Can You Use Crown Molding on One Wall?

Greeks and Roman Moldings

• The ancient Greeks and Romans are responsible for the early origins of the crown molding we use today. Temples were adorned with elaborate columns and decorative moldings that added to the beauty of the structures. Molding was also used at the top and bottoms of the awe-inspiring columns favored by these societies. When choosing your own crown molding to add a decorative touch to your home, view images of ancient structures to help you envision the look you want to achieve.

Typical Use of Crown Molding

• Often used in historic homes, particularly those with high ceilings, crown molding added a touch of elegance to rooms. Often found nowadays in upscale homes or restored historic homes, this typically white trim runs along the top edge of the wall and abuts the ceiling in a way that emphasizes and frames the space. Crown molding comes in many different styles and is often chosen specifically to complement the decorating style of the room it enhances.

Choosing a Wall for Crown Molding

• When you want to use crown molding on only one wall, it's important to choose the right wall. By choosing a wall with a special feature or focal point, you can use the crown molding to add additional emphasis. A wall with a fireplace, bay window, double doors or built-in shelving is an appropriate space to highlight with crown molding. The crown molding adds an accent to the wall and draws the eye and attention of the occupants of the room to that feature.

Colors and Crown Molding

• Color plays a large part in the successful implementation of crown molding on a single wall of a room. Take the color scheme of the room into consideration when choosing the appropriate shade. Choose a contrasting color for your molding to make a bold statement by using white molding with colored walls or vice versa. To create molding that blends in rather than stands out, paint the molding an identical or complementary color that matches the walls or ceiling.