Should you put crown molding in a kitchen?

Crown molding can add an elegant, finished look to a kitchen. But is it worth the extra effort and expense to install it? Here is a look at the pros and cons of using crown molding in your kitchen.

The pros of crown molding in the kitchen

There are several benefits to adding crown molding in your kitchen:

• Aesthetics – Crown molding adds a decorative touch that can make your kitchen look more high-end and luxurious. The extra trim detail on the ceiling can make the room look more polished.
• Completes the look – If you already have trim details like chair rails, baseboards, and casings around the doors and windows, adding crown molding can help tie the whole room together decoratively.
• Adds visual interest – The extra lines and shadows created by crown molding add subtle visual interest, giving the eye more to take in around the tops of the walls.
• Makes the space feel larger – Drawing the eye upwards with crown molding can make the room feel taller and more expansive.
• Hides imperfections – Crown molding can conceal any flaws or uneven joints where the walls meet the ceiling.
• Increases value – Like other renovations, adding crown molding may increase the resale value of your home if you choose to sell. It’s generally seen as an upgrade.
• Long-lasting – Unlike some decor elements like paint colors or cabinet hardware, crown molding is relatively permanent and classic. It’s unlikely to feel dated after a few years.

Overall, crown molding can lend a polished, elegant look and feel to a kitchen. If your style tends toward the traditional or ornate, it can be a beautiful finishing touch.

The cons of crown molding in the kitchen

On the other hand, there are also some downsides to consider with crown molding:

• Cost – Having crown molding professionally installed can be expensive, often running between $6-$12 per linear foot. The total cost depends on the size of your kitchen.
• Difficult to install – Getting those precise angles cut and joined in the corners takes skill and time. Installing it yourself is not easy.
• Accumulates grease and dust – The nooks and crannies inevitably collect dirt and become difficult to clean. Kitchen crown molding may require frequent dusting.
• Can make the space feel smaller – In a kitchen that already has low ceilings, adding molding can make it feel more closed in.
• Modern styles may not match – Crown molding leans traditional, so it can look out of place in contemporary or modern kitchens.
• Darkens the room – Crown molding adds shadows and visual weight up high, which can make a kitchen with low light feel darker.
• Kitchen abuse – The constant humidity, grease splatter, and other kitchen messes can take a toll on crown molding.

Overall, the biggest cons to crown molding in kitchens are the added installation cost, maintenance, and the fact that it may not suit all decor styles. Minimalist, modern spaces usually avoid crown molding.

Should you add crown molding to an open concept kitchen?

Open concept kitchens that flow into dining and living areas have become very popular. But does it make sense to put crown molding in an open concept kitchen?

Here are some things to consider:

• Look for visual continuity – If the dining and living rooms already have nice trim details, crown molding can help the kitchen feel like part of a continuous space rather than an outlier.
• Pay attention to ceilings – Vaulted or double height ceilings can handle crown molding without making the space feel crowded. Low ceilings may not.
• Go for consistency – The eye wants to see a harmonious look. If the adjacent rooms have a formal, elegant feel, matching that in the kitchen with crown molding can tie the whole space together.
• Focus on main visual paths – You mainly view the kitchen from certain spots like the dining table or living area. Prioritize adding molding in those sight lines.
• Consider your style – As mentioned above, crown molding makes most sense in traditional, classical, or ornate spaces rather than modern minimalist ones.

In general, using crown molding to create decorative continuity between open concept living spaces is a smart approach. But be selective about placement so it enhances rather than clashes with your decor.

Should you add crown molding to a small kitchen?

Small kitchens require some careful thought when it comes to crown molding. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Ceiling height – If it’s a kitchen with low ceilings, crown molding may make it feel overly enclosed. Vaulted ceilings can handle it better.
• Lighting – Small dark kitchens should avoid crown molding because it can make them feel gloomy. Well-lit spaces have more design flexibility.
• Busy patterns – Visually busy crown molding may overwhelm a tiny kitchen. Opt for simple, clean lines.
• Limit upper cabinets – Draw the eye up with more windows and less imposing upper cabinets. This allows you to add molding without making the room feel boxy.
• Simple trim – Stick to flat, uncomplicated trim pieces rather than ornate, multilayered molding.
• Neutral colors – White or light molding helps reflect light rather than absorbing it, keeping things bright.

The general rule for small kitchens is to keep the crown molding slender and basic. Use it judiciously to add subtle elegance without crowding the space.

Should you add crown molding to kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets offer another opportunity to incorporate crown molding:

• On top above cabinets – Attaching a ledge or “mantle” of crown molding on top of the cabinets is a common approach, though it requires adequate ceiling height.
• On cabinet faces – Applying trim directly to the cabinet face frames is another option, giving a furniture-like built-in look.
• Inside open cabinets – Ledge molding inside glass-front cabinetry adds a finished look while still displaying contents.
• On valances – Crown molding pairs nicely with decorative valances above sinks or cooktops to create a polished alcove effect.

No matter where it’s applied, trim on the cabinets helps integrate them with the rest of the room’s crown molding. It makes the whole kitchen look crisp and purposefully designed.

What type of crown molding is best for the kitchen?

With the variety of crown molding profiles available, it can be tricky choosing the right one for your kitchen. Here are some options:

Molding Type	Characteristics
Classic crown molding	Triangular shape Ornate and formal Works with intricate trim packages
Modern crown molding	Slim, discrete profile Clean lines, less embellishment Suits contemporary spaces
Roped crown molding	Twisted rope-like appearance Bold shadow lines Rustic, craftsman, or farmhouse themes
Beaded crown molding	Rows of small, rounded beads Intricate look without heavy carvings Transitional between traditional and modern

To choose the best style, match the aesthetic of your existing kitchen cabinets and finishes. For example, intricately carved traditional molding would look out of place on plain Shaker-style cabinetry. Let your overall decor determine the crown molding profile.

What color should you paint crown molding in a kitchen?

Crown molding offers yet another opportunity to incorporate color in your kitchen design. Here are some recommended approaches:

• Match cabinets – Painting the molding the same color as the cabinetry creates a cohesive built-in look.
• Contrast cabinets – Go bold with black or navy molding against white cabinets for dramatic definition.
• Match walls – For unified harmony, paint trim the same color as the walls, adding just a subtle border of definition at the top.
• Neutral white – Crisp bright white molding keeps things fresh and light. A safe choice if you’re unsure.
• Metallic sheen – Brushed nickel or gold molding can add a glamorous accent against colorful wall paint.

In most cases, it’s best to choose a molding color that relates directly back to the existing elements in the room – walls, cabinets, or countertops. This helps it feel purposefully coordinated rather than randomly tacked on.

How much does it cost to add crown molding to a kitchen?

The cost of installing crown molding in a kitchen depends on several factors:

• Contractor vs DIY – Hiring a professional contractor tends to cost $6-$12 per linear foot including materials and labor. Doing it yourself saves on labor fees.
• Kitchen size – Total cost rises the larger the kitchen area you want to add molding to.
• Molding choice – More ornate, complex styles cost more than simple, low-profile options.
• Accessibility – Vaulted ceilings, high awkward spaces, and lack of attic access can drive up installation fees.
• Additional repairs – Fixing uneven walls or ceilings to prep for molding installation adds to costs.

As a ballpark range, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $6,000 to add crown molding in a medium-sized kitchen. Get multiple estimates to compare pricing for your specific job.

Is it worth it to add crown molding to a kitchen?

Whether it’s “worth it” to install crown molding depends on your goals, priorities, and budget:

• If elegance is your top priority, the added refinement of crown molding is likely worth the investment.
• If you’re aiming for a cohesive, custom-designed look throughout your home’s main spaces, extending trim into the kitchen can help achieve that.
• If your kitchen style leans modern, plain, or minimalist, busy crown molding may not be worth the clash.
• If your kitchen has low uneven ceilings or other challenging elements, skipping crown molding to avoid hassle may be the smarter call.
• If you are hoping to increase your home’s resale value, crown molding adds a noticeable “wow factor” for potential buyers.

Doing a cost-benefit analysis helps weigh the pros and cons. For many homeowners seeking to upgrade their space, the aesthetic benefits of crown molding outweigh the costs.

Conclusion

Crown molding can definitely elevate the beauty of a kitchen by adding elegant finishings. But it also comes with downsides like cost, maintenance, and potential fit issues. Ultimately the decision depends on your kitchen’s existing architecture as well as your personal style preferences and budget priorities. If approached thoughtfully by selecting the right elements for your space, adding crown molding can take your kitchen up a notch.