Crown Moldings

Can a single architectural element combine the properties of decoration, concealment, and insulation? Crown moldings accomplish all these tasks brilliantly. They create elegant transitions between walls and ceilings, drawing admiring glances from every visitor.

Modern homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing foam crown moldings because they look as elegant as wood or plaster analogues, but last much longer and withstand virtually any conditions.

The extensive Royal Foam collection includes over 100 design options, from elegant, modern crown moldings to sophisticated decorative styles. All are made of high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a factory-applied polyurea hard coat, stucco finish and high quality exterior paint.

What is crown molding, and why does it matter?

Originally, crown moldings were designed to conceal cracks, imperfections, and uneven joints between ceilings and walls. Nowadays, these elements are primarily decorative in nature. They border the rooms, give the impression of visual height, and add a touch of refined architectural character to the space.

Professional designers use crown moldings to achieve a uniform style in both domestic and commercial buildings. The right profile can make low ceilings appear higher, transform plain rooms into luxurious ones, and add value to a property by accentuating architectural details.

Apart from ceiling installation, contractors can install decorative crown moldings above doorways and windows to establish a common theme. This kind of versatility makes moldings essential features in new construction and remodeling.

Types of crown molding: flat vs decorative

Modern crown moldings come in many styles to match different decor. There are two main groups of them:

• Flat crown moldings with straight, clean lines and a minimum of decoration
• Decorative crown moldings - elaborate ones with ornate curves or complex reliefs.

Flat, simple profiles are often used in contemporary interiors, interiors designed in the minimalism spirit. They can also be universal options, suitable for any design, especially when it comes to office buildings or government institutions. Because of its plainness, flat crown moldings provide a crisp transition, which accentuates the solidity of the environment.

Flat, simple profiles work wonderfully in open-plan spaces where the continuity of vision means more than sumptuous details. Their geometry suits modern furniture, clean color schemes, and the sparse space arrangements characteristic of stylish designs.

Modern crown moldings typically project 2-4 inches, which is enough expression to create eloquent spaces without sacrificing the understated elegance that modern design requires.

Decorative moldings, by contrast, feature curves, beads, or scrollwork. Ornate designs like ancient Greek egg-and-dart, acanthus leaves pattern, or layered rosettes create a formal, classic look.

Royal Foam decorative foam crown moldings replicate the intricate details. But unlike wood, our foam pieces resist cracking and warping. High-density and lightweight material maintains its shape in any climate, so even fancy decorative profiles stay flawless over time. Traditional decorative styles typically feature 4-8 inch overhangs with multiple stepped levels, which, when properly lit, create dramatic shadow patterns and add depth to molded spaces.

If desired, you can create a creative combination. Highlight an accent wall with an ornate crown molding, and use plain ones on the other walls. If your inner experimenter hasn't found a suitable design in our standard catalog, you can always order a customized option from our support service by calling (855) EPS-FOAM.

Polystyrene foam crown moldings: lightweight, stable, and durable

Royal Foam manufactures crown moldings using expanded polystyrene (EPS) cores with a highly durable protective coating. This combination offers significant advantages over traditional molding materials.

How EPS crown moldings “behave”

Expanded polystyrene is a true innovation in finishing. It consists of a structure comprising many interconnected closed cells. Due to this, the material possesses such high-quality properties:

• Lightweight construction: EPS foam cores weigh 70–80% less than their solid wood or plaster counterparts, simplifying transportation, handling, and installation.
• Dimensional stability: High-density foam maintains precise dimensions regardless of temperature and humidity changes, eliminating warping, swelling, and splitting.
• Moisture resistance: Foam cells are closed tightly enough that water does not penetrate. Therefore, foam crown moldings can be used in high-moisture locations such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Impact resistance: Fast-curing urethane coating creates a hard surface that encapsulates the moldings and resists dents, scratches, and impacts both during and after installation, as well as under normal use.
• Pest resistance: Synthetic materials are not a food source for insects, termites, and other wood-destroying pests.

Collectively, these features make foam crown molding a “best kept secret” for decorators and builders. You gain design flexibility and faster installation without a compromise in quality.

Manufacturing quality and finish standards

Each foam molding is treated with multiple protective coatings in the factory's controlled environment. An aromatic urethane base coat infuses the foam surface, followed by an acrylic top coat, primer and paint, to create a prefabricated, ready to install product.

This multi-layer coating system creates crisp design details, with surfaces that can be painted, stained, or faux-finished, just like wood trim.

Crown molding installation: tips and corner solutions

Installing foam crown molding is surprisingly straightforward. In most cases, you simply glue the moldings. For instance, run a steady bead of construction adhesive on the molding's back, then press it tightly to the wall and ceiling. Excess glue wipes off easily.

Decorative crown molding corners: professional solutions

When it comes to corners, manufacturers often simplify the installation process.

• Outside corners: Cut both adjoining pieces with compound miter cuts (typically at 45°), depending on your molding's spring angle. Test fit the pieces before applying adhesive.
• Inside corners: Seasoned installers employ coping cuts rather than simple bevel cuts in these situations. Cut one piece square and trim the neighboring piece to precisely match the molding profile, creating tight joints that won't move with seasonal movement.
• Corner Blocks: Some builders also utilize pre-molded corner blocks, which replace tricky miters with simple butt cuts.

In short, with foam crown molding, you can achieve professional-looking corners using the same saw cuts and coping skills you’d use on wood – without the tedious work of handling heavy pieces.

Tools and materials you’ll need

Successful crown molding installation depends on having the right equipment:

• Cutting tools: Compound miter saw with fine-tooth blade (80-100 teeth) for smooth, splinter-free cuts
• Measuring equipment: Quality tape measure, level, and marking tools for accurate layout
• Fastening supplies: Construction adhesive that doesn’t contain acetone
• Finishing materials: Sealant to complete the installation