Should You Have Crown Molding in Your Bathroom?
Written by Milan Jara on 19th Oct 2022
Wondering if you should install crown molding in the bathroom? There are several benefits to this decision and other things to consider, too.
Bathrooms that are functional yet uninspiring are a thing of the past. Today, homeowners want the bathroom to be as beautiful as other areas in their homes. Many have asked whether installing crown molding in the bathroom is a good idea or whether it should be avoided. The answer truly is it depends since there are several variables to consider.
The short answer is yes; you can install crown molding in a bathroom. However, it needs to be of good quality to meet the needs of this room. Homeowners will need to consider a critical fact about any bathroom: it contains more moisture than any other space in the house.
Since this is unavoidable due to the nature of the bathroom, certain things will need to be implemented to ensure your crown molding will last.
You’ll want to ensure that moisture from the bath or shower area doesn’t destroy or warp your crown molding. There are also things that you need to be mindful of when installing crown molding in the bathroom.
Uses for Crown Molding
Crown molding finishes a room. It is placed where the ceiling meets the walls. Leaving this area untouched can make a room appear incomplete. Aside from this, crown molding can:
- Mask flaws in the ceiling or walls
- Make ceilings appear higher
- Offer an easy way to upgrade the look of a bathroom
- Provides a decorative element to make a room more luxurious
The most popular areas to use crown molding tend to be common spaces in a home, like a kitchen, family room, living room, and formal dining room. However, it is now going into private areas to include bathrooms and bedrooms as decorative pieces. The benefit to adding it to a bathroom is that it can make a small, cramped area feel even grander or add a bit of decoration.
Types of Crown Molding
The most common type of crown molding is wood; however, wood only works well in well-ventilated areas. In places that contain heavy moisture, wood is not the best choice. The moisture from a bathroom can warp the wood and cause mold, especially on materials that are not moisture-resistant, like pine. Even if you don’t see the damage, it may be developing behind the molding between the ceiling and wall seam.
Here are some other types of crown molding to consider for your bathroom.
Plaster Crown Molding
This type is trendy since it can be shaped into any design. Unfortunately, they are prone to cracking and are heavy.
Polystyrene
This crown molding looks like Styrofoam. It cuts easily, shapes with little effort, and installs in a fraction of the time. The only drawback is it looks cheaper than other types of crown molding, which can defeat the purpose of adding this type to luxurious bathrooms.
Polyvinyl (PVC)
PVC is a plastic polymer that works well in bathrooms or areas with high humidity. PVC crown molding resists rotting; however, it can be more susceptible to damage when compared to wood molding.
Flex Crown Molding
Flex crown molding is another great option for a bathroom. You can easily shape it into ornate designs. Its rubbery substance makes it very flexible as well.
The best type of molding to use in a bathroom is anything that is moisture-resistant. Polyurethane, flex, and PVC crown molding are the best for bathrooms due to their properties. Another moisture-resistant crown molding option is plaster, but it can easily chip and involves a lot of maintenance.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Regarding installation, there are several advantages to placing crown molding in a bathroom. The main one is that it can transform a dull, lackluster bathroom into something more elegant. Putting it in a bathroom can make something that appears to be simple or basic more upscale. As mentioned, crown molding installation will make a bathroom appear larger and hide imperfections.
While adding to a bathroom seems like a “no-brainer,” there are some disadvantages. One of the most prevalent is the high humidity. This moisture can damage the crown molding and warp it, cause it to rot, or become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Therefore, the best choices are installing crown molding that has been waterproofed or bypassing wood in favor of moisture-resistant materials. While alternative options may not look as nice, they are functional, and you won’t need to replace them as frequently.
Why Is Crown Molding in Bathroom Trending?
For many years, bathrooms tended to be dank, small, functional rooms in a house. People generally just did their business there and left. No one hung around for long periods as they tended to be more functional spaces.
However, bathrooms are now more luxurious, spa-like areas where homeowners can relax and unwind. So, it makes sense to make them more attractive by using crown molding.
As the bathroom evolves into something more elegant, people want to incorporate more elaborate forms of crown molding. Adding it boosts the value of a home and creates a more aesthetic appearance.
While crown molding is typically used for bathroom ceilings, you can also find it decorating cabinets, closets, and vanity mirrors. As attractive as it can be, you should use it sparingly in the bathroom. Instead, place it in areas where it will add the most aesthetic value.
Final Words
Crown molding in the bathroom is useful for several reasons. It can hide imperfections, elevate the overall appearance of your bathroom, and add height to small areas. While there are many benefits to finishing this area, from boosting home value to creating a luxurious, spa-like space, there are also disadvantages.
Since bathrooms contain high humidity levels, they are prone to moisture. This excessive moisture and heat provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew. Solid wood crown molding can rot, too. Therefore, it is important to either waterproof the wood or use an alternative material for crown molding in this particular space.
