Crown Moulding Ideas for a Vaulted Ceiling

Horizontal Moulding

• In rooms with cathedral ceilings, two sides of the wall meet on a horizontal line with the edge of the ceiling, but the other ends typically feature a flat wall with no angled joint. Crown moulding traditionally lines the angle where the ceiling meets the wall, but cathedral ceilings only offer two edges for moulding. Carry decorative crown molding along the horizontal line where the wall meets the lowest angle of the ceiling to differentiate between the wall space and the ceiling space. Measure the moulding so that it creates an even, horizontal plane all around the room even on walls where the ceiling and wall are flush. Choose a moulding in white or natural wood to add visual differentiation from the wall color.

False Beams

• The traditional vaulted ceilings found in classic cathedrals feature distinctive wooden support beams that add natural and dramatic decorative detailing to the ceiling. Even if your vaulted ceiling lacks natural wood beams, you can create a similar look with natural wood crown moulding. Wide, symmetrical crown moulding with simple profiles and a natural wood finish is a modern update for the classic beam look. Line the beams parallel to the angle of the wall so that they meet at the peak of the ceiling to maintain the feeling of height and openness. If you want to visually bring the ceiling down, create a grid with shorter sections of moulding that meet each vertical strip. Any grid squares smaller than 3 feet may make your ceiling look cluttered or distracting, so keep the squares large if you opt for a grid beam effect.

Picture Frame Moulding

• Less ornate crown moulding is a suitable material for creating picture frame moulding squares that add visual interest to your vaulted ceiling. Simpler profiles with less detailing are best suited for frame moulding as more detailed pieces may look awkward when they are joined at mitered edges to create squares or rectangles. For ease of installation, glue and nail the frames together on the floor first before lining them up and securing them to your ceiling. If your aesthetic is a bit more adventurous, paint the interior of each frame a shade that either matches your wall color or complements your wall color; pale shades are subtle and colorful while rich, saturated shades are dramatic and elegant options.