How Much Value Does Crown Molding Add to Your Home, or Does It Just Add a Certain Elegance?

How much does crown molding cost?

Your walls are in good shape, and you’re curious to price out some crown molding options and see if it’s worth the investment. Where to start?

The average cost for crown molding ranges from $4 to $23 per linear foot, depending on the material and the labor cost in your area. Wood molding tends to be more expensive due to the skilled carpentry required to cut and install it. Overall, expect to pay between $611 and $2,120 to have crown molding professionally installed.

Naturally, less investment is required if you’re only installing in select rooms or using crown molding to accent cabinets or framing.

Does crown molding add value?

Crown molding is tricky in that it’s one of few home improvement endeavors where the cost of installation can exceed the cost of materials.

“The return on investment for crown molding is usually positive, though it depends on how you use your money,” says a representative from Focal Point Products, producers of polyurethane crown molding kits in Greenwood, Delaware. “Crown molding can be quite difficult to install, […] the project could cost thousands.”

If you’re the handy type or happen to have a carpenter in the family, you might be able to install crown molding yourself and save some cash that way. It’s worth reaching out to fellow homeowner friends or neighbors for their recommendations on local renovation contractors. Most will offer free or low-cost consultation, so you’ll know what you’re getting into before you commit to signing any checks.

As far as crown molding adding value to a home?

In Tampa, Florida, top real estate agent Christina Griffin does not see a big demand for crown molding from her clients. Aside from the occasional buyer who chooses crown molding as an add-on option in a new-construction property, the detail has never been the tipping point on a sale or valuation.

“I’ve done thousands of [broker price opinion] BPOs, and when we adjust values and put houses right next to each other and an appraiser goes in, there isn’t much of an adjustment for crown molding,” says Griffin. “A fresh coat of paint would add more value than crown molding, in my opinion.”

Is crown molding worth installing?

While no one likes to hear, “It depends!”, crown molding tends to be a matter of personal preference. Some love it, and some don’t even notice the added grandeur.

“I think it goes to style,” says Pat Tasker, a top agent based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “I think it’s usually an indication of higher-quality build and more attention to detail.”

That said, Tasker would not advise a seller in her market to add crown molding to their home in hopes of increasing value prior to sale.

“I mean, [crown molding] is desirable, but it’s emotional value. It doesn’t add any financial value,” says Tasker.” [Homeowners] are better off putting in real hardwood floors than crown molding.”

Input from home appraiser Cody Bunch of For What It’s Worth Appraisals in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, aligns with agent feedback. Crown molding theoretically can add value, but it’s not a given.

“Similar to [adding] a pool, the improvement has value, but the market in which it exists determines the effect,” says Bunch. “There is no clear answer. Crown molding, paint, updated flooring, updated fixtures, etc. can all be improvements which increase the marketability of a home and in turn provide an increase in value, but these improvements are usually not dollar for dollar.”

Which rooms benefit most from crown molding?

Not every room needs crown molding, but in the right spaces, it can make a huge impact. Here’s where it works best:

• Living room: Crown molding adds elegance and makes the space feel more polished by creating a seamless transition between walls and ceilings. It also enhances traditional or classic design styles, giving the room a timeless appeal.
• Dining room: It elevates formal dining areas by adding a sense of refinement and architectural interest. The right molding can make even a simple dining space feel more upscale and inviting.
• Master bedroom: A touch of crown molding brings luxury and sophistication, making the room feel like a high-end retreat. As part of bedroom staging, it helps frame the ceiling beautifully, especially in rooms with tray or vaulted ceilings.
• Hallways and entryways: These often-overlooked spaces can feel more intentional and finished with the addition of crown molding. It draws the eye upward, adding depth and visual interest to otherwise plain areas.

However, some rooms don’t really need crown molding. Low-ceilinged basements or ultra-modern, minimalist spaces might not benefit since the molding can feel out of place or make the room seem smaller.

So, what’s the verdict?

If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of crown molding and this hasn’t been the evaluation you were hoping for, don’t fret. Instead of making it a whole-house project, consider adding crown molding to just one or two rooms to play up the “wow” factor. A formal dining room or living room can be a great space to add decorative molding selectively.

Alternatively, you can use crown molding as an accent above prominent doorways or windows, or you might turn your attention to the kitchen.

“It is a nice finish to put on cabinets,” says Tasker. “Crown molding gives a really nice, finished touch versus just the raw square edges, and a homeowner could do that themselves.”

Finally, don’t hesitate to consult a real estate agent. Every housing market is different, and an expert in your area will be the best resource for advice on whether adding crown molding to your home would be a smart move before listing.

Explore HomeLight’s Home Improvement resources for tips and ideas on projects that will help add value to your home and make it irresistible to buyers.

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