Can Crown Molding Reinvent Itself Modern Interiors? Design Experts Weigh In

Published: January 22, 2024

Updated: January 2, 2024

A traditional element in many homes, crown molding speaks volumes into the lives of luxury of many homes around the world. Ever present in most historic buildings, it can transform any room into a space that is dignified and stylish. Yet many readers find themselves asking the question, is crown molding outdated? We asked our favorite interior designers and readers, and the overall response was surprising: not at all. Crown molding is not outdated, and thank goodness for that truth!

“In the past, crown molding was used in almost every room, regardless of style. This overuse can make it feel dated in modern homes that favor clean lines and minimalism,” notes interior designer Ellen Matthews. “To create a more modern look, choose crown molding profiles with simple lines and avoid profiles with excessive ornamentation or deep relief. Painting the crown molding the same color as the wall can also provide an elevated modern design,” Matthews advises.

Crown molding can elevate any modern living room while decorating an upscale kitchen or dining space. The ways in which it can be used are endless, and it would be a shame to rid our homes of it for good when there is so much sophistication to be had. Check out our ideas below, and you’ll see how this gorgeous feature can be used in any and all styles of homes to stunning effect.

01 of Molding, but Not Crown

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troddsatchapelhouse

If you look very closely, you’ll see a flat modern molding painted black directly under the ceiling in this stylish space. Similar to crown molding but a little more subdued, this molding style is more contemporary. Is crown molding always necessary? Reader Elizabeth clarifies that it “depends on the style of your home and where you’re located.”

Interior designer Neha Kaimal echoes that. “Crown molding is a charming detail that adds warmth to a home, but its relevance depends on the overall architecture. The molding should complement the time and date of when the home was built and should not feel forced in the design of the space,” Kaimal advises. Striking that balance is challenging but rewarding. “To ensure crown molding doesn’t feel outdated in a modern setting, choose a profile that complements the home’s era. To modernize crown molding, opt for a simple profile, aligning it seamlessly with contemporary design aesthetics,” continues Kaimal.

02 of Emphasizes Ceiling Slant

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_milas__world

Crown molding offers a great deal of elegance to a room because of its roots in old, sophisticated homes. Even in an attic room, it can emphasize a slanted ceiling and make a room look more polished. If you’re like Lynette, who states, “I lean traditional, so trim work is important,” consider adding a tiny bead of crown molding to your loft or attic space.

03 of Eccentric and New

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havenonthehill_

This gorgeous staircase offers quite a bit of unique detail down to the ceiling cut-outs installed under traditional crown molding. “It’s a bit eccentric and nutty, but I’m going with it,” claims homeowner Stephanie, who had a similar molding style when she moved into her home. Regarding individualized trim, she states, “I think there’s no right or wrong. If you like molding, go for it!” We agree, Stephanie!

04 of Traditional and Formal

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erinzubotdesign

When I think crown molding, I think of an elevated entryway or classic dining room. I think crown molding belongs in these spaces, especially in an older home. As the trim has shifted over the years to include two layers, beads, and deep grooves, choosing the type that will complement your style is vital. The simple white trim on this crown molding works well with a modern paneled ceiling and blue monochromatic wall to help fuse traditional and rustic styles.

05 of Jewelry for a Home

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abideanddesign

Using crown molding is a decision of both personal taste and home style. Holly, who owns a home dating back to 1940, explains that molding should include “good quality materials and match the style of the home… my house wouldn’t look right without it.” It is like the jewelry that adds the perfect amount of sparkle to a room that deserves to shine.

06 of Clean Lines

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athomewiththelloyds

Modern and minimalistic homes typically thrive without crown molding, but it’s okay to want differentiation between wall and ceiling. “Even a small crown makes a huge difference,” explains contributor Terri. The neutrals in this room demonstrate this to be true as the trim that divides the ceiling certainly coincides with the white board and batten trim below for very clean lines.

07 of Icing on the Cake

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home_with_mommyj123

This vintage home has been blessed with the continuity of original crown molding. In the eyes of designer April, “It is the polishing that makes the house look finished.” If you’re lucky enough to live in a property that maintains some of its original elements, you can easily integrate them into a more modern style. Choose intentionally curated furniture and decorations with a contemporary design while still honoring the age of the home by preserving the authentic features of the home.

08 of Adds Character

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ohhomee

Though extremely soft and minimal, a very petite line of molding extends across this beige wall near the ceiling, causing a subdued break between spaces. The overall look is modern and polished, but the molding’s effect is intentional and classic. Because molding adds character, it is wise to keep it installed for future buyers. The only exception may be if you have a busy ceiling with beams, which can detract from the overall look.

09 of Incomplete Without Crown

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scotbuildshamptonshome

Elegance radiates through this upscale kitchen with a tray ceiling and two different molding types. Homeowner Danielle achieved a similar look in her home with two-piece coved molding, and she responded that she “loves it!” The key to accomplishing an intricate design like this is blending one type of molding in with your cabinets or vent hood, as shown here. Once that continuity is established, feel free to use a different design on the tray ceiling.

10 of Luxurious Crafted Detail

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parkercollectiveco

In the true and trusted words of Soul and Lane Founder Zakhar Ivanisov, “There’s just something about the artistic lines and crafted detail of crown molding that sparks a bit of luxury into a space. It elevates even the simplest of rooms to something far more elegant and polished.” You can still honor the shifting design landscape towards more contemporary spaces with the inclusion of crown molding. Design today is about dignity and honoring the roots of the home, and what better way to accomplish this feeling than by including classic crown molding? We see no better way.