Why is it called Crown Molding? 

Crown Molding is a generic term for the top molding that caps off an element, whether it be cabinetry, a piece of furniture, or hiding the seam between the wall and the ceiling.  

Crown molding on the top of white painted kitchen cabinets from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

Large Beaded Cove Molding and Profiled Solid Stock Create a 2 Piece Crown

What Does Crown Molding Do?

Crown Molding is typically used a decorative element. It adds dimension and detail to the room, drawing the eye upward. The shape of the molding can create interesting shadows and enhance the overall design. Crown Molding at the top of a wall cabinet can also be used as a functional piece to cover the space between the wall cabinet and the ceiling.  

rown Molding Used on Cabinets With Varying Heights

Crown Molding Used on Cabinets With Varying Heights

What Are the Rules?

Is there a design rule that states you should install molding on the tops of your wall and tall cabinets? The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules that force you to add a piece of molding to the tops of your cabinets. Although many full overlay wall and tall cabinets are designed with a wider reveal at the top specifically for the installation of some type of molding. Traditional and Transitional styles lend themselves well to the use of Crown Molding. Contemporary or Modern designs, which are more clean-lined, often do not require a Crown Molding. 

A contemporary style kitchen with warm bamboo cabinets from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

A Contemporary Kitchen Without Crown Molding

How do you choose the right style of Crown Molding for your cabinetry?

A general rule of thumb is to use a simple molding, one with fewer curves and details, with a simple door style. The more detailed door style, a more detailed crown would be appropriate. The height of the Crown Molding should also be taken into consideration, a large room with high ceilings and taller cabinets can handle larger molding. If the room is smaller and the ceilings lower, a large molding would overtake the space. Proportion and scale are key.

Crown modling stack close up on Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
A close look at a crown molding stack at the top of traditional style kitchen cabinets from Dura Supreme.

What cabinet molding style is for you?

Crown modling stack close up on Dura Surpeme Cabinetry
Mandi Juskiewicz the Senior Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry. A content developer and blog author for the company.

Mandi Juskiewicz is the Sr. Design & Marketing Specialist for Dura Supreme Cabinetry with 20 years of experience in graphic design, web design, multi-media communications, photography, and social media technology.  Her accolades include the distinction of being named “Kitchen Cabinetry Marketing Specialist of the Year 2019” in the 2019 Content Creator Awards held by CV Magazine and achiever of the Houzz Influencer Award.

Her role at Dura Supreme allows her to curate the “best of the best” designs, cutting edge products, and fabulously functional Dura Supreme kitchens across the country and feature them here for inspiration and design ideas!

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