What Types of Prefinished Moldings Do You Use for Ceilings?

Cove Moldings

Cove moldings have a concave profile. They create an architectural flow between the wall and the ceiling. Concave moldings are often used to hide joints and imperfections in corners. Basic prefinished pieces can be smooth, or they can have small, beveled edges. The backsides are flat so the molding can be buttressed against the wall and the top of the ceiling. You can repeat the same style of cove ceiling molding on a fireplace mantel to create symmetry in the moldings used in a room.

Bed molding is used when you want a flatter piece between the wall and ceiling. As the name implies, the molding is placed so it “beds” against the wall and the top of the ceiling. Designs are either sprung or plain. A sprung design is more decorative and has beveled edges, while a plain design has a smooth surface. Like cove molding, you can use the same bed molding pattern around mantels and shelving to give a room a coordinated look.

Crown molding is the “crown jewel” of prefinished ceiling molding choices. It is the most decorative and ornate of all ceiling moldings and is regarded as finish carpentry. The advantage to using prefinished crown molding, as opposed to wood crown molding, is that it takes paint better and won’t splinter, chip or rot. You can start with a basic piece of prefinished crown molding, then layer and build it up with a variety of styles and sizes to create a distinctive combination.

For example, you can combine a flat prefinished piece with a curved piece or one with a floral or leaf pattern. You can also add bed molding on the base against the wall, add flat-backed strips on top of the bed molding, and use a cove molding piece as the final transitional piece from the wall to the ceiling surface.

Prefinished ceiling medallions become a center of attention in rooms. They are typically installed in the center of the ceiling above a main light fixture or a ceiling fan. Ceiling medallions first became fashionable during the Victorian era and were made of marble, plaster and even iron, but they were difficult to install.

Today’s prefinished medallions are made of lightweight wood or plastic materials so they are much easier to install and more affordable. Prefinished medallions also last longer and are more chip-resistant than plaster. Most designs can be attached to ceilings with adhesive or drywall screws. And unlike medallions of the past, new prefinished designs extend beyond commonplace circular shapes and include everything from squares to hexagons and abstract shapes.