What is the molding on top of cabinets called?

The decorative strip of material installed along the top of kitchen cabinets or other built-in cabinetry is commonly referred to as crown molding. Crown molding serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, adding visual interest, architectural detail, and a finished look to a room. It also helps conceal the joint where the cabinet meets the wall or ceiling.

What is Crown Molding?

Crown molding is a type of decorative trim or molding that is installed where a wall meets the ceiling. It is called “crown” molding because it sits at the very top, or crown, of architectural elements like cabinets, bookshelves, and fireplace mantles.

Crown molding serves several purposes:

• It adds an elegant, finished look and visual interest to a room
• It conceals the seam where the wall meets the ceiling or cabinet
• It can help draw the eye up, making rooms feel taller and more spacious
• It provides architectural detail and style

Crown molding comes in a variety of profiles or cross-sectional shapes. Some of the most common types of crown molding profiles include:

• Ogee – An S-shaped profile with convex and concave curves
• Dentil – Rectangular blocks set in a row, resembling teeth
• Beaded – A rounded, bead-like design
• Step – A simple L-shaped profile

The profile and size of the crown molding should match the architectural style and scale of the room. More ornate, complex profiles suit traditional decor, while plain, simple profiles fit better in modern spaces.

Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most common uses of crown molding is at the top of kitchen cabinets. Installing crown molding is an easy way to add interest and architectural detail to cabinetry. It gives the kitchen a built-in, custom look.

Crown molding helps bridge the visual gap between the tall vertical lines of the cabinets and the horizontal lines of the walls and ceiling. It adds shape and dimension, while concealing the potentially uneven joint where the cabinets meet the ceiling.

The type of crown molding used on kitchen cabinets depends on the cabinet style and overall kitchen decor. Some options include:

• Wood crown molding can complement wood cabinetry. It comes in different types of wood species to match or contrast with cabinet colors.
• Polyurethane foam crown molding has an elegant look with crisp, detailed profiles. It resists moisture and requires less maintenance than wood.
• PVC, or vinyl, crown moldings are durable and moisture-resistant. PVC offers more intricate styles and lower costs than wood.
• MDF (medium density fiberboard) moldings are an affordable option that can be easily cut and installed. Priming and painting MDF creates a seamless look.

The width of cabinet crown molding typically ranges from 3-6 inches. Wider crown molding has a bolder, more prominent look. But the width should relate proportionally to the height of the cabinets and size of the kitchen.

Inside Vs. Outside Crown Molding

Crown molding atop kitchen cabinets can be installed either inside the cabinet frame opening or on the outside:

• Inside crown molding fits between the top of the cabinet face frame and the ceiling or soffit. Only the bottom edge is visible below the ceiling.
• Outside crown molding attaches to the outer cabinet frame so the entire profile is fully visible. This creates a lighter, airier look but uses more molding material.

Inside crown placement is simpler forinstallation and requires less molding footage. But outside molding highlights the decorative profile and provides more of a furniture-like look.

Benefits of Adding Crown Molding to Cabinets

Installing crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets offers many benefits:

• Enhances visual appeal and elegance
• Finishes off cabinets for a built-in custom look
• Conceals uneven walls and gaps between cabinets and ceiling
• Draws the eye up to make kitchen feel more expansive
• Complements and ties together cabinetry and architecture
• Defines and accentuates the junction between walls and ceiling
• Comes in many styles to match any decor
• Relatively affordable way to update kitchen
• Increases resale value and appeal to buyers

While crown molding requires an added expense, it offers big visual impact at a reasonable cost. The transformative effect can make the whole kitchen look more high-end and custom.

How to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets

Installing crown molding on top of kitchen cabinets is a moderately difficult DIY project, though professional installation is recommended for complex or extra tall designs. Here is an overview of the basic process:

Prep the Cabinets

Start by ensuring the cabinets are level and securely mounted to the wall. Fill any uneven gaps above the cabinets with wood shims. This provides a straight, uniform surface to mount the molding.

Cut the Molding

Measure the total length needed for each section. Cut the molding slightly long, then fine-tune for an exact fit against the walls. Create 45-degree miter cuts for the corner joints. Tip: Allow the molding to acclimate to the room’s humidity for accurate cuts.

Install Mounting Strips

Attach ledger boards or cleats along the wall and cabinet tops. These provide a secure base to nail the molding to. Place them slightly proud of the cabinets for the crown to overhang the front.

Prep the Molding

Prime and paint the molding before installing for an easier, neater job. Fill any nail holes and imperfections so they disappear after painting.

Mount the Molding

Apply adhesive, position each section, and nail into the ledger boards. Use a nail gun for easier fastening. Check corners for tight seams.

Complete the Finish Work

Fill any gaps, caulk the seams, apply putty over nail holes, and touch up with paint. Apply decorative end caps on open ends of runs. Let dry fully before use.

Cost to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets

The cost to add crown molding to existing kitchen cabinets averages $400-$1000. Here are some of the factors affecting the total project cost:

• Type of material – Hardwood is generally more expensive than foam or MDF
• Complexity of style – Intricate, ornate profiles cost more than simple designs
• Amount of molding needed – Total linear footage based on kitchen size
• Height above floor – Tall, two-story crown molding uses more material
• Professional vs DIY installation – Contractor rates average $40-$80 per hour
• Accessories like corners, transitions, and end caps

Expect labor to account for 50-70% of the total cost. DIY installation can save on labor fees, but may take more time.

Crown Molding Cost Chart

Crown Molding Type	Cost per Linear Foot (Material Only)
Polyurethane Foam	$2 – $8
MDF	$3 – $12
Pine	$5 – $15
Oak	$7 – $18
Cherry	$9 – $22

For a 10×10 kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinets, polyurethane foam crown molding would cost around $60 to $240 in materials, plus $400 to $1600 in labor. The total would range from $460 to $1840.

Upgrading to oak crown instead could add $150 to $600 more in materials. The total cost would be $610 to $2400 for a 10×10 kitchen.

Factors That Affect Crown Molding Cost

Several factors can influence the overall cost of crown molding installation:

Molding Material

The type of material impacts cost per linear foot:

– Polyurethane foam – Most affordable, easy to cut and install
– MDF – Budget-friendly, takes paint well
– Wood – Varies by species; pine and poplar are lower cost
– PVC/Vinyl – Durable and moisture-resistant
– Plaster – Elegant traditional look but heavy and brittle

Molding Style

More ornate, complex designs require more material and labor:

– Simple step moldings – Clean-lined and versatile
– Beaded profiles – Understated elegance
– Intricately carved styles – Max detail for formal decor

Kitchen Size

Larger kitchens require more linear feet of molding:

– Galley kitchens – Less wall space, lower cost
– L-shaped layouts – Two adjoining walls
– U-shaped designs – Molding across three walls
– Island cabinets – Potential for more finished ends

Ceiling Height

Soaring ceilings mean taller crown molding at a higher cost:

– Standard 8 ft. ceilings – Least expensive option
– 9 ft. ceilings – A bit more molding needed
– 2-story ceilings – Significantly more material

DIY vs Professional Install

Hiring a contractor adds $40-$80 per hour but saves time and ensures quality results.

Accessories

Added elements like inside/outside corners, transitions, rosettes, and end caps increase costs.

Factors That Reduce Crown Molding Costs

There are also several ways to reduce the cost of installing crown molding:

• Choose stock profiles over custom – Significant savings on labor and design fees
• Select inside crown placement – Uses less material vs. outside molding
• Install MDF or foam instead of solid wood – Lower material cost
• Opt for simple, versatile step molding – Clean-lined and budget-friendly
• Paint over stain grade wood – Far less expensive finishing option
• DIY installation if experienced – Saves on professional labor rates
• Buy lumber in longer lengths – Minimizes joints and waste
• Search for sales and clearance items – Can find 20-40% discounts
• Use crown molding sparingly – Just atop focal cabinets instead of entire perimeter

Prioritizing the visible, high-impact areas for crown molding can still make a statement while lowering the budget.

Crown Molding Ideas for Kitchen Cabinets

Beyond just topping the cabinets, there are creative ways to use crown molding to customize your kitchen’s look:

Contrasting Colors

Choose a bold crown molding color that pops against neutral cabinets or vice versa for striking contrast.

Matching Cabinets

Pick a crown profile and color that blends seamlessly with cabinet finish for a cohesive custom appearance.

Open Shelving

Highlight open shelves or glass cabinet fronts by topping with delicate crown molding.

Lighter Palette

A pale, painted molding lends a light and airy accent over darker cabinets.

Retro-Inspired

Create a retro diner look with pastel cabinets crowned with sleek Formica boomerang molding.

Eclectic Accent

Small sections of crown over a tile backsplash or accent wall make a bold style statement.

Focal Point

Draw the eye to a focal cabinet like the range hood by framing it in crown molding.

Island Accent

Elevate a kitchen island by installing crown molding along the bottom or top.

Open Shelving

Crown molding atop open shelves or glass-front cabinets lends delicate detail.

Inside Corners

Use crown molding to create display nooks inside corner cabinet angles.

Crown Molding Design Considerations

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing crown molding design for kitchen cabinets:

Cabinet Height

The taller the cabinets, the wider the crown should be for proper proportions. Standard crown is 3-5 inches; adjust larger for 8+ foot ceilings.

Cabinet Style

Match the crown profile and ornamentation to the cabinet door style. Formal raised panel doors suit ornate crown; slab doors pair better with simple molding.

Ceiling Type

Plain step moldings transition well from cabinets to drywall or plaster ceilings. More elaborate crown stands out better on tray or coffered ceilings.

Kitchen Style

Contemporary kitchens tend toward minimalist molding while traditional kitchens can handle heavily ornamented crown designs.

Colors

Contrasting or complementary colors between the cabinets and crown can make it stand out. Matching tones create a unified monochromatic look.

Budget

Intricately carved crown costs more than basic molded styles. Prioritize splurging only where it has maximum visual impact.

DIY Skills

More complex crown installations may require hiring a professional. Simpler designs are easier for DIYers.

Crown Molding Alternatives

While crown molding offers a classic finish for kitchen cabinets, there are also some creative modern alternatives to consider:

LED Lighting

A strip of LED lights topping the cabinets creates brilliant task lighting and a contemporary accent.

Floating Shelves

Compact floating shelves give a streamlined, lightweight accent versus bulky molding.

Wallpaper

Vibrant wallpaper along the top portion of walls replaces crown molding visually. Use a water-resistant version near cabinets.

Painted Band

A thick horizontal band of color substitutes for ornate molding with a sleek, graphic look.

Faux Beams

For a rustic or cottage style kitchen, faux wood beams crossing the ceiling mimic crown molding.

Plants

A row of potted herb plants lining top of the cabinets introduces natural greenery up high.

Architectural Details

Existing details like soffits, arched niches, or thick molding can make crown molding redundant.

Conclusion

The strip of decorative molding installed along the top of kitchen cabinets has many names, but is most commonly referred to as crown molding or cabinet crown. This distinctive molding finishes off cabinetry, bridges the transition between walls and ceiling, and instantly gives a built-in custom look.

While ornate carved crown molding suits formal spaces, simple versatile profiles work in almost any kitchen style from traditional to modern. The material, width, and complexity of the molding design impact the installation cost. Hiring a professional ensures quality results, but DIYers can tackle simpler designs to save on labor. Creative alternatives like LED lighting or a bold painted band can replace crown molding as well. Whatever approach you choose, topping your kitchen cabinets with decorative molding or trim completes the room with style.