Creative Uses For Decorative Crown Moldings

There is no doubt about the fact that crown moldings can make a huge impact in what might othrwise be a boring, boxy, plain room. They add instant visual appeal and architectural intersest, which is why they have been incredibly popular for years. Now more than ever it is easy to find countless options in terms of scale, design and size of moldings that are easy to install and surprisingly affordable.

Though moldings have a massive following, to be sure, not everyone is aware of the many alternative uses that exist for this versatile product. It is possible to dramatically transform and improve many areas of the home with decorative crown moldings, in ways that might not ordinarily be expected.

One terrific project that utilizes this type of molding is one in which inexpensive, stock book shelves are made over into custom-looking built-ins that appear as though they've been in the house for decades. Simply purchase some affordable bookcases at a large discount retailer or mail-order outlet. Ensure that accurate measurements are taken of both the available wall space and the dimentions of the shelves that are to be bought. That way, it will be easy to know exactly how to align the bookcases to create the most natural, built-in effect.

If desired, affix the bookcases to one another and anchor them to the wall. Measure sections of molding to fit all the way across the bookcases. Select a paint color and paint the bookcases along with the molding to match. It may be necessary to add baseboard to the bottom of the entire unit to accomplish a completely finished appearance. Rather than an obviously budget-friendly store bought set of bookcases, it really is possible to achieve the high-end look of built-ins.


Kitchen cabinetry makeovers can also benefit greatly from the use of decorative crown moldings. Builder-grade cabinets can also receive a fresh, custom look by building up their tops to reach closer to the ceiling and then adding attractive crown molding. These will also need to be painted in their entirety to ensure a cohesive appearance between cabinetry and molding. But, once finished, homeowners can have the expensive look of custom, luxury-height kitchen cabinets for a mere fraction of the price.

There really is no end to the usefulness of crown molding, something home improvement gurus and interior design professionals have known for years. The abundant product offerings now on the market make using molding simpler than ever before.