Installing crown molding is an architectural upgrade that can give a plain wall interest, depth, and formality. The choices of crown molding could be staggering for the typical home owner and can be purchased in a variety of material from plaster, pine, mahogany, to primed mdf. The size 
of the molding depends on the details of your home from ceiling height to design style of your home. Crown molding is typically placed along the seam where the celing and wall meets; it can also be used in fireplace mantels to create further architectural interest. If you have over a 9 foot ceiling height, you will need to go with at least a 7 inch crown molding or else it will be lost. Another tip when using crown molding is that you can always leave a small space to add lighting behind the molding; soft lighting that reflects off the ceiling always sets a great mood.
Chair rail molding is another great way to add architectural interest to a dining room or living room. This molding is a horizontal molding usually added 36 inches to 42 inches from the floor. It can be installed when a two tone paint scheme is being used in a room, over wainscoting, with shadow boxes, or even by itself. Most chair rail molding is under $2 a foot, for the primed mdf, and it will have a dramatic impact on a room. My preference is a 3 inch chair rail with many curves for visual interest.
If you have added crown molding and chair rail molding, it is important to also update your baseboard molding. If you selected a 3 inch chair rail molding you will need to go with a 5 inch baseboard molding; this will provide the balance you are looking for.
As mentioned before, wainscoting is a great way to cover the lower part of any wall that could be damaged and works well with chair rail molding. Wainscoting works well in bathrooms that have pedestals sinks, it will create a more sophisticated look but is a rather inexpensive addition. It also works well in country-style homes.
Molding can come in a variety of types and sizes. The more ornate moldings add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to any home and it will stand out against the competitions.
If you are not sure what type of architectural accents to add to your home, please contact a local home stager. We are trained in interior design principles and will be able to point you in the right direction. Home staging - the inexpensive interior designer.
Kate, Kate's Home Staging and Redesign, specializing in home staging, interior design, home decorating, color consultations, home decor discounts, semi-custom window coverings, and custom wood signs. Call Kate for your design consultation at 845-538-3623 or visit www.kateshomestaging.com
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