What Exactly Is Crown Molding?

By definition, a molding is an ornamental piece ofthe interior decoration of rooms. These were the
wood, metal, or plaster, used to decorate or outlinerules of "3". A column, the basis of classical
something. It can be used on the interior or exteriorarchitecture, is divided into 3 parts: base, shaft and
of a home. Moldings frame walls, ceilings, windows,capital. The base and the capital were then further
and door openings. Examples of moldings used todivided into 3 parts and prescribed rules applied to
decorate with are baseboards, crown molding, andthe relationship and the proportion of these divisions
chair rails. Today, I want to talk exclusively aboutas well. The same divisions that apply to a column
crown molding as a decorative architectural choice.are also applied to the wall. The wall is divided into
Crown molding, also referred to as crown moulding,the baseboard, the wall and a crown molding. The
or cornice, is probably the most importantlower wall can be further divided into the base, dado
architectural accent used to detail any interior space.and chair rail. Finally, the upper wall is divided into the
Most interior designers today would agree that everypicture molding, frieze and crown molding.
room can be improved with the use of crownWhen beginning any decorative project to include
molding. Crown molding smoothes the transition fromseveral types of molding, it is recommended that you
the wall to the ceiling and does a wonderful job ofchoose the style and size of crown molding first, as it
defining the architectural style of a room. The sizeis the most prominently displayed. Then select the
and style of crown molding used may vary widely,rest of the moldings to match. Regarding the proper
from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a largesizing of the crown molding, advice is abundant and
built-up cornice in a grand entry.many guidelines have been written. Most often the
The initial use of a cornice in building design isadvice directs you to select the size of the crown
anyone's guess. By the time the ancient Greeks hadmolding based on the height of your ceiling. This may
gained power, rules had already been created tobe a common approach to this aspect of the design
define the use and design of crown molding. Originally,process, though, as larger crown moldings have often
it was used as a structural element to help supportbeen used to impressively decorate rooms of more
the weight of the roof. It also served to keep watermodest proportions. What IS important is to properly
away from the building, thus protecting the lowerscale the casings and other moldings to the size of
walls and the foundation. However, the use ofthe crown molding that you wish to use. When
cornice as a decorative element was not consideredchoosing crown molding for your interior, feel free to
any less important than it's more utilitarian functions.select the size and style that YOU like. Historically,
Most of the ornamental design patterns that you seelarger crown moldings were more frequently used
on today's crown molding originated from the ancientthan what is recommended today by many interior
Greeks. Egg and dart, dentil and acanthus leaf are thedesigners. Change is anticipated as the current
most obvious examples and these were usedarchitectural renaissance continues and more
extensively in ancient times by both the Greeks anddesigners and homeowners endeavor to add warmth
the Romans.to their homes and to personalize their interiors. So
With the rebirth of the arts in the Renaissance periodhave a go at it and don't be intimidated . You are
came a renewed interest in classical architecture aslimited only by your imagination.copyright 2005
well. The rules of the classical orders were applied togoceilingmedallion.