Trimming Around a Vaulted Wood Ceiling

Crown Molding

• Crown molding, an ornamental strip of wood, plaster or metal, can be installed at the joint where your wall and ceiling meet. Crown molding is slightly wider than most other types of trimming, and covers a broader area as it extends down the surface of your wall. According to House Plans and More, crown molding is the most commonly used trim and is available in many finishes and styles to accomodate both formal and informal room designs. Select crown molding that is the same color and grain as your wood ceiling for the most cohesive design. Choose a slightly lighter or darker wood stain if you want to add visual interest and more contrast between your ceiling and walls. Avoid plaster crown molding or high-sheen metallic crown molding that could appear too formal for a wood ceiling design.

Cove Molding

• Cove molding is a simple form of ceiling trim that has a concave profile. Opt for cove molding if you need to hide uneven joints or spacing between your wood ceiling and walls but don't want the trim to cover a large surface area. Depending on your personal style, install cove molding as corner guards only without installing it throughout the entire room. Place corner cove trim where your ceiling meets two walls in the room. Choose wood-stained cove molding that harmonizes with the color and grain of your ceiling. Cove molding also serves as a transitional area to a fireplace mantel or built-in shelving.

Room Size

• If your wood ceiling is above a small room, like a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, wide trimming could overpower the room. Select crown molding or cove molding that is 3 to 6 inches wide and has minimal ornamentation. If your wood ceiling is above a larger room, like a living room, great room, recreation room or den, opt for trimming that is 4 to 8 inches wide.

Ceiling Height

• When trimming around a vaulted wood ceiling with a ceiling height over 8 feet, consider wood trimming that incorporates simple lines and knotty textures into the room design. Avoid overly ornate patterns with floral etchings, multi-layered designs and decorative markings. Opt for a simple wood molding, and steer away from thinner molding designs that could get lost and visually disappear with expansive vaulted ceiling heights. In general, the taller the ceiling, the wider you can go with ceiling trim.