How do you add lights to crown molding?

Adding lights to crown molding can enhance the beauty and functionality of any room. Properly installed crown molding lights provide both ambient and task lighting, while accentuating the architectural details of your space. With some planning and the right materials, you can successfully install crown molding lights on your own.

Benefits of Adding Lights to Crown Molding

There are several advantages to incorporating lights into crown molding:

• Provides both ambient and task lighting – Well-placed crown molding lights cast soft, ambient light to illuminate the whole room, while also providing directed task lighting for activities like reading.
• Highlight architectural details – The visual line of light draws the eye upward, accentuating the crown molding itself as a decorative architectural element.
• Versatile and customizable lighting – Crown molding lights can be used on their own or paired with other lighting like pendant lights or table lamps. The lights can also be dimmed to set the desired mood.
• Convenient built-in lighting – Wiring and installing lights in the crown molding provides built-in lighting without the need for table lamps or overhead fixtures.
• Enhanced visual appeal – The concealed light source creates a soft, attractive glow reflecting off the crown molding and ceiling.

Choosing the Right Lights

Selecting the proper lighting is one of the most important steps in successfully adding lights to crown molding. Here are some factors to consider:

• Light color temperature – Choose warm white (2700K-3000K) to create a cozy feel or cool white (3500K-4100K) for a more energizing effect.
• Lumens – Consider the room size and how much light you need. Bedrooms may need 600-800 lumens, while kitchens and living rooms often require 1200-1800 lumens.
• Light source – LED lights last the longest, use the least energy, and emit the least heat. Halogen and incandescent lights can generate more heat.
• Fixture design – Look for low-profile fixtures that mount flush and are designed to shine light upward and outward.
• Beam angle – Wide beam angles like 120° distribute light most evenly. Narrow beams like 20°-40° provide more directed task lighting.

Low voltage LED ribbon lighting and LED tape lighting are two excellent options for illuminating crown molding. Both provide an inconspicuous lighting solution that can be customized to the exact length of your molding.

Preparing for Installation

Proper preparation and planning will help ensure your crown molding lighting installation goes smoothly. Follow these key steps:

1. Map out the lighting layout – Note the exact length and angle of your crown molding to determine how much lighting you need.
2. Install any required wiring – If possible, install necessary wiring inside the wall before mounting the crown molding.
3. Gather supplies – This includes the light fixtures, LED ribbon or tape, mounting clips, extension cords, wire strippers, etc.
4. Turn off power – Shut off electricity to the room at the breaker before beginning installation.
5. Install crown molding – If molding isn’t already in place, install it before adding lights.

Mounting the Lights

Once preparation is complete, you’re ready to install the lights. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Position mounting clips – Adhere metal clips that hold the ribbon lighting along the top and bottom of the back of the molding at regular intervals.
2. Clean surface – Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the back of the crown molding where you’ll place the lights.
3. Remove backing – Peel away the outer backing of the LED tape or ribbon to expose the adhesive.
4. Apply lights – Press the ribbon lighting or tape firmly into place following the line of the molding.
5. Connect cords – Plug in connector cords between each section of lighting.
6. Conceal cords – Hide any visible cords by tucking them behind the crown molding.
7. Regulate power – Connect the lights to a dimmer switch to control brightness as needed.

If installing ribbon lighting inside the wall, position the lighting behind or on top of the molding bracket. Then affix it in place with mounting clips, feeding any wiring and connectors back inside the wall.

Tips for Proper Light Placement

Properly positioning the lights ensures the crown molding is illuminated evenly and attractively. Use these tips:

• Point lights up and out at a 45° angle to wash the ceiling and upper walls with light.
• Overlap lighting strips slightly at corners and junctions so there are no dark spots.
• Keep lights positioned 3-4 inches away from walls to distribute light wider.
• Install accent lighting at wall intersections to create a dramatic visual focal point.
• Use spacers to keep ribbon lighting raised off the molding for more diffuse illumination.
• Highlight architectural details like niches, artwork, and built-ins with focused lighting.

Choosing Alternate Installation Locations

While crown molding provides an elegant lighting platform, lights can also be installed in other areas if desired. Consider these alternate mounting locations:

• Under cabinet toe kicks – Illuminates the floor and lower cabinets in a kitchen.
• Shelving – Attached to the underside or back of shelving units to highlit displayed items.
• Steps – Adhere lighting to riser edges to light stairways and provide safety.
• Furniture – Tape lights can be added to the underside of beds, desks, or other furnishings.
• Door and window frames – Adds aesthetic lighting around entries, windows, and special architectural features.

Safety Precautions

Take the following safety measures when installing crown molding lighting:

• Turn off power to avoid electrical shock.
• Use a voltage tester to ensure power is disconnected.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping on a ladder.
• Ask for assistance when using high ladders or scaffolding.
• Inspect all lights, cords, and connectors for damage before installing.
• Group sets of lights into separate circuits to avoid overloading.
• Install lights away from insulation and flammable materials.

Maintenance Tips

Your crown molding lighting requires minimal care and maintenance. However, follow these tips to keep it looking its best:

• Use a feather duster to gently remove dust, which can dull the lights.
• Periodically wipe down the molding and lights with a microfiber cloth.
• Check for any loose light strips, clips, or plugs, and re-adhere as needed.
• Make sure insulation, wires, and cords are securely in place.
• Replace any burned out bulbs or worn out tape immediately to maintain even lighting.
• Clean metal light clips with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your crown molding lights malfunction, use this troubleshooting guide to quickly resolve common problems:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Some lights won’t turn on	Loose connection or wiring problem	Check wiring connections and splices. Reconnect or re-splice wires as needed.
Lights flicker	Faulty dimmer switch	Replace the dimmer switch with one compatible with LED lights.
Uneven lighting	Burned out bulbs, gaps between lights	Replace burned out bulbs. Overlap and space out lights evenly.
Lights too dim	Insufficient wattage	Swap out for higher lumen lights or add more lighting.
Circuit breaker trips	Overloaded circuit	Reduce the number of lights on the circuit.

Conclusion

Installing lights on your crown molding provides beautiful, convenient accent and task lighting. With the right supplies and safe installation method, you can successfully illuminate your molding on your own. Place the slim LED lighting to best accent your room’s features. Then enjoy the cove glow lighting cast along your decorative molding and walls for years to come.