Craftsman Cabinet Crown Molding

By Tania Melissa

last updated February 18, 2025

Contributions sourced from

www.kitchencraftsman.net

How to Hang Crown Molding on Kitchen Cabinets

Assuming that cabinets are installed plumb and level, youll want to hang the crown molding in a way that makes the ceilings unevenness as unobtrusive as possible. To do that, the crowns bottom edge has to be level and evenly spaced above the cabinet doors, and it has to remain intact. Any cuts in the crown will be immediately noticeable.

Before You Get Started

First, select a crown molding with a vertical height about the same as the narrowest gap between ceiling and cabinet.

Then glue a ³₄ -inch-thick strip of clear poplar to the moldings top edge. Make sure the strips front edge and the top of the molding are flush, as shown at right.

When the glue sets, sand or plane the joint so that it wont be visible after painting. Now you can scribe this section to fit tight against the sloping ceiling.

Cabinets with Inset Doors

If your cabinets have inset doors, open them, place the augmented crown in position on the ceiling, and clamp it to the cabinets face frame. Trace a pencil line on the ceiling where it meets the scribe strip, then reclamp the crown so it sits flush with bottom edge of the face-frame top rail. Draw tick marks across this joint to help you align the crown after scribing.

To make the scribe line, set your compass legs to match the widest gap between the crown and ceiling. Keep the legs aligned vertically as you run the compass point along the line on the ceiling and the pencil along the scribe strip. The pencil line will show the ceiling contour.

On cabinets with overlay doors, which have hidden face frames or no frames at all, youll have to mount rabbeted filler pieces to the cabinets tops to give you something to nail the crown to.

The fillers above the doors should sit flush with the door faces; these fillers are held in place with screws driven through the tops of the cabinets. The side fillers sit inside the cabinet frame, flush with the sides. Theyre fastened to the cabinet with a combination of superglue gel, wood glue, and pin nails.

Steps for hanging crown molding:

Cut strips of the 5/4 pine to length and width, based on the size of the cabinets. These will be the filler pieces.
Make rabbet cuts on the filler pieces so that the piece fits tightly on the top of the cabinet and over the door of the cabinet.
Once the cuts are all made, spray paint the filler pieces to match the color of the cabinets in case they show through.
Mount the filler pieces to the cabinets using super glue to hold it in place and wood glue to more permanently bond it to the cabinet.
From the sides of the cabinet, nail the filler pieces in the place. For the front filler piece, drill from underneath the inside of the cabinet, and then secure that piece with wood screws.
Hold up the crown molding on the sides of the cabinet. Be sure the pieces are tight against the wall. Use a pencil to mark from the inside the correct measurement to cut the crown molding. Draw an arrow on the inside to help determine which angle the miter cut should go.
Hold the crown molding upside down and backwards so that it presses up safely against the fence of the miter saw. To keep it from slipping, you can use some of the clear polyurethane glue and a couple small pieces of wood to glue on the base of the saw to act as stops.
Turn the miter saw to 45 degrees based on the direction of the mark drawn on the crown molding during measuring. Cut the piece.
To make the sister cut on the opposite piece of crown molding, turn the saw to the opposite 45 degree angle and cut it again.
Nail the two pieces together using the brad nailer and then hold the crown molding back up to the cabinet to get the next measurement. Measure and mark the front piece of crown molding. Be sure to also mark the direction of the angle for the crown molding like before.
Make the miter cut for the front piece of crown molding. Then, make the sister cut for the following side like before.
Mount the crown molding to the cabinet using the brad nailer. Repeat this process with the rest of the cabinets with outside corners.
For any cabinets with an inside corner, cut the miters with the opposite 45-degree angle so that the miter angles on the crown molding cut into itself.
Fill in all the nail holes with wood putty.
Caulk around the crown molding where it meets the ceiling to give it a finished look.

Resources:

The homeowner had already purchased Shaker-style cabinets that came with the crown molding.

The wood glue and super glue Tom used for the crown molding and the filler pieces are both manufactured by Gorilla Glue.

The other materials Tom used to install the crown molding, including the brad nailer, compressor, and spray paint, are all found at home centers. For the spray paint, Tom recommends getting a fast-drying spray primer with a dry time of one hour.

Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Universal Factory Direct.

Shopping List:

5/4-inch pineFast drying spray primerSuper glueWood glueBrad nailsWood screwsPencilWood puttyPaintable caulking

Tools:

Craftsman Style Molding

Shop In-Stock Profiles

Below youll find our in-stock selection of Craftsman style moldings. Each type of molding includes profile combinations that are available made-to-order in select lengths and wood species. Click each profile to learn more about available options.

Craftsman Baseboard

Craftsman baseboards feature simple profiles without embellishments. The profiles above capture the look of traditional base molding typical of Craftsman style homes.

Craftsman Crown Molding

Like other Craftsman moldings, crown profiles capture the simple, handcrafted motifs common throughout Arts & Crafts style homes. Crown molding in Craftsman homes may be as unadorned as the base molding, but simple concave shapes were also popular.

Craftsman Casing #1

The decorative framing above embodies casing profiles commonly placed around the interior doors and windows of Craftsman homes.

Craftsman Casing #2

7131 [1-1/16 x 1-1/16]
S4S [3/4 x 3-1/2]

Add extra thickness to Craftsman style door and window trim by combining the above profiles. This combination of planed wood molding and backband is perfect for adding depth to complement thicker baseboards or chair rail.

Craftsman Characteristics

Craftsman or Arts and Crafts style moldings, often combine unadorned S4S trim with eased edges and simple geometric design. A Craftsman style home consists of simple designs, without superfluous decoration. Learn more about Craftsman style architecture and design.

39 Crown Molding Designs

Not all cakes need icing, but theyre arguably better with the sweet concoction. The same goes for a room decked in trim. Read on to steal these ceiling trim and molding ideas to add more style to your rooms.

Special thanks to the KB Classical Moulding catalogue, available at kuikenbrothers.com, for guidance on molding styles and history.

The Purpose of Crown Molding

It isnt essential, but adding crown molding goes a long way in achieving old-house charm.

Crown Molding Designs

Here, we see what different styles of the trimFederal, Greek Revival, Early American, Georgian, Colonial Revival, Traditional Revival and Craftsmancan do for your rooms.

Volume for a Low Ceiling

Simple, elegant beading makes this Federal style crown molding help a low-ceilinged room full of feminine neutral accents read as voluminous.

The English-inspired style was popular after the American Revolution and into the early 19th century and characterized by its simple beads (small indented lines) and cavetto (concave) shapes.

Bumped-Up Look

In addition to a four-foot bump out, visual cues like small-scale Early American molding help this reworked kitchen appear larger.

The cyma recta curve (concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge) where the crown meets the ceiling and simple beading makes this molding just enough of an accent for this bold-colored kitchen.

Upgraded Trim for Crisp Lines

Like the rest of the house, this living room was in great shape but needed help. The homeowner hid the original built-ins valances with new trim and installed Colonial Revival crown for a crisp, clean look reflected in the dentil mold of the rooms mantel.

Typically reserved for nicer rooms of the home, this style harnesses a mix of bold (Greek Revival) and light (Federal) profiles for the best of both worlds. Crown profiles may include the S shape of an ogee and the double curved cyma.

Uncrowded Crown Style

Older homes have smaller canvases for flourishes like generous crown molding, creating a crowding problem. So this sharp homeowner tacked on Classical Revival top trim on her kitchen cabinets only, providing more room for natural light around the sink.

This style, noted for its dignity and monumentality, makes for a significant style contribution. The bold scale is softened in the small space by the cyma recta (concave at the outer edge and convex at the inner edge) top and flat-front boards that tie the crown in with kitchen cabinets below.

Original Built-In

A revived original three-corner cupboard becomes the rooms focal point with the help of low-profile crown molding and other trim details.

Barely-There Crown

Minimal trim keeps this breakfast area looking cheery and finished without overwhelming it.

S-Shaped Crown for a Finished Look

A simple ogee (S-shape) crown moldingalbeit a small dosedoes wonders for putting the finishing touches on a bright redo.

Crown Hugging Odd Corners

Simple Federal crown molding makes this oddly shaped room feel cohesive.

Cohesive Kitchen Cabinets

Glossy white cabinets and stainless steel appliances keep the kitchen area un-fussy in the open plan kitchen/dining/family room setup. Simple Early American-style crown moldingplus a little flourish atypical to the style at the bottom to join the cabinet topshelps the eye roam to other parts of the open area plan.

Recreate the minimalist look by adding an intricate back bend at the bottom of the crown moldings flat casing to blend with the top of kitchen cabinetry.

Less Crown, More Impact

In some cases, using bold trim sparingly makes for a bigger statement. Here, Federal crown molding adorns a square column and cabinetry to highlight those structural elements.

Greek Revival

Bright white Greek Revival crown molding gives the eye a place to rest in this blue room absent of wall adornment, save for an awning-style window.

This simple profile is meant to look like the column and entablature decorations found in ancient Greek temples. Supersized ogee (S-shape) and ovolo (convex) curves appear often in this style.

Contrasting Casings

An arch in this master bedroommodeled after an original built-in bookcaseis grounded by sleek Greek Revival crown molding.

Federal Old-Fashioned Feel

Federal crown molding adds to other old-fashioned details that distract from the baths modern amenities, like an air-jet tub.

Nautical Color Combo

A houseboat gets the ultimate nautical treatment with gleaming stained trim against clean white walls.

Minimalist Matching Trim

Minimal Traditional Revival molding was the basis for this dining rooms new sustainable fir window casings. Corner molding provides a little more ornamentation for the eyes.

This style is an evolution of the classical profiles from earlier in the 19th century, minimizing and simplifying them while enlarging the individual parts. Think Greek Revival with more details.

Brightened-Up Compact Kitchen

A skylight and coffered ceiling decked in Federal trim lightens and brightens a tiny kitchen full of reclaimed finds.

Heavy on The Wood Trim

Greek Revival crown molding matches quartersawn white oak cabinets to balance out saturated yellow walls and ceiling, creating warmth in a cabin-reminiscent space.

Pared-Down Crown

Barely-there beading of Early American trim highlights a handsome Craftsman built-in banquette and dining table.

Standout Crown and Feet

Large-scale Early American moldings were made to match substantial kitchen cabinetry feet mimicked from a vintage dresser.

Highlighted Beadboard

The Traditional Revival crown molding in this former sunken living room isnt the only element thats seen beading. The weighty topper highlights a beadboard ceiling chosen for its vintage cues.

Crown Curtain Rods

Expand your crown molding horizons by using it to top off other room elements. Georgian trim with dentil details along the French doors and window tops significantly up the spaces design, all while echoing the complementing trim just inches above.

This gracious 17th-century style is design-heavy down to the small square blocks of the dentil trim and other details.

Blended In Built-Ins

Subtle Early American trim tops off the casing of a built-in, making the addition looks like its always been thereeven though crown molding is absent in the rest of the area.

Early American Trim Gives New Ceiling Height

Lose a drop ceiling and theres no sense in skimping on the crown molding! Small-scale Early American trim draws the eye upward and makes up for all that new ceiling room.

Coffered Ceiling: Crown For Preservations Sake

Gorgeous coffering serves as more than adornment. Designers added the feature to help preserve the pristine plaster ceiling from future water damage and cracks. Plus, the additional surface next to the beams allows for an ornate profile.

Greek Revival Kitchen Trim

Bold Greek Revival trim tops off creamy yellow cabinets in this cheerful kitchen. Kitchen cabinet-topping crown molding lends cohesion to a room full of disparate features like the ceramic-tile backsplash and heart pine floors.

Flat-front Molding with a Shapely Mantel

Flat-front molding with few flourishestypical of simple Craftsman trimlets the handsome mahogany mantel and its geometric features command attention.

This relatively understated style is tied to the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized skill and craftsmanship, rather than the ornate details of previous styles.

Elegant Corner Block

Curvaceous corner blocks in the front parlor create additional visual interest to the Colonial Revival crown and green built-in bookshelves.

Federal-Style, Simple and Masculine

Homeowners added low-key Federal-style crown in a formerly dilapidated bungalows living room for a masculine finish with few flourishes.

Layers of Molding

Substantial crown molding defines the ceiling and wall, and adds some much-needed ornamentation.

Custom Designs

Stepped-up Traditional Revival crown molding complements the faux-old floral tile on the fireplaces cast-iron propane insert. Molding built with flat fronts leaves room for custom-look flourishes, like the one pictured.

Framed Up Pocket Doors

Lots of beading at play in the Federal crown molding frames up this dining rooms entertaining features, the built-in China cabinets and arched pocket doors.

Georgian Style

Georgian-style dentil moldingplus extra detailsgives this fireplace the ultimate historical treatment. Coordinating crown and window cases dripping in detail and generous beading keep the eye roaming.

Make like a circa 1770s wealthy landowner and replicate the elegance of the Georgian style with buildable blocks, bed molds, dentil and hefty crown molding.

Chic Corner Blocks

Corner blocks of Colonial Revival crown molding draw the eye upward to the vaulted, beadboard ceiling.

Rosettes

The lighter side of Colonial Revival crown molding and period-appropriate wall color let rosettes on window casings and a classical mantel take center stage in this former frat houses master bedroom.

Crib with a Coffered View

Inspired by intricate Victorian plaster designs, a homeowner transformed a blank room into a nursery with a whimsical coffered ceiling. Federal molding with stepped details and corners provide lots for developing eyes to gaze upon.

The homeowner used a computerized router to cut patterns from MDF to use as bending forms. Then, he formed the coffering with a vacuum press, and seven pieces of poplar trim laminated, spending a total of 130 hours on the project.

Steel Beam-Disguising Crown

Two essential steel beamsalong with a grid of false beamscreate a coffered ceiling. Pared-down Greek Revival crown molding complements, rather than competes, with the rooms built-ins.

Obscure Garage Tell-Tale Signs

Federal crown molding masks any remnants of this media rooms former identitya freestanding garage. Built-in storage and plenty of beadboard throughout make the room feel like its been there for years.

Refined Curve With Victorian Ambience

Wide openings with casings were created in an Italianate San Francisco townhouse formerly split up into apartments for a brothel. Federal-style moldings bring a refined and cohesive look to the former place of ill repute.

Fine beading and intricately shaped openings will do the trick for a formal, Victorian feel, even in places of already good repute.