Should kitchen cabinets have crown molding?

Crown molding is an elegant decorative trim that is often added to the tops of kitchen cabinets. It can help create a high-end, luxurious look in the kitchen. However, crown molding is not for everyone. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if crown molding is right for your kitchen cabinets.

The pros of adding crown molding to kitchen cabinets

Here are some of the benefits of using crown molding in a kitchen:

• Aesthetics – Crown molding can greatly enhance the visual appeal of kitchen cabinets. The rounded, sculpted edge softens the hard lines of cabinets and adds style. It gives the kitchen a custom, built-in look.
• Increased home value – Crown molding is regarded as an upgrade feature. The addition of crown molding to kitchen cabinets can increase the value of a home. It’s especially appealing to potential home buyers.
• Makes the space look larger – The eye tends to flow along the rounded lines of crown molding, which can make a kitchen appear taller and more spacious.
• Conceals uneven edges – Crown molding can conceal uneven cabinet edges, gaps, or imperfections where the cabinets meet the ceiling.
• Finish off cabinets – The trim provides a finished, built-in look to kitchen cabinetry. Plain, boxy cabinets can look obviously like hanging boxes without the polish of trim.
• Versatile design – Crown molding comes in a variety of profiles and can be simple or ornate. This allows for design flexibility to match any kitchen’s style.
• Protects walls – Crown molding can protect walls from occasional bumps, nicks, and dirt from cooking splatters.

The cons of adding crown molding to kitchen cabinets

However, there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind as well:

• Cost – The materials and labor to add crown molding to kitchen cabinets does increase the overall cost versus plain cabinets. The amount of molding needed impacts the total expense.
• Installation challenges – Proper installation of crown molding takes skill and the right tools. Improper installation can lead to uneven lines, gaps, or sagging.
• Difficult cleaning – The nooks and crannies of crown molding can make it tricky to properly clean. Dust and grime can accumulate in the decorative corners.
• Reduced storage space – In some kitchen layouts, crown molding can slightly reduce usable storage space in upper cabinets.
• Darkens the space – In rooms with low ceilings, crown molding can make the space feel darker and more closed in.
• Dated look – Some types of ornate, heavy crown molding can give a kitchen a formal, outdated look.
• Long-term maintenance – Eventually crown molding may need to be repaired, repainted, or replaced as it ages, cracks, or suffers water damage.

Factors to consider when deciding on crown molding

Here are some things to take into account as you weigh the pros and cons of installing crown molding:

• Kitchen size – Crown molding tends to suit larger kitchens best. The effect may be lost or overwhelm a tiny kitchen.
• Ceiling height – Standard 8 foot ceilings are ideal for crown molding. Excessively high or low ceilings can make fitting crown molding tricky.
• Cabinet design – Crown molding works best with taller, shaker-style cabinet doors. Very ornate cabinets may clash with crown molding competing for attention.
• Kitchen style – Formal, elegant kitchens suited to entertaining are excellent candidates for crown molding. It fits less well in casual, country-style kitchens.
• Budget – The cost of quality molding and professional installation is the biggest factor. Crown molding is inexpensive compared to a kitchen remodel budget.
• DIY skills – Attempting to install crown molding yourself is an advanced project requiring carpentry expertise. Hiring a contractor is easiest but priciest.

Types of crown molding for kitchen cabinets

If you decide to add crown molding to your kitchen, there are several options for profiles and materials:

Profiles

• Ornamental – This very decorative, intricate crown has detailed shapes, curves, and trims. It makes a dramatic, elegant statement.
• Complex – This crown molding has some ornate elements but is less heavily embellished than fully ornamental styles.
• Simple – Often called “picture frame” molding, this has a basic L-shaped right-angle profile. It’s simple yet still gives a finished look.

Materials

• Wood – Versatile, attractive solid wood or MDF molding can be carved, shaped, and painted in endless ways.
• Polyurethane – This durable plastic resin mimics the look of wood but resists moisture and won’t crack or warp.
• Plaster – Decorative plaster crown molding gives an elegant, ornate look and is easily installed. But it’s prone to cracks and chips over time.
• Polystyrene – Inexpensive synthetic foam crown molding is very lightweight. But it can look obviously artificial up close.

Measuring and planning

Proper measuring and planning are crucial to get well-fitted, level, and properly proportioned crown molding:

• Measure cabinet height, wall lengths, ceiling height, corners, and angles
• Account for any uneven walls or problem areas
• Choose a crown profile size that fits the kitchen proportions
• Buy 10-15% extra material to allow for imperfect cuts and defects
• Factor in the installation method – nail, glue, brackets, or a combination

Installation: DIY vs hiring a professional

You can either choose to install kitchen crown molding yourself or hire a contractor. Here is a comparison of the two options:

DIY installation

Pros:

• Less expensive than hiring a professional
• Good option for simpler molding projects
• Opportunity to learn a new skill

Cons:

• Advanced carpentry skills needed
• Physically demanding work
• Easy to make mistakes as a beginner
• Trial-and-error process

Professional installation

Pros:

• Experienced with the intricacies of installation
• Access to specialized tools
• Precision cutting and fitting
• Perfect results

Cons:

• More expensive
• Need to find a qualified contractor
• Wait times for appointments

Cost of kitchen cabinet crown molding

The cost of adding crown molding to your kitchen cabinets depends on several factors:

Factor	Cost impact
Amount of molding needed	More linear feet is more expensive
Type of molding	Ornate or solid wood is pricier than simple or synthetic molding
DIY vs professional installation	Hiring a contractor costs $40-$100 per hour
Accessibility	High or awkward areas increase installation time
Location	Labor rates vary greatly by region

On average, expect to pay the following approximate costs for materials and installation:

• DIY installation: $8 – $20 per linear foot
• Professional installation: $15 – $50+ per linear foot

For example, a medium-sized kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinets could cost $450 – $1,200 for professionally installed crown molding.

Conclusion

Crown molding can certainly provide an instant upgrade to kitchen cabinets with its elegant, finished look. But it also comes with additional costs and maintenance to consider. Ultimately the pros and cons will depend on your kitchen layout, design taste, skill level, and budget. Carefully weighing all these factors will determine if crown molding is a smart investment to elevate your kitchen’s style.