Crown molding style for 8 foot ceiling? (paint, color, ceilings, Home Depot)

[redlove]

Our dining room's ceiling is only 8" high. What molding style/ceiling medallion should I use for it? Is 51/4" crown molding the best choice? Thanks,

[MMichelle]

I think I'd use more "standard" 3" (or close to that) crown. Since the ceilings are 8', I'd go with the more common crown.

[redlove]

Originally Posted by MMichelle

I think I'd use more "standard" 3" (or close to that) crown. Since the ceilings are 8', I'd go with the more common crown.

The chair rail in this pic is aprox. 3". I think it is a bit too small for the ceiling [not 100% sure :-)]. I was thinking of a decorative molding but I don't know where to find.

[MMichelle]

I don't think it would be too small at all. I've installed crown in many homes - it's great. Even with the 3" - if you paint it white (or same color as ceiling) it will add visual height to your ceiling. It really does wonders for a plain room.

Fair warning - if you use a different color on the crown - or use a wood crown, it will bring the ceiling down, visually. It may make the room look smaller, too.

It won't detract from your chair rail at all.

You can easily buy moldings at Lowes or Home Depot. Check both stores - the styles and prices will vary.
Best wishes on your project!

[redlove]

Originally Posted by MMichelle

I don't think it would be too small at all. I've installed crown in many homes - it's great. Even with the 3" - if you paint it white (or same color as ceiling) it will add visual height to your ceiling. It really does wonders for a plain room.

Fair warning - if you use a different color on the crown - or use a wood crown, it will bring the ceiling down, visually. It may make the room look smaller, too.

It won't detract from your chair rail at all.

You can easily buy moldings at Lowes or Home Depot. Check both stores - the styles and prices will vary.
Best wishes on your project!

Thank you for your advice. I may have to rethink about the recommendation from a local crown molding installer, who suggested I should install a 51/4" wood crown molding that matches the chair rail's color [???]

[MMichelle]

YIKES!!
Proceed with the re-think process!
Best wishes.

[Ceramictec]

go with white 6" crown molding.
it will look the best.

[redlove]

I also want to install crown molding for the library room and foyer. Should I use the same color white?

Do you have any experience with beams? I am thinking of installing faux wood beams on the vaulted ceiling in my living room. However, the crown molding guy said he would not recommend using faux wood beam (more cost effective?). He would use pine wood instead [???]

[mrpeatie]

With an 8' foot ceiling I would actually go with either a picture rail an inch or two below the ceiling or dentil molding. Larger moldings in standard height/low ceilinged rooms just stand out too much.

I agree with whoever suggested painting. You culd also do a smaller trim peice on the ceiling 8"-1' in from the walls. Generally I thinking breaking the expanse of ceiling is more successful in making the room feel larger.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by redlove

Our dining room's ceiling is only 8" high. What molding style/ceiling medallion should I use for it? Is 51/4" crown molding the best choice? Thanks,

I have done 6"(the call for your 5 1/4") crown in rooms with 8' ceilings. It definitely had a visual impact. All were done in white (as was the rest of the trim).
I look at the balance of a room- like right now, the room is bottom heavy. Decorative baseboard and chair rail. Adding 6" crown would give the room a top heavy look. Adding 4" crown would probably balance.
Maybe a less expensive way to achieve a top heavy look is to use 4" crown and a picture mould.
I prefer the top heavy look for formal areas.
And I was also looking at it as stained- like the rest of the trim.