If you’re a homeowner, you must be wondering what size crown molding for kitchen cabinets is best.
Crown molding uplifts any room in your house, grasping attention from the visitors and making the ceiling look higher.
Also, crown molding offers proportion and space balance by developing a transition between the ceiling and walls.
Just think of it as a wow factor and a stimulator of resale value.
While selecting the suitable crown molding sizes, remember that the taller the kitchen cabinet is, the larger the crown molding needs to be.
A 36 inches cabinet pairs nicely with a crown molding varying from 3 to 4 inches.
Similarly, a 42 to 48 inches kitchen cabinet looks hand-in-hand with a crown molding belonging to the 4-5 inches range.
Lastly, a 54 inches kitchen cabinet works well with a crown molding of 5 to 7 inches.
The size of the crown molding is the secret to the finished appearance of the kitchen cabinets.
That said, it is vital to choose the correct crown molding size for your cabinets, and this is precisely where we will be helping you. So, let’s get started!
What is crown molding?
The generic term crown molding indicates the decorative part covering the top of kitchen cabinets.
This decorative piece is usually utilized to finalize the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen.
By installing the crown molding, no more dust gets accumulated at the cabinets’ top.
It also encloses the gap between the ceiling and cabinets.
Related Reading: Standard Kitchen Base Cabinet Dimensions – Click Here To Learn More.
Is crown molding an outdated style?
Not at all! Crown molding is one of those aspects that will never be outdated. This is why all homeowners should pay attention to crown molding.
The cheapest crown molding
Medium-density fiberboard or MDF is an excellent option for affordable crown molding. This is composed of layers of wood pieces glued together with high pressure and heat.
The outcome is a thick, lightweight, and cheap crown molding that can be painted, primed, and installed similar to wood.
Do modern kitchens display crown molding?
Modern kitchens feature a contemporary design with neat lines. To gain this look, all the conventional details in the traditional kitchen are omitted from the modern kitchen.
The conventional details include wall and base cabinets with crown molding, drawer fronts, elevated panels on doors, and corner blocks, all of which add a decorative element to the cabinets.
What are the types of crown molding?
There are various types of crown molding, as described in this section:
Dentil molding
This is generally employed as a decorative part at the top of cabinets. It is positioned around the door sides as well as the ceiling.
Interior crown molding
This is installed around the ceiling perimeter. It’s ideal for closing the gap between the cabinet and the ceiling.
Corner molding
This is one of the most budget-friendly categories of crown molding. It aptly covers the cabinet corners, providing them with an immaculate and polished final appearance.
Light molding
Light molding is commonly installed on the cabinet base to hide under the cabinet lights. This is also a very affordable choice.
Applied molding
This type is often installed on top of the cabinet surfaces and walls.
Surface molding
The last type on the list, surface molding, is typically employed on kitchen islands to make them resemble furniture.
Do kitchen cabinets require crown molding?
Crown molding is a professional look for standard cabinets. Without this element, cabinets are incomplete as there is no finished look.
So, it’s a good idea to install crown molding. But how? More on this in the next section.
What are the rules of crown molding
Is there rocket science that explains the technique for installing molding on top of tall cabinets and walls?
No hard and fast rule encourages you to apply a piece of molding on the cabinet tops.
Even though many tall cabinets and entire overlay walls are designed with a greater reveal at the top, particularly for installing some molding types, the transitional and conventional styles offer much help to crown molding.
However, the latest and contemporary designs, which are much cleaner, do not demand crown molding.
To keep the molding crisp, always sand, cut, or file any open wood at the inner edge.
A tiny amount of drywall compound can be applied to cover gaps between walls and baseboards before painting.
How do you choose crown molding for kitchen cabinets?
A general rule of thumb is to utilize basic molding with fewer details and curves and a streamlined door style.
The more complicated a door design is, the more detailed crown molding would be suitable.
The height of the crown molding should also be considered a considerable room with taller cabinets and a high ceiling that can accommodate more prominent crown molding.
But if the ceiling is low and the room is smaller, a big crown molding will overtake the space.
Remember that scale and proportion are fundamental.
Generally, vertical trim elements, like window casings and doors, are supposed to be smaller than the baseboards.
If we assume 50% of the baseboard, it will be equal to 3 and a half inches.
So, your crown molding should be smaller than the baseboard and suitable for the ceiling height. Source
Related Reading: Corner Cabinets Dimensions – Find More Here.
How many inches is crown molding on kitchen cabinets?
Crown moldings are usually located at the top of the cabinets and generally have a height of 2 to 6 inches.
Taller crown moldings are customized with numerous pieces and are installed for a separate kitchen.
How do you read crown molding sizes?
- Height
By measuring from the ceiling to the bottom of the crown molding.
- Projection
Measuring from the crown molding edge to the wall.
- Face
Measuring the crown molding from top to bottom.
How much should I pay for crown molding installation?
Generally, the crown molding will cost you anything from $200 to $600 for the installation in each room.
Many factors influence the average cost, like if you hire an expert or do it yourself, the size of the room, and much more. Source
What type of crown molding is best?
- Wood
This forms a traditional but durable crown molding. The only downside is that it is expensive. Plus, it demands skills for installing and cutting, which not everyone possesses.
- Plaster
Similar to wood, plaster is another frequently used material. But plaster also isn’t appropriate for DIY as it’s custom-molded. The high cost and complexity make it more challenging to work with.
- Rubber
Rubber is flexible, and the crown molding made by this material is practical and lightweight. These qualities make it equally great for curved rooms.
- Styrofoam
This is a budget-friendly and lightweight material.
What Size Crown Molding For Kitchen Cabinets – FAQs
What is stacked crown molding?
In this type, fillers, edges, and strips are located on top of each other, forming a stack resulting in a customized piece, which professionally fills spaces. It also distracts attention from flaws.
Stacked crown molding can be made of a carved, plain surface or combined basic styles.
What is standard crown molding?
Standard crown molding refers to 4 inches of measurement for casual spaces. But for formal rooms, a minimum of 9 inches is required.
A complete entablature (picture mold and cornice) is needed in some areas, which measures 24 inches.
What is the difference between the cornice and crown molding?
Both of these serve as a crown or caps on cabinets and walls. In the market, they’re available as simply modern or decorative.
But the slight difference is that crown molding is only an interior design element.
On the other hand, cornice molding is visible in both interior and exterior designs.
Both moldings can be merged on the interior too.
How thick is cabinet crown molding?
For the standard crown molding profiles, the thickness measures ⅛ inches.
How wide should cabinet crown molding be?
Usually, the height and width of the crown molding are equal. A wall cabinet measuring 36 inches looks suitable with crown molding within the 3-4 inches range.
A cabinet of 42-48 inches pairs perfectly with crown molding between 4 to 5 inches. Lastly, a 54 inches cabinet looks okay with molding of 5 to 7 inches.
Should crown molding and baseboards be the same size?
No. The latter should be bigger than the molding and suitable for the ceiling height. In simple homes and lower ceilings, molding is unnecessary.
How do you attach crown molding to cabinets?
- Utilize a straight edge to mark the molding on the cabinet. A minimum of 1 inch is recommended above the line to attach the trim. If your cabinet lacks sufficient space for direct attachment, build a frame to settle on the cabinet top. This frame will measure the same size as the front and sides of the cabinet.
- Hold or measure the trim piece to the cabinet. Mark its length for cutting.
- Initiate on one end where the crown molding meets the wall. From there, work on corners individually. Cut both pieces before attachment.
- For the outer corners, the initial cuts should be 1/16 inches longer than the marks. This offers room around the curve.
- For attachment, employ nails and wood glue at the bottom where the board touches the frame. Nailing at different angles will help with holding it firmer.
- Stain or paint the crown molding to pair with the cabinet.
Does crown molding make a room look bigger or smaller?
Crown molding adds a sophisticated touch to any room. But based on the painting, it can make the room look smaller.
However, even darker rooms will look more prominent if the molding is painted the same or almost the same shade on the wall.
Should crown molding be painted flat or semi-gloss?
Crown molding is never supposed to be painted in a flat finish, as it’s already reserved for ceiling and walls. Instead, go for a gloss finish, which is long-lasting and attractive. The easiest option is semi-gloss.
Should crown molding match the ceiling or trim?
The molding’s shade should be different from the ceiling color. If they both have the same color, the ceiling will appear heavier, and molding will look unimportant. And this cancels the decorative purpose of molding.
Does crown molding add value?
Definitely! Crown molding results in a boosted home value and a positive ROI based on the investment in the particular project.
Many homeowners desire simple projects that will uplift their resale value, which is possible by adding crown molding in any room.
Related Reading: Kitchen Design Rules – Read This Post Before Designing Your Kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Hence crown molding is an essential part of kitchen cabinetry. It enhances the kitchen outlook and increases its resale value if used in the proper size.
