What Are The Best Colors To Paint Crown Molding? (Find Out Now!)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

If you want to add a luxurious style element to your home, crown molding can definitely make a statement. There are several different paint color options and combinations that can enhance your space. Whether installing crown molding or updating your current crown molding, use this as a guide to choose the best color.

The most common color to paint your crown molding is white. However, there are several other popular color choices people are selecting for their homes. Blue, gray, and black are different colors that are on-trend to paint your crown molding, as is natural wood.

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Things to Consider Before Painting Crown Molding

Choosing the crown molding color doesn’t have to be a difficult task, but there are things you should consider beforehand. Look at your rooms to determine their size, the height of the ceilings, the style of your home, and decor.

Crown molding is an embellishment for your home, so it should draw some attention. Some homeowners want their crown molding to be the star of the show; others may want to downplay their molding. Because of this, it’s important to decide what you’re looking for to figure out which color is best.

Matching Crown Molding to the Walls

In the last few years, it has become popular to paint an entire room the same color, including molding and baseboards. This is a good choice for those who have furniture that they want to be the focal point or stand out.

Painting crown molding to match your walls can have a diminishing effect on the crown molding. Even though crown molding usually makes a statement, there will be little attention drawn to it. This is strictly based on your preference.

A benefit of matching your walls and crown molding is that it can make a small room appear taller. Without a color break between the molding and walls, the walls can look higher than they actually are.

Matching Crown Molding to the Ceiling

Painting your crown molding to match your ceiling is a fine choice. However, ceilings are typically painted some variation of white with a flat finish paint. Because of this, painting your crown molding with the same paint as the ceiling is not recommended.

A flat finish on your crown molding can make shorter ceilings feel lower. If you have tall ceilings, flat finish paint may not have as much of an effect on them. It can also reduce the formality of crown molding if you aren’t interested in it.

Painting crown molding the same color as your ceilings but in a semi-gloss or gloss finish can help it stand out. This glossier finish will create a distinguished look from the ceiling.

Popular Crown Molding Colors

While white is the most common color to paint your crown molding, it’s certainly not your only option. Additionally, using natural wood or painting blue, gray, and black are also popular choices.

White Crown Molding

White crown molding is the most common color choice for crown molding and trim. This is the safest color option, as white goes with most decor. When pairing your white crown molding with the rest of your home, there are several different combinations you can choose from.

If you have dark walls, white crown molding can create an eye-catching contrast. White crown molding and baseboards with dark-colored walls frame the room. Another way to create contrast is to paint the crown molding, walls, and baseboards white and pair them with dark wood floors.

If you want less contrast, pairing white crown molding with light-colored walls can create a simple, airy look. This is an excellent option if you’re going for a subtle but interesting touch to the room with crown molding.

Natural Wood Crown Molding

Natural wood crown molding is not as popular as white, but it can achieve a unique look. When installing natural wood crown molding, you don’t have to do anything before installing it. However, you can also choose to stain the raw wood before installation; just make sure the stain is suitable indoors.

Pairing white walls with natural wood crown molding can create a relaxing atmosphere in any home. This can also create a neutral backdrop for any furniture you choose to incorporate. It can also work well in a more cottage or country-farmhouse design scheme.

Pairing dark walls with natural wood crown molding is another option. This look can create a cozy and comfortable feel. It’s also a good option if you have a more rustic-themed home.

Blue Crown Molding

Shades of blue are frequent Pantone colors of the year and one of the most popular interior design colors. Blue walls are exceptionally popular, and incorporating blue crown molding can create a unique look for this popular trend.

While blue walls and white trim is predictable, white walls and blue trim can be timeless. This combination can give any room a fresh, memorable look. Light blue crown molding can be a subtle choice for color without being overwhelming.

Gray Crown Molding

Gray crown molding is a neutral choice for modern, elegant homes. White walls with gray crown molding can create a pleasant balance. Gray crown molding can also frame the room as a whole.

A chic but popular combination is pink walls with gray crown molding. This option is perfect when you want to achieve a feminine style for your space. It also works well in a shabby chic design scheme.

Black Crown Molding

When used correctly, black crown molding can make a room look sleek and sophisticated. This aesthetic is classic but also elegant and modern. Pairing white walls with black crown molding can create a cohesive look for your space when incorporating black and white decor.

You can pair dark gray walls and black crown molding for a warm and comforting feel. If you want to lighten up the space, choose decor and furniture in lighter, brighter colors.

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Related Questions

Should crown molding match throughout the house?

Crown molding does not have to match throughout the house, but there are some exceptions. Painting your crown molding different colors throughout the house is fine, but it should be similar in size and style. There’s also an exception If you have an open floorplan where rooms are adjoining, or walls share the same molding. In this case, the crown molding should be the same color. You don’t want to have the same pieces of crown molding in separate colors; this could create an incohesive look.  


Does my crown molding have to match the color of my cabinets?

If you are unsure if your crown molding color should match the color of your cabinets, consider the cabinet’s position. It would help if you also considered how many walls have cabinets on them. As a rule of thumb, crown molding should match the top cabinets, especially if they are touching or attached.If there is only one wall of cabinets, you would not have to match the molding with the cabinets. However, if there are three walls of white cabinets, your crown molding should also be white.


What’s the average cost to install crown molding?

Installing crown molding in your home can add elegance, as well as increase the value of your home. Because of the wide variety of styles, designs, and color combinations, any room can look unique to your space. It may seem easy to cut and install crown molding, but it’s usually best to hire a professional for easy installation.The average cost to install crown molding is $1,161. Crown molding installation typically ranges from $564 to $1,779. Expect to pay $4 to $15 per linear foot for both labor and materials; exotic hardwoods can increase that price. If you just want to install crown molding in a single room, this price ranges from $300 to $800. Expect to pay much more if you have a larger home or want a more custom design or installation. This can range from $3,200 to $12,000, sometimes even $15,000 or more.

Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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