How to Decorate With Brown Crown Molding

Crown molding is a high end, decorative finish that enhances any room. Together with base molding, crown molding turns plain walls into framed art. In the business of real estate, crown molding is on the want lists of new buyers and a marketing tool for agents. Dark brown molding makes a statement in rooms, especially when it frames light or bright walls. Traditional rooms are enhanced by dark brown molding, as are contemporary rooms. Crown molding is available in different sizes, profiles and wood species, and the color from dark stain or paint.

Things You'll Need

• Flooring
• Tables
• Rug
• Upholstered furniture
• Paint
• Wall art

Instructions

1. Select flooring. Since the floor is not close to the molding, your color choice of flooring is not detrimental to the color scheme. If the base molding is also dark, have a light color flooring installed for contrast, and to highlight the crisp, dark crown and base molding.

2. Paint the wall a light color, such as cream, or a bright color like yellow. Modern color palettes compatible with brown include soft blue and light green. These colors will be enhanced by the dark molding.

3. Bring color into the room with a rug. The rug should have some dark brown to match the molding, but contain other colors that will bring in variation. Rugs anchor seating arrangements and are great sources for color inspiration.

4. Bring in some dark brown with wood furniture, like side and coffee tables, that will highlight the molding. Traditional wood furniture has curved, thin legs. Contemporary wood pieces are thick and heavy, or straight and simple in design. A large trunk is a creative solution for a coffee table and doubles as extra storage.

5. Balance the room with upholstered furniture. Choose an upholstery that blends with the colors in the rug and is framed by the wall color. Choose these pieces with the same frame color as the crown molding. Add in decorative pillows and a throw.

6. Hang framed art in a contrasting frame. Use the wall space in between the crown molding and floor to create interest and contrast. Try a gold or silver frame, or a natural wood one. Add in other accessories in pops of accent colors. The dark brown molding has been highlighted and reinforced with the tables and upholstered furniture, so you can add flair and pop through accessories

References

• Better Homes & Garden: Decorating Gallery: Living Rooms
• HGTV: Traditional Living Rooms from Alia Meyer