Add Character To The Ceilings With Decorative Trims

Interior Design

There are several ways to improvise the interior designs of the house. With innovative ideas popping up every day, people are left with umpteen choices. One such improvising design that is widely popular among homeowners is crown molding. Unlike the general term âmoldingâ which refers to any type of trim work inside a home, ceiling molding specifically falls under crown molding. Though it was initially installed for practical purpose, later on, it became a style symbol for houses. The crown molding designs paved the path for chair rail molding which is installed at the height at which the top of chairs back touches the wall. The practical reason is that crown moulding was able to cover the gaps formed by the intersection of wall and ceiling materials. Over the years, the plain crown moulding evolved into a decorative trim that uplifted the elegance of the room.

ceiling designs

Is crown moldingused purelyfor decorative purpose?

Well, as mentioned earlier, it was originally installed for the practical purpose. Later on, it was beautified using decorative designs. However, crown molding still serves the purpose of its installation. Apart from covering the intersection of wall and ceiling, it also helps in lifting the space by drawing attention to the ceiling. This gives an impression of the ceiling being higher. These designs are also capable of hiding the defects of walls such as peeling paints and cracks by distracting the eyes. These can also bring out the forgotten grandeur of old houses by getting the attention of these tiny designs.

What are these made of?

Crown Mouldingis available in several materials, thanks to the advanced technology we have today. The popular materials used are:
⢠Wood: The oldest material used for crown molding is wood. It is flexible, lightweight and DIY-friendly material, which is easy to install using nails.
⢠Plaster: This is the traditional material used for crown moulding. Plasters can be decorated extensively with crisp detailing. This material is heavy and rigid which makes its installation difficult and requires skilled craftsmen.
⢠Plaster covered foam: This material is made of polystyrene topped with a fibreglass and followed by a coat of acrylic plaster. It is flexible, light and seamless making it a good alternative for wood and plasters.
⢠Polyurethane foam: This material looks like plaster. Polyurethane crown molding is lightweight and very easy to install. It can be installed using construction adhesives and the joints can be sealed with caulk.
⢠Flexible polyurethane: This material looks like wood but is much heavier. It can be installed using construction adhesives and finishing nails.
Size required

To know the required size, measure the ceiling height. This will help you determine the right size of crown molding required. Simple crown molding is ideal for private spaces while elaborately designed ones are suitable for public rooms. Also, consider the existing trims in the space to create uniformity in the sizes.
Painting crownmoldings
Most of the crown moldings can be painted. Painting it the same color as the room will give an impression of the high ceiling. It can also be painted in different colors as it befits the taste of the homeowner. Crown molding is the ornament that beautifully shields the consolidation of wall and ceiling.