Why Use Crown Molding?

Crown molding is everywhere. If you start looking for it, you will find it! Office buildings, universities, and government structures make use of the ancient adornment. Ever wonder why museums, music halls, and mansions have a feel of craftsmanship?

Crown molding is the answer. From ornate to simple and elegant, the genius of crown molding is making a room feel complete. If you’ve been looking for that wow factor in your home, crown molding might just be what you’ve been looking for.

What is Crown Molding, Anyway?

The use of crown molding as an enhancement to buildings and homes, goes back generations. The ancient Egyptians first made use of crown molding. The Greeks and Romans incorporated crown molding into their architecture. Remember those columns you came across in history class? Greeks and Romans carved moldings out of stone to decorate temples, government buildings, and more.

Originally, it served as a practical solution to hide building imperfections between the wall and ceiling. It was also used to divide room sections. The Greek and Roman knack for combining art and function gave birth to crown molding becoming a decorative element.

Generations ago painting molding on walls was a common practice. Then the Greeks realized actual carvings created shadows and light on a wall much better than paint. Greeks and Romans used stone and marble carvings to create their crown moldings. Creating molding from stone, marble and wood was an intensive, costly process. A home or building with crown molding signified wealth and taste.

These days the use of molding isn’t limited to the wealthy, but the added finesse of crown molding still offers a luxurious finish. The architectural detail of crown molding is a staple of modern construction. No longer made out of stone, today crown molding is available in a range of materials including wood, plaster, mdf, polyurethane, pvc, and polystyrene foam.

The option of materials, installation methods, and affordability have changed the game. Adding a touch of personality to a room is now attainable for everyone. And who doesn’t want their home to have a little custom flair?

What is Crown Molding?

Why Use Crown Molding?

Crown molding has come a long way. Not only is it functional, but molding can transform a room providing a finished look. Wondering what to choose? It’s nearly impossible to make a poor choice when it comes to crown molding. Simply match a room size to molding as the first step. The size of the room and height of the walls can help you determine what molding looks best.

Large room? Perfect for an ornate, large style. Small room? Simple and small might be better. Even with those general guidelines, there is no one single way to use crown molding. Experiment or go traditional, allowing your creativity to lead the way.

Matching the size and style of baseboards is another factor. Create a pleasing aesthetic by selecting molding and baseboards that compliment each other. Personal style is up to you, from modern to traditional, let molding define your space.

What style of crown molding?

Molding Installation: Go Pro or DIY?

Unless you are a carpenter, installing wood crown molding is not an easy job. Combining joints is an art in itself. Unless you have years of experience with a mitre and coping saw, installing wood crown molding (the traditional material) is a daunting task. Wood crown molding can be difficult to handle, not to mention heavy. You’ll need an extra hand for lifting the molding into position.

Without experience or the proper tools, mistakes are bound to occur. Mistakes are expensive, so hiring a contractor for wood molding is almost a necessity. Hiring a professional installer runs from $5 to $12 a linear foot. Prices depend on the type of molding selected, the space covered, and the difficulty of installation.

Instead of handing over money to a contractor, you might consider foam crown molding as an affordable option. Foam crown molding offers the same great look as wood and plaster. Foam molding is cheaper, lightweight, and easy to install.

How much will you save? Foam molding material is 50% to 300% cheaper than wood! It is a breeze to cut, and you can honestly complete your entire installation on your own. Simply apply caulk and affix it to the wall. No nails, no power tools, no carpentry expertise required. In addition, foam crown molding is even a bit more sturdy than wood.

Live in a humid area? While wood may warp over time, foam can withstand extreme changes (even in a bathroom environment!)

You can save even more by painting foam crown molding yourself. Some styles require a primer or paint combined with primer. Hiring a painter could add another $1-$3 per linear foot. Painted foam molding looks just like wood without the heft and challenge of installation. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

What Are You Waiting For?

If you’ve always wanted that “custom builder” appeal for your living space, above kitchen cabinets, on your fireplace mantel, there’s no better time to try your hand at foam crown molding. A small investment, both money and time, for big style!

If you’re wondering if you can install foam crown molding — with no other experience — the answer is absolutely. You don’t have to take our word for it…check out the step-by-step processes detailed on this blogger’s site and on our How To Page.

And, with a crew like us standing by to help you answer your questions, you don’t have any reason to be nervous. Even if you’re not a pro at home DIY, you can install foam crown molding. Let us know how we can help you — from choosing a style to planning out how much you’ll need, we’ve got you covered.

Shop this look for a formal dining room, or this classic crown molding style.

Cory Wilson
Cory Wilson
14:56 03 May 21
I'm excited to receive the product I just ordered. I made a mistake when ordering (ordered the wrong size/style). I... realized this over the weekend, so left a message. Derek called back first thing this morning and said "Not a problem at all... we can change that for you!" and made it a non-issue. He was very polite and customer service oriented. Also he let me know that they were going to try to get my process ordered and shipped out today!! Although I haven't worked with this product yet, I have to say the customer service provided by Derek was top notch and I was already impressed enough to feel compelled to write this review. Once I receive the molding and have a chance to do some installation, I'll update my review on the product. For now, they definitely earn a five-start review for Derek's customer service. One more thing I add - I love that free shipping is offered at such a low ($100) threshold. THANK YOU!read more
Larry Mazoway
Larry Mazoway
17:03 05 May 20
Great product.Easy to install.Can’t tell it’s not wood.Plus, it’s easy to fit snuggly against walls and ceilings if... the have minor waves.read more
James O'Leary
James O'Leary
23:05 26 Jan 20
it was every thing we hoped and better! the moldind arrived on time, we arranged for rolling scaffold and got to wolk'.... we used the caulk you suggessed, used a level .(we have 13 foot cielings in front room) the next day we strung string lites behind the molding. great reviews from all who have seen it. it looks spectacular thanks for a great product and extra advice you offeredread more
Michelle Whetsell
Michelle Whetsell
01:40 22 Jan 20
A wonderful product. The quality is top of the line. You can tell this company takes pride in its product and service.
William L Rubink
William L Rubink
03:39 21 Dec 19
I used Crown Molding Products and found them durable, easy to install, and economical. Well worth it, Highly... recommended.read more
DL Rowe
DL Rowe
00:19 20 Dec 19
Takes some care to get smooth cuts and joints but after a bit of experience it's an easy material to work with. I will... use these moldings again and recommend the product.read more
jack thomson
jack thomson
15:00 21 Sep 19
Easy DYI project, results look fantastic! The hardest part is waiting for the paint to dry to install your mouldings.
Chris Hernandez
Chris Hernandez
21:34 17 Sep 19
This was so easy to install. When friends and family come over they cannot believe its foam. High quality and easy to... paintread more
Brian Chadwick
Brian Chadwick
21:56 07 Aug 19
Great product, easy to install and looks great. Just had my home reappraised, the appraiser had nothing but positive... comments about how the molding improved the overall look of the property.read more
Rebecca Figone
Rebecca Figone
01:30 13 Jun 19
Love this product! It looks fantastic! It is easy to use, even alone. I highly recommend this product to anyone... looking to upgrade the look of their rooms, at a great price. LOVE! Thanks so much, Crown Molding Solutions!read more
Beth Coffin
Beth Coffin
01:19 11 Jun 19
I bought this company's basic crown molding a couple years ago. I had to prime it, paint it, cut it, and glue it. It... wasn't too much of a challenge. I received nice compliments from people who normally aren't generous in praising. It has continued to look great even as my old house settles.read more
Gartett Carpenter
Gartett Carpenter
02:03 30 May 19
We have ordered crown moulding from this business for most of our home. First, the product is easy to work with and... goes up nicely as long as you watch the instructional video recommend by the company. The corners come pre cut, which is awesome. Derrick was helpful with everything from suggestions for installation to making sure we ordered the proper amount. I loved that it hometown business feel with large company product. These people are truly 5 star.read more
Shawn Freeman
Shawn Freeman
04:58 09 Mar 19
I used Crown Molding Solutions in the living groom of a house i was remodeling that was over 100 years old. with how... much the house settled made everything very complicated to installed and make it look good. their product made it so easy to bluff certain spots. I had it painted and installed in two nights, my first time every doing it. very easy. and it looks great. will defiantly be a returning customer for my next house!!read more
Justin Hein
Justin Hein
19:26 06 Mar 19
I bought 4" style C foam molding and loved it. I was able to tack wires up high along the ceiling since I did not have... attic access. I painted them before installing and I got many compliments on them. When I mentioned they were foam to some buddies who are craftsmen by trade they were impressed and said they couldn't tell any difference. I would use them again.read more
Dena Fenton
Dena Fenton
17:21 07 Jan 19
THANK YOU, Derek, for providing crown molding elements for our Christmas-movie-themed decorating competition here in... Burleson ISD. Thanks to YOU, we received the Excellent Christmas Spirit award and second place overall for our White Christmas scene. We were quite excited!! MANY thanks for your contribution. We appreciate YOU! Your products are amazing and your customer service exemplary!!!read more
Traveling light
Traveling light
01:14 29 Dec 18
I had only imagined a product like foam crown molding, thinking how easy and inexpensive it could be. Then to my... shock, learned there really is such a product. After finding 3 main sites, I had the most success with Crown Molding Solutions. One company suggested that my custom design wouldn't be good because of the thickness I chose. Also the running foot was more expensive than Crown Molding Solutions. Answers were vague. Another company didn't respond as they said they would on the phone in later emails. So I chose Crown Molding Solutions. I got prompt friendly and informative replies and a great price for something totally custom made to my liking. A minor problem was easily and speedily resolved and I am happy to recommend this company to anyone out there looking to save a bundle over high end lumber yard prices plus the cost of a professional to install. This product is extremely easy to install and at age 73, I will have an easy time of it. I am extremely pleased with Crown Molding Solutions.read more
Ron Perrin
Ron Perrin
03:31 16 Nov 18
I have ordered several times over the years with crown molding for projects. The staff is great, friendly, very... helpful and willing to answer questions and give suggestions. Their products are very easy to install and the finished project always comes out looking great. Orders are received and shipped out promptly.read more
Barbara Skelly
Barbara Skelly
21:56 06 Nov 18
I LOVE this company, and this product! It is just wonderful, so easy to work with, and basically "fool proof". And... for us female "Handy Women" much better than handling 8 foot lengths of heavy wood molding. I have been dealing with Derek for about 8 years or so, he is the ultimate in top-of-the-line Customer Service, and extremely knowledgeable. Had a problem with my order back in June, due to some inaccurate info on the website, and he made it right, and right away! Great Company, Great Products, totally under promoted, they need a Marketing person to get the word out!read more
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