Crown Molding Corner Cuts – How to “Cut” Them Yourself

Crown molding is generally referred to as a one-piece type of molding that is installed at an angle to an adjoining surface. Moldings have earned their place among several inexpensive home decorating ideas that can change the look of a room for around $200 (or less!).

Accent moldings add a rich look to rooms as an ornamental finish to walls and cabinets and can even be used as a decorative support for architectural elements like decorative mantels and shelves. You’ll find that crown molding can even be put together using multiple styles at once to create an extremely dramatic effect. Mantels and shelves are often treated with this type of trim piece combination for an original look. While the primary purpose of using crown molding is to change the appearance of any room, it can also be used to cover up ugly drywall blemishes or joints.

While most homeowners or installers first think of trim molding as a decorative element, it can also be used as a protective element against wall damage, drafts, and wood expansion and contraction problems. Beginning in the late Renaissance era, designers adapted elements of Greek and Roman architecture into ornate plaster and wood cornices, and these style influences can be seen in today’s modern crown molding. These pieces were used as an embellishment to the otherwise drab meeting of wall and ceiling, as they are used today.

Soctia, cyma, ovolo… these are the classic names given to the curves of the cornice. Of course, there are even more names and styles than the variety of trim available today. You’ll never have trouble finding the right one for you with options like the many commonly described as: large trim, decorative trim, egg and dart trim, flexible trim, wood trim, raised trim, and of course, green trim.

Prices can range from around $27 a piece to around $200 or more for each piece, giving the homeowner plenty of options when it comes to their budget and flexibility for inexpensive home decorating ideas using crown molding. The options expand even further when you consider the many ways crown molding can be used alone or in conjunction with one another and even include smaller applications on shelves or mantels.

While many have balked at using crown molding due to confusion over how to properly make crown molding corner cutouts, don’t let that stop you from embracing this relatively simple decorating idea. A little research for good instructions and a little practice is all it takes to be able to use crown molding to beautify your home. “Your story begins at home.”

And always remember…