What is it about a stately old home that gives it such elegance and grandeur? Look up and you’ll see exactly what it is. It’s the crown moldings.

Crown moldings are the type of architectural details that make a statement about a room — adding a sense of stylish dimension that simply cannot be achieved any other way.

In many ways, crown moldings are like the icing on a cake. The cake will still taste the same no matter, but the “ooh” and “ahh” factor is greatly enhanced if the decorating is well done.

They can also add a sense of continuity to the décor throughout a home — especially if a particular pattern is repeated in some other area, such as kitchen or bathroom cabinets or around a mirror.

Although they look beautiful in a room, crown moldings also serve a very important function — to hide the joints and conceal any gaps that may exist between the walls and the ceiling, doors and windows.

Traditionally moldings were made from plaster and although custom-made plaster moldings are still an option, homeowners can also choose from a variety of other materials.

Materials

Plaster moldings, whether they are custom made or stock, are very heavy — and expensive. They do, however, provide a seamless look that wood moldings just cannot match. However, new synthetic materials are now available that rival the look of plaster — at significantly less cost. Trimroc, for example, offers interior acrylic modified gypsum-plaster moldings extruded over an expanded polystyrene (EPS) base. The moldings are extremely lightweight; yet look as beautiful as plaster moldings. These newer materials also have the advantage of not cracking or splitting as sometimes happens with wood trim.

Wood moldings are still a popular favorite. Wood moldings are made from a variety of different woods — softwoods and hardwoods, as well as medium density fiberboard. Hardwood moldings are usually finished or stained and left to let the beauty of the wood shine through. Softwood and MDF moldings are less expensive and are usually painted.

Style

When choosing crown molding, you can either opt for a simple, single piece of molding or something much more decorative. The most popular profiles include: egg and dart, cove, pearl, dentil and rectangles. Ceiling medallions can be added to the center — either around a central light fixture or as an architectural detail all of its own.

The best style is one that will suit both the size and feel of the room, as well as the overall décor of the home.

For more information about Trimrock, visit their website at www.trimroc.com.