Crown moulding

What kind of paint should I use?

August 10, 2009

Jenn from Oakville asks...

Matte or semi-gloss? Or do I match it to the finish of my baseboards?

There are no hard and fast rules about crown moulding, but here are a few guidelines. If you want to play up your mouldings, paint them in a contrasting colour to your walls and use a satin finish (it’s a bit more subtle than semi-gloss). In this case, all your trim throughout the house, including baseboards, wainscotting, doors, windows and casings should be the same colour and finish, usually a shade of white or off-white (Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White and Chantilly Lace are among my favourites). This is the most common way you’ll see crown moulding finished, but there are definitely exceptions.

In some cases, you may want to paint the crown mouldings the same colour as your ceiling in a flat finish (ceilings are usually painted in a flat finish as well). You can do this if you have higher ceilings and want to make your space feel more intimate. I always recommend this type of finish if you have ceilings with plaster detailing or plaster mouldings as it keeps the original plaster feel. As an aside, this is the only time I recommend painting a ceiling white. I usually paint ceilings a lighter tint of the wall colour which makes the ceilings feel higher by preventing a jarring contrast between the walls and ceiling.

If you have lower ceilings, uninteresting mouldings, or are using a dark or dramatic colour on the wall, consider painting the crown mouldings the same colour and finish as the wall, and do the same with the baseboards and chair rails. This heightens the wall and can be a very elegant look.

About the Designer

Laura M. Stein Interiors creates leading-edge designs that are distinctive, dynamic, expressive and livable. Focusing on beauty, comfort and functionality, we work directly with our clients to address the individual needs of their families, homes and lifestyles. Our personalized attention to each client ensures that everything is taken care of, from sourcing fabrics and furniture, to managing trades, to the finishing touches. We offer a full range of services, from individual consultations to complete design packages. Laura is an accredited member of CDECA, The Canadian Decorators’ Association. Please visit our web site at www.lauramstein.com or contact us at 416-659-2504 to find out how we can help you turn your home into your haven.