Does Crown Molding Add Home Value Or Just A Certain Elegance?

“How can I add value to my home?” You ponder, wandering from room to room while refreshing your online banking app, confirming that while you have a bit of cash to play with, it’s not in the cards to finish the basement or overhaul the kitchen.

You pause just long enough to stretch, and as your head tilts back and your eyes sweep from wall to ceiling, it hits you: “What about crown molding?” So, you wonder how much value does crown molding add to your home?

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Crown molding 101

A decorative element usually made of wood or plaster, crown molding is a cornice between the top of a wall and the ceiling. It’s also found above kitchen cabinets, doorways, or windows, rightfully earning its reference to a crown.

While its function is mostly cosmetic and the designs vary widely, crown molding has long been an admired architectural detail that adds depth, texture, and elegance to a room.

Despite its traditional connotations, crown molding can enhance a home of any architectural style. When properly executed with consideration to ceiling height and design rules for proportion, contour, and white space, crown molding suits a wide array of rooms as well.

Common styles of crown molding include:

• Federal: This style is great for adding a visual boost to low ceilings. Its elegant yet understated design helps create the illusion of height in smaller spaces.
• Early American: This molding style is low-key and subtle, making it a perfect choice for homeowners who prefer a minimalist look. It enhances the space without overwhelming the decor.
• Colonial Revival: This style has an upscale feel but embraces a “less is more” approach. It provides a refined touch without being overly ornate, making it versatile for different interiors.
• Classical Revival: Traditional and dignified, this molding style brings a sense of timeless elegance to a room. It pairs well with other classical architectural elements like wainscoting and coffered ceilings.
• Greek Revival: Simple in design, this style is meant to evoke the look of Greek columns. It works well in homes with grand, stately features or those inspired by neoclassical architecture.

Crisp whites and shades of cream are common color choices for crown molding, though the right selection depends on your ceiling height and personal preference. When used as an accent feature above cabinets or windows, crown molding tends to look most cohesive when the color matches the cabinetry or window frame.

As with most aesthetic finishes, craftsmanship is key when it comes to crown molding. Shoddy installation or a slapdash paint job will not only look bad, but it can also make a potential buyer wonder what’s hiding underneath. If you’re thinking of adding crown molding to your home, the intent should be to enhance a room’s appearance, not to hide cracks, stains, or other wall or ceiling damage.