Why are Americans obsessed with Crown Molding?

Question

On every crappy real estate TV show, these weirdos harp on and on about Crown Molding! Am I missing somthing or is Crown Molding the key to existence?

Answer 1

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You got that right... a house is nothing
without crown molding - the exquisite
detail and endless patterns possible...

Oh yeah must have crown molding

Answer 2

Self Stick Crown Molding

Answer 3

Well, Im American... and I don't consider myself obsessed with crown molding, lol.... That really is too much of a generalization. Really.... Those television shows are aimed at getting you to BUY the stuff... they do NOT reflect the current taste or trends... I'd think you'd understand that, lol.

Now... to crown molding itself.... There ARE some advantages to using it.... It does help add a 'finished' touch to the room.... kinda dresses it up just a little, if youve got the right kind of moulding to fit the room, so to speak. It also helps hide any mistakes made in joining the wall to the ceiling, lol... such as cracks in the drywall, overpaint, etc.

Of course, you can get a perfectly good finish, with care, and you do not NEED to cover up any mistakes... lol

If you study the history of architecture in America, you will realize that a good deal of the ceiling applications originated in styles that were copied from the Europeans... whether English or French (the most popular ones). The 'mansions' of the 'Old World' often had a lot of woodwork in them....from walls to ceilings, stairs, etc.... and it was considered something of a mark of taste, wealth, and status, to have elaborate woodwork in one's home. So, a lot of the 'Victorian Era' houses you see here in America, or 'Federal', etc.... all use the same techniques.... after all, the homeowners were most likely from those same European countries.

I happen to have a couple of rooms that have wood paneling on the walls... therefore, they have a small trim around the ceiling, and in the corners.....not what you would typically call 'crown moulding'. I think when it is done right, it looks good... it can be overdone however.

With reference to your question itself tho.... I notice something....youve used several 'generalities'.... "Why are Americans".... "On every"... etc.... Be realistic... it's not fair to assume that everyone is the same, because of nationality....and to not see the fact that these television shows are aimed at SELLING products.... well, that hints at a certain naivete' on your part. Im not trying to offend or insult....but to educate. Your question, written as it is, sounds prejudicial. Try meeting some Americans, touring some homes.... not watching TV, that you obviously do not enjoy, lol.

Answer 4

Look good is a subjective statement. If the crown is to be painted, many times we miter the joints, put caulk on the ends of the crown as we install, and just wipe out the excess. But as others have said when the wall are out of square working the angles can be a bit of a pain. We cheat the gaps, if it's open on the bottom tapping the joint up a bit will close it, even tho it's not "right". One of the reasons for coping the joints is to allow for natural expansion/contraction of the wood through the seasons. A coped joint looks better when it opens up, because only one side of the joint appears to move, with a mitered joint both edges pull away from each other so the gap appears larger, but if it's painted generally the caulk has enough elasticity to flex with the movement. As for cutting the crown, think upside down and backwards on the miter box, it's the easiest and safest way to hold things in place as you cut. If you're coping and want to make the joint perfect, take a piece of crown, and some self stick sand paper, apply the sandpaper to the face of the crown following all the creases, then you can sand that last little bit of the cope so it fits perfectly

Answer 5

I've wondered this myself. It is highlighted as a 'feature' of every apartment unit and house listing.
I ask the same about 'vaulted ceilings...' I think some of it is people are trying to fulfill a sense of entitlement or that they have 'arrived.' I sold appliances and had to deal with these people.

Answer 6

We are obsessed with everything. It don't matter if it has a crown or not. This is verifiable data- I promise.

Answer 7

I checked out your questions. Since many of them are bashing on all that is American - why do you use an American company so frequently on the internet? We have something in this country called Free Speech - and for that you are lucky. You are also lucky no one in this country knows where you live because I suggest you stop posting so many anti- American questions.

Answer 8

It just looks really nice. The nicer you're place looks, the more it'll sell for. Its very easy to remodel a place for $40,000 and it makes the value go up $100,000 (resale value) and people turn a huge profit.

Answer 9

:-) In the most pubicly viewed rooms of a house, it gives a good finished look to the room(s). Most homes have it in their living room, dining, and other formal areas. Think of it as 'accessorizing', like dressing yourself & putting on the watch, necklace, etc. btw - other nations also like the stuff.

Answer 10

in this world of cookie cutter houses, they are looking for a way to add class to a home so it doesn't look just like the one next door, it's a sad attempt though

Answer 11

You're a Canadian ***-hole. You like crown molding, too. No?