Crown molding is a beautiful design feature that can enhance the aesthetic of any home to elevate your home’s interior. It is a decorative molding that is installed at the top of an interior wall as an architectural feature that essentially “crowns a building or element”. This embellishment feature has evolved throughout time, dating back to the Egyptians carving ornate details into the stone exterior of their buildings and the Greeks carving stone or marble to highlight light and shadow to appear like paintings.

Today, crown molding is used to provide the ultimate finishing touch to the rooms in your home. But once you decide on crown molding, or if your home already has existing molding in the living room, kitchen or bedrooms, you may find yourself asking this questions: Should my crown molding match the color of my walls or ceiling? The answer to that ideally comes down to your individual style preference and interior design. However read our blog to learn tips on how to determine what is best for your home.

Matching Crown Molding to Wall Color: A Modern, Seamless Look

If you are a fan of neutrals, prefer a minimalist approach in your home, and like sleek and streamlined interiors, you will more than likely want to match the color you paint your crown molding to your wall paint. Crown molding that matches wall paint is more sublte and blends together for more of an understated sophistication, and this design typically created an uninterrupted flow between walls and ceilings, helping to expand the room and maximize space.

Benefits of Same Color Paint and Crown Molding

Creates a seamless look
Expands the perceived height of walls
Enhances the room flow
Reduces visual clutter
Works well in small spaces
Easier to maintain touch-ups

Contrasting Crown Molding: A Classic and Defined Look

If you tend to love classic elegance and a high amount of detail, you may prefer to contrast the color of your crown molding to the color of your wall and ceiling paint. People that choose this option typically like their decorative molding to make a statement in their home, and also enjoy the high-end look of luxury much like that in historic homes. You may also like how the contrast in color adds dimension and makes your space feel dynamic, adding in a bit of character to your home’s paint aesthetic similar to an accent wall. Homeowners who like a bold look will typically contrast their molding and may recognize that this contrast appeal can appeal to a wide audience and make your interior stand out.

Benefits of Contrasting Color Paint and Crown Molding

Adds architectural contrast
Creates a classic style
Helps to define the space
Enhances depth and dimension
Allows for creative color combinations
Helps to frame walls

Choosing the Right Paint Finish for Crown Molding

We’ve talked about matching your wall and ceiling paint to your crown molding and how to determine what your style preference is. But the right paint finish for your crown molding is equally important for both durability and the appeal of your interior design. Common paint finishes for crown molding include the following:

Semi-gloss
Most popular for its slight shine and easy-to-clean surface.

Satin
Offers a softer sheen while still being easy to maintain.

Matte
Less common for molding but can be used for a subtle, modern effect.

For a more traditional appearance, pairing matte or eggshell walls with semi-gloss will create a subtle contrast while maintaining the subtle elegance. For a more modernized look, using the same matte or satin finish on walls and molding will provide a seamless contemporary feel. And in areas with higher traffic, a satin or semi-gloss paint on both your walls and your crown molding will be more durable while at the same time sophisticated.

Should Crown Molding Match Baseboards and Trim?

Now that we’ve discussed matching or contrasting your molding and wall or ceiling paint as well as the finishes of paint you should choose, it’s important to touch upon baseboards and trim. Determining whether you should match your baseboards or your wall trim to your crown molding or not is a consideration because these are two design elements that are clearly visible upon entering the room.

If you prefer a harmonious flow, you may opt for the same color. And if you like to express uniqueness through color, you may opt for a contrast between the two. Either way, the paint is the one thing that you are able to control. No matter the style of your molding and baseboards, a fresh coat of paint can make them feel a bit more consistent.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Your personal style will dictate whether you should match the paint on your walls for a more seamless look or contrast it for a more bold design. Make sure to consider the height of your ceiling and size of your room when you are considering which look you may want. A professional painting consultation can provide expert guidance and also help you determine colors best suitable for your painting project.

Need help choosing the perfect crown molding color? Contact Arizona Painting Company! Our Phoenix interior painting contractors can offer the best advice and a flawless finish! We provide painting services throughout the Phoenix Metro area, including Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa and the surrounding area. We also have a location in Tucson for our Southern Arizona customers! Call our team today!

Should I Match My Crown Molding to My Paint?