Types of Moulding for Cabinet Tops
Adding moulding to the top of your cabinets can elevate the overall design of your kitchen or bathroom, adding visual interest and a touch of elegance. It can also help to conceal imperfections in the ceiling or wall, creating a more polished look. When choosing moulding for your cabinets, you’ll have several options to consider, each with its unique aesthetic and installation requirements.
Crown Moulding
Crown moulding is a classic choice for cabinet tops, adding a traditional and sophisticated touch to the space. It’s typically characterized by a curved profile, resembling a crown or a rounded cornice. The intricate design of crown moulding adds a sense of grandeur and can be used to visually expand the space.
Crown moulding comes in various styles, ranging from simple and understated to ornate and elaborate. The choice of style will depend on the overall design aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom.
- Installation: Installing crown moulding can be a bit more complex than other types of moulding, as it requires precise cuts and angles to ensure a seamless fit. It’s best to have some experience with woodworking or seek professional help for installation.
- Cost: The cost of crown moulding varies depending on the material, size, and intricacy of the design. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars per linear foot for simple designs to over $10 per linear foot for more elaborate styles.
- Aesthetic: Crown moulding adds a touch of elegance and formality to any space. It’s a versatile option that complements various design styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Cove Moulding
Cove moulding features a concave profile, creating a gentle curve that softens the transition between the cabinet tops and the ceiling. It offers a more subtle and minimalist look compared to crown moulding, providing a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
- Installation: Cove moulding is generally easier to install than crown moulding, as it doesn’t require as much precision in cutting angles. It can be installed using construction adhesive or nails.
- Cost: Cove moulding is typically less expensive than crown moulding, especially for simpler designs. You can find cove moulding starting at around $2 per linear foot.
- Aesthetic: Cove moulding adds a clean and modern touch to the space. Its understated profile creates a seamless transition between the cabinets and the ceiling, providing a sense of continuity.
Valance Moulding
Valance moulding is a decorative trim that’s typically used to create a visual break between the cabinets and the ceiling. It often features a flat or slightly curved profile, with a more substantial width than crown or cove moulding. Valance moulding can be used to create a sense of depth and visual interest, particularly in kitchens with high ceilings.
- Installation: Valance moulding is relatively easy to install, as it can be attached directly to the cabinet tops using construction adhesive or nails.
- Cost: Valance moulding is typically more affordable than crown moulding but slightly more expensive than cove moulding. Prices vary depending on the material and design.
- Aesthetic: Valance moulding adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space. Its substantial width can create a visual break between the cabinets and the ceiling, enhancing the overall design of the room.
Installation Techniques
Installing moulding on cabinet tops requires careful measurement, precise cutting, and secure attachment. The process ensures a polished and professional finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Measuring and Cutting Moulding, Moulding for top of cabinets
Accurate measurements are crucial for a seamless installation. Begin by measuring the length of each cabinet top where you plan to install the moulding. Add an additional 1/4 inch to each measurement to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Next, use a miter saw or a handsaw to cut the moulding at the precise angles required for each corner.
Attaching Moulding
There are several methods for attaching moulding to cabinet tops, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Nailing
Nailing is a common method for attaching moulding, especially for heavier moulding pieces. Use a nail gun or hammer to drive finishing nails into the moulding, ensuring they are countersunk and concealed.
Gluing
Gluing is an effective method for attaching lighter moulding pieces, particularly in areas where nailing is not feasible or desirable. Apply a bead of wood glue along the back of the moulding and press it firmly onto the cabinet top.
Brad Nailer
A brad nailer is a versatile tool that allows for quick and precise attachment of moulding. It drives small brads into the moulding, creating a secure hold without leaving large nail holes.
Finishing Touches
Once the moulding is attached, it’s essential to finish it for a polished look. Use wood filler to cover any nail holes or gaps, and then sand the moulding smooth. Apply a primer and paint or stain to match the cabinet tops, completing the installation process.
Design Considerations: Moulding For Top Of Cabinets
Choosing the right moulding for your cabinet tops is a crucial step in achieving a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design. This decision should be carefully considered, taking into account the style of your cabinets, the overall design of the room, and your personal preferences.
Moulding Styles and Architectural Periods
The style of your cabinets plays a significant role in determining the appropriate moulding. Consider the era of your cabinets and the architectural period they represent. Different moulding styles are associated with specific architectural periods, and selecting a moulding that complements the style of your cabinets can enhance their visual appeal and historical accuracy.
| Moulding Style | Architectural Period | Design Aesthetics |
|---|---|---|
| Cove Moulding | Georgian, Victorian | Simple, elegant, classic |
| Ogee Moulding | Gothic, Renaissance | Ornate, decorative, intricate |
| Bead Moulding | Colonial, Federal | Clean, understated, timeless |
| Crown Moulding | Victorian, Edwardian | Grand, elaborate, decorative |
| Chair Rail Moulding | Colonial, Federal | Practical, functional, traditional |
Visual Effects
Moulding can be used to create a variety of visual effects, adding depth, dimension, and interest to your cabinets. It can be used to:
- Add Visual Interest: Moulding can break up large, flat surfaces, adding visual interest and texture. A simple bead moulding can create a subtle effect, while a more ornate moulding can create a bold statement.
- Define Space: Moulding can be used to visually separate different areas within a room. For example, using crown moulding to define the top of the cabinets can create a sense of separation between the upper and lower cabinets.
- Create a Focal Point: Moulding can be used to highlight specific features, such as a fireplace mantel or a built-in bookcase. Using a contrasting colour or a bold moulding style can draw attention to these features.
Moulding for top of cabinets – Moulding atop cabinets provides a polished finish, concealing any imperfections and adding visual interest. However, achieving a seamless look can be challenging, especially when dealing with uneven walls. A thorough understanding of how to install kitchen cabinets on uneven walls is essential, as even slight discrepancies can affect the moulding’s alignment.
Proper shimming and leveling techniques will ensure the moulding sits flush, creating a professional and cohesive look.
Moulding for the top of cabinets offers a subtle yet impactful way to elevate the look of a kitchen. It can create a more finished appearance, especially when paired with white floating wall cabinets , which often have a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Adding moulding provides a visual break, preventing the cabinets from feeling too stark, and can complement the overall design scheme.
