The Royal Treatment: Unveiling Different Types of Crown Moulding

June 18, 2024

By: The Finished Space

Have you ever wondered how interior designers transform normal rooms into something out of a design magazine? Here’s a hint: It’s the shaping right above you, around your ceiling and walls—crown moulding! 

It’s a design feature that has been used to transform ordinary homes and buildings into ornate and beautiful masterpieces for decades, and we’ve decided it was time to shine a spotlight on the different styles of crown molding. Are you ready?

What is Crown Moulding?

Pink Trim Bathroom - After - Closeup

Before we get into the various types of crown moulding styles, let’s start with the basics. 

Crown moulding is an architectural feature installed in the space where your walls meet the ceiling. Originating from the grand buildings of ancient Greece and Rome, crown moulding was a symbol of structure and beauty that was reserved for the finest interiors and exteriors.

Today, this timeless feature has become super accessible to anyone with a good understanding of the interior design aesthetic. That being said, crown moulding is no antique. It’s been adapted over the centuries to fit every kind of home.

The Benefits of Crown Moulding Styles

There are many reasons why crown moulding is so popular in modern interior design. Here are some of the benefits of installing crown moulding in your home:

  • Aesthetic Elevation: Crown moulding is the designer’s secret for adding instant elegance and a finished look to any room.

  • Property Value: Installing crown moulding is a savvy investment that can boost the appeal and value of your home.

  • Illusion of Height: By drawing the eye upward, crown moulding creates the impression of higher ceilings and a more expansive room.

  • Conceal Imperfections: Crown moulding and trim are perfect for hiding any less-than-perfect edges where walls and ceilings meet.

  • Design Versatility: Crown moulding comes in designs to suit every taste, from the minimalist to the extravagant.

  • Fully Customizable: Stain it, paint it, or finish it to match your unique style. The sky (or ceiling) is the limit!

  • Built to Last: Select the right material, and your crown moulding can stand the test of time, by holding up as long as your home does.

Different Crown Moulding Materials

Blue Wall and White Trim

When discussing the types of crown moulding, it’s easy to overlook one of the qualities that make it so versatile – the materials used to create it. When it comes to materials, each has its own set of superpowers:

Wood

Wood is a classic choice that is beloved for its natural beauty and versatility. Whether painted for a contemporary look or stained to highlight its innate patterns, wood moulding brings a warm, organic feel to any interior.

MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

Medium Density Fiberboard is a wallet-friendly alternative that doesn’t skimp on style. It provides a smooth, consistent finish for those who prefer a painted look.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a resilient and lightweight material that is a dream for DIYers. It resists the wear and tear of time, including warping and cracking, which makes it ideal for both interior and humid environments.

Plaster

For the traditional designer who appreciates craftsmanship, plaster offers a high-end, custom look that’s perfect for creating intricate designs and detailed patterns.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a practical choice for areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms, basements, and home exteriors. Easy to clean and maintain, vinyl stands up to the elements better than most of the materials listed here.

Flexible

Curves and contours? No problem. Flexible crown moulding hugs every curve to ensure that your home’s unique areas get the royal treatment. It can be made to match the crown moulding installed on your straight walls as well!

The Different Types of Crown Moulding

dining with crown and chair rail credit cresco

Credit: https://cresco.ca/

Like the perfect frame for your favorite painting, crown moulding comes in styles to complement every period and preference. Here are 9 different types of crown moulding:

1. Step Crown Moulding

Think of step crown moulding as the muse for a modern designer. Its layered look creates depth and interest without overpowering the design, which is perfect for those seeking a blend of contemporary, cool, and understated charm.

2. Leafy Crown Moulding

For a touch of the outdoors, leafy crown moulding creates an organic pattern indoors. It’s like a walk in the forest, with each leaf and vine adding a bit of nature to your living space.

3. Dentil Crown Moulding

Precision and classic detail are the hallmarks of dentil moulding. This style features small, uniform blocks that create a rhythmic harmony, so it is perfect for homes with a historical or traditional design style.

4. Egg-and Dart Crown Moulding

Like the crown moulding found in ancient Greek temples, egg-and-dart crown moulding alternates oval shapes with arrow-like darts. It’s a timeless pattern that speaks of luxury and detailed craftsmanship.

5. Cove Crown Moulding

Cove crown moulding takes a softer approach with its concave profile. It’s subtle yet stylish and is a versatile choice that pairs well with modern decor and traditional styles.

6. Contemporary Craftsman Crown Moulding

Option M - Contemporary Craftsman - Living Room - Ceiling- 2021

The detail on this ceiling is absolutely breathtaking. Everything from the color of the door moulding and window casing to the exposed beams covered in crown moulding speaks to a design sensibility that is out of this world! This room screams craftsmanship, and we love to see it.

7. Bookish Crown Moulding

Is there anything more sophisticated than a built-in library with awe-worthy trim and crown moulding? The designer of this space had an understanding of traditional design sensibilities and knew how to take them into the 21st century.

8. Modern Crown Moulding

A modern crown living room should be the example everyone uses to describe just how beautiful modern home designs can be. The muted color palette with mixes of earthy brown and ocean blue combined with the sophisticated crown moulding in the coffered ceiling create a living room that anyone would love to call their own.

9. Chair Line Crown Moulding

This living room style features a beautiful chair line topped with crown moulding and lined with trim to create paneled frames. This perfectly accentuates the room’s shape, heightens the ceiling, and matches the gorgeous crown moulding along the ceiling.

Additional Crown Moulding Ceiling Inspirations

If you are looking for even more crown molding designs, here are a few additional crown moulding ceiling inspirations for your next project or renovation.

Minimalist Crown Moulding

MPS-B-HMD-Cordite

The crown moulding in this room is minimal, adding to the chic styling throughout the room. Everything from the trim around the doors, the muted color palette, the picture frames on the walls, and the exposed beams speak to this home’s beautifully minimal design sensibilities.

Maximalist Crown Moulding

On the other side of the equation, a maximalist living room features a ton of gorgeous design work, including trim and crown mouldings. They’re set in a variety of colors to create contrast throughout the room and draw your attention to the focal areas.

Opulent Room Elegance

An opulence room design employs simple, minimalistic crown moulding so that it doesn’t distract from the ornate gold pieces and luxurious furniture throughout the room. This is further proof that interior design work is all about balance.

Contrasting Crown Moulding

Kitchen2 5717 Ayrshire Blvd

In this dining room and kitchen, the designer understood the power of subtle contrast. It doesn’t take a lot to create contrast in a space. When you have dark brown flooring, a navy kitchen island, and light grey walls, all you need is a little white crown moulding to make all the difference.

Update Your Home with Beautiful Crown Moulding from Metrie

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Imagine your home styled to perfection with every little detail accounted for – that’s what learning about the different types of crown moulding from Metrie can do for you. 

Whether you’re renovating or just looking to spruce up your space, we have a spectrum of crown moulding options to bring your design dreams to life. 

Contact us today to learn more!

For more information on building your home’s style, check out the Metrie Complete Builder.