive to manufacture and supply, and come in a range of floral and decorative styles.
4. Carefully consider sizing
(Image credit: Helen Cathcart. Design: Bryan O’Sullivan, 1stDibs 50)
The size of the bar depends on the height and size of a room. In general, the higher the ceiling in a room, the lower the cornice can be installed. Large cornices used in a room with low ceilings create a disproportionate effect. “The size of your cornice is part common sense, part looking at the period,” says Miles. “In an average Victorian house we would put a center cornice all over. A center cornice would have a height of 4 inches and a projection or depth of 8 inches.
In this example by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio (opens in new tab)the crown molding between the wall and ceiling is enriched but subtle and simple, with a pearl-like pattern between the wall and ceiling, creating an elegant living room.
5. Try a ceiling rose
(Image credit: Jennifer Hughes. Design: Darryl Carter Inc., 1stDibs 50)
In a home with beautiful crown molding, you’ll often find a center rosette – a decorative feature that surrounds the lighting and gives expression to your ceiling. An elegant statement lighting idea, a crown rose can be as simple or as ornate and grand as you like and can really help tie all the crown molding work together.
The style you choose will largely depend on your existing decor. If you’re staying in a historic property, look to the cornice details already in place for inspiration, or anything that architecturally connects you to an era, such as a B. a fireplace. If your ceiling has a simple shape, you are not limited when choosing a rose style – your ceiling is a blank canvas.
Many properties don’t have a ceiling canopy, but while adding an ornate ceiling canopy may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually relatively easy to install since they’re prefabricated and secured with glue and sealant. An electrician can help you outfit your ceiling with the correct lighting fixtures and help you route your electrical cords through the center of your rosette.
As for the different styles, first of all, you should be careful to choose the right size. Don’t go too big or it will overwhelm the room. A house with a smaller ceiling should also have a smaller ceiling rose. Another rule of thumb is that the rose does not overwhelm the light itself. The diameter of the rosette should not be larger than that of the lamp.
6. Try the color-soaking trend in crown shaping
(Image credit: Orac Decor)
One way to add interest to your crown molding is to get creative with color for an interesting living room ceiling idea. A monochromatic scheme can work with crown moldings, as exemplified by this bold living room color idea.
Take the color and use the same shade or a slightly lighter or darker shade throughout the room, including the ceiling and your crown moldings. This can give the illusion of more space and really create a cozy vibe.
7. Or paint your bar a contrasting color
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Crown moldings are usually painted a bright white, but an alternative look is to use the space for a bold and dramatic color. Simple neutral colored walls paired with a more dramatic color for the moldings can enhance your interiors and create a real contrast in the room. In this room painted in Benjamin Moore (opens in new tab) Color, the black lines provide a sleek and elegant finish.
8. Use cornices as a place for accent lighting
(Image credit: Orac Decor)
For a modern living room, the crown molding can be a great place to add mood lighting as it disguises itself from the fixture and can cast a great shadow on the wall.
Disguising and concealing lighting is a contemporary trend in modern homes and the lighting, which is usually LED, does not lend itself as the main light source, but rather provides a halo function and creates a sense of atmosphere.
How are moldings made?
Cornices are made of gypsum and are usually prefabricated. Traditionally formed by hand from plaster and lime putty, cornices were largely made and installed on the house. It then became cheaper to prefabricate them and then install them on site. Typically cornices are now prepared with plaster and burlap and finished into 3m blocks before being installed, lightly sanded and painted.
Detailed plaster can encourage dust, so lightly dust your enriched cornice frequently, but other than that, a cornice requires little to no maintenance. Check for water ingress or minor repairs and cracks. These can be fixed by a decorator, but major repairs such as missing parts should be carried out by a professional.