Can You Put Crown Molding In A Bathroom? (Find Out Now!)

Ryan Womeldorf
by Ryan Womeldorf

Crown molding is a decorative trim that can be applied in many different ways. The most common way is in the space where the ceilings and walls join, creating a visual separation. Trim can be as simple or decorative as you want it to be to match your aesthetic.

But can you use crown molding in a bathroom? The short answer is “yes, but.” You can use crown molding in a bathroom, but it needs to be moisture-resistant in order to protect against moisture damage. Crown molding that is not moisture resistant wouldn’t do well nearby a shower could result in rot and mold growth in addition to potential bowing and warping issues as well.

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Can You Put Crown Molding in a Bathroom?

The good news is that you are not limited to using crown molding in the other areas of your home. You can put crown molding in your bathroom so long as it has water-resistant qualities to it. The excess moisture that gets created in the bathroom can lead to mold and rot growth if the wood is untreated.

Adding crown molding to your bathroom can be a great way to add a bit of elegance and visual appeal to the room. You can add layers of molding, paint them to match a color scheme, and so much more based on your own design tastes.

Moisture-Resistant Crown Molding

If you are going to install crown molding in your bathroom, it is imperative that it be water-resistant. Generally speaking, moisture-resistant crown molding will be made of polyurethane foam. That means getting the same great, high-quality look that is also more durable and better at resisting corrosion and moisture than the other type of materials out there.

That said, moisture-resistant crown molding is generally constructed of materials that are not quite as sturdy as wooden crown molding. They should still more than hold up, though. While wood is preferable, it just is not able to hold up against moisture quite as well.

Unless you plan on replacing your crown molding or battling mold growth, water-resistant crown molding is a must. The good news is that it is lightweight and quite easier to handle. Both of which equates to an easier time during installation.

Should You Install Crown Molding in a Shower?

So, now that we know that you can install crown molding in a bathroom, that means you can put it in your shower, right? Well, not necessarily. Yes, you can technically do so if you have water-resistant crown molding.

That said, it is not ideal to install crown molding in the shower. Having water-resistant crown molding is a good thing to have for the rest of the bathroom where the moisture buildup may not be as pronounced.

But right in the shower, where the concentration of water is the highest, it could be bad even with water-resistant water. Even molding meant to be water-resistant is not meant to take on a higher concentration of water. That is precisely what will happen as you use your shower. All of which leads to an increased risk of rot and mold.

Installing the Crown Molding

Should you decide that you do want to install crown molding in your bathroom, the installation process is the same as it would be in any other room of your home. Make sure that you plan out your installation well, measuring and marketing everything accurately.

You would then set up your miter saw at a 45-degree angle when making your crown molding cuts. Make sure that the ceiling edge is flat at the bottom portion of the miter box with the wall edge tight against the fence.

It is imperative that your blade and cut be aligned. Otherwise, you will have to redo your cut all over again. Miter cuts are great for making intricate cuts, allowing you to get versatile in your crown molding design.

What are the Benefits of Installing Crown Molding?

If you are having some apprehension about whether or not to install crown molding in your bathroom, consider the benefits. There are more than a few to be had, as we will cover throughout the next section of this guide.

It Can Increase Your Home’s Value

When done right, crown molding can be used to finish off a room. That means improving the overall aesthetic, giving it a classier, more elegant look than would have been achieved without it. That stylish finish can be enough to boost the value of your home.

To get the best value, you need to pick a crown molding that fits the style and theme of the home. Since getting moisture-resistant crown molding is low in cost, you can even save a little versus traditional wood crown molding for an even better return on investment.

It Hides Blemishes

If not to increase the visual aesthetic of your bathroom, then consider the possibility of hiding blemishes. Over time, there can be cracks where the wall and ceiling meet. They may not be structurally troubling but they can certainly take away from the visual appeal.

Installing crown molding is a great and cost-effective way of getting rid of the look of the cracks. If you are planning on selling your home, adding crown molding to cover up cracks can be a double whammy of increased visuals and value to your home.

Crown Molding Can Eliminate Irregularities in Your Walls and Ceiling

Another good thing about installing crown molding, not just in the bathroom but really anywhere in your home, is that it can be used to cover up inconsistencies and irregularities. Crown molding is quite flexible, which means that it can bend slightly to cover the room should the ceiling be uneven.

Crown molding is also a great tool for covering up irregularities in painting, which can provide a more refined appearance. The crown molding itself looks particularly great. That said, it can do a lot to fix some of the blemishes in a home as well.

Crown Molding Comes in a Huge Range of Styles

Finally, you can fit your tastes no matter what they are with crown molding. There are a ton of styles and variations out there to match your aesthetic tastes. There is nothing like adding a little personality to each room by adding crown molding to the mix.

Do Not Use Wood Trim Near Showers

Maybe you decide to go a simpler route and implement wood trim instead. While that would be fine around the bathroom itself, you would want to avoid using it anywhere near the shower. Remember that with crown molding, it has to be moisture resistant to be used around showers.

When wood trim is exposed to a good deal of moisture, it can and will change dramatically. Not only can it lead to potential rot and mold growth, but the wood can bow severely.

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The Final Verdict

When it comes to installing crown molding in your bathroom, it is imperative to take a few steps first. The most important of which is to ensure that you have moisture-resistant molding. If you can’t get that, it is advised that you avoid crown molding in the bathroom.

All because rot and mold could become a major issue. Take a look at the differences between cornice and crown molding.

Ryan Womeldorf
Ryan Womeldorf

Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan.

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