The 7 most popular crown moldings for Shaker cabinet doors

For generations, homeowners have chosen Shaker cabinet doors because of their clean lines and timeless aesthetic. But if you want to elevate them further, crown moldings are a popular choice because they add a touch of the traditional without being too overpowering.

Crown molding for Shaker cabinets is an unlikely pairing. One is all about extravagance, and the other, simplicity. It’s this blend of distinct styles that creates a synergy of modesty and elegance.

And yet, finding the best crown molding for Shaker cabinets is challenging. If the molding is too visually strong, with intricate ornamentation, it could overwhelm your Shaker doors’ minimalist charm. Striking the right balance is tricky.

In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know to make the right decision. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of Shaker cabinet crown molding and when to consider it to our top seven choices for achieving a stunning and cohesive kitchen.

What is crown molding?

Crown molding is a decorative trim applied where the cabinets meet the ceiling. It serves both functional and decorative purposes:

• Functionally, it conceals gaps between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.
• Aesthetically, it’s a subtle way of bringing traditional charm into your space.

The origins of crown molding date back to ancient Egypt’s opulent temples. As symbols of wealth, they were as detailed as possible. By contrast, Shaker cabinet doors originated in the Shaker religious community in the 18th century. People built them according to the principles of durability and plainness, expressed by a flat center panel and square edges.

Over time, crown molding has evolved to suit various design preferences, making it a versatile and enduring feature. These architectural details also add a custom look to the most basic of cabinets, bringing character to the heart of your home.

Benefits of using crown molding for Shaker cabinets

While you don’t have to use crown molding for Shaker cabinets, it’s one of those elements that instantly ties a room together. But it’s more than just a visual choice. Crown molding offers several practical benefits, too.

Here are some reasons you might want to use it in your next cabinet project:

• Crown molding enhances the appearance of your Shaker cabinets, adding drama without being too overpowering. With the right kind of molding, you can accentuate your cabinets’ clean lines and make your kitchen feel more polished.
• You can conceal imperfections between the cabinets and ceiling, using the crown molding to cover any unsightly gaps and keep the tops of your cabinets dust-free. It also improves cohesion by creating a seamless transition between the cabinets and ceiling.
• The customization options of Shaker cabinet crown molding means you can choose one that best suits your overall kitchen. You can give your cabinetry a personalized touch thanks to a diverse range of profiles, materials, and details, like beading or cove shapes.
• It adds depth to high ceilings, creating a continuous flow that draws the eye upward and imparts a sense of grandeur. Painting it in a contrasting color to your cabinets gives them definition, or you can keep it the same color to make your space feel bigger.
• Crown molding increases your home’s resale value by making your kitchen feel more luxurious. Potential buyers favor up-to-date houses, so adding crown molding to your Shaker cabinets is a great way to distinguish yourself in the market.

Best crown molding for Shaker cabinets

Finding the best crown molding for Shaker cabinets depends on your personal preferences and overarching decor. That said, there are a few things to avoid.

Crown moldings with overly ornate detailing or heavy curves may not suit the Shaker appeal. Introducing overly complex trims can create dissonance, detracting from the understated allure of Shaker doors.

Maintaining a careful balance is key. Here are seven examples of crown moldings that will help you achieve it. 

1. Craftsman crown

A Craftsman crown is a traditional-style trim. Featuring smooth lines with eased edges and linear characteristics, it works perfectly with Shaker doors. It’s still simplistic but adds some architectural interest with an eased edge and slight curvature in the crown. 

This combination is particularly well-suited for kitchens with a transitional or eclectic flair. Bridging the gap between classic Craftsmanship and modern restraint, it’s perfect if you’re seeking a modern atmosphere with a touch of warmth.

2. Simple cove

Simple cove molding features a gentle concave curve. Because Shaker doors are so straight and rectangular, this trim adds a nice contrast with its curvature while keeping alive the simplicity.

Its uncomplicated detailing aligns well with contemporary kitchens, where the emphasis is on being sleek and uncluttered. 

3. Classic dentil molding

Dentil molding includes small, evenly spaced blocks resembling teeth along the trim’s surface. The repetition of this dentil pattern creates a consistent, satisfying flow that catches the eye and looks timeless.

If you have a transitional kitchen that embraces both modern and classic features, dentil molding strikes the perfect balance between a historic and pared-back effect. 

4. Beaded crown molding

Featuring small, rounded beads along the edges, beaded crown molding brings texture and visual interest into your kitchen. While the beaded detailing conveys sophistication, the linear lines and graceful curves draw focus to the Shaker cabinets’ smoothness. 

Suitable for kitchens with a more traditional feel, beaded crown molding is an easy way to finesse your space. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet dynamic atmosphere.

5. Flat crown molding

A more modern option, flat crown molding has a straight, horizontal profile that perfectly complements Shaker doors. With no curves or detailing, it feels streamlined and achieves a contemporary finish.

It’s well-suited if you have a modern, transitional kitchen and want a refined but slick ambiance. Even though it’s subtle, flat crown molding feels chic and exudes grandiosity. 

6. Straight top case

You can go one step further than flat crown molding by choosing a straight top case. This type of Shaker cabinet crown molding is very popular because it’s as square as trims come. It lacks any curves or ornamentation, consisting simply of a flat surface across the upper edge. It’s an excellent choice if you’re aiming for an ultra-modern theme.

This makes the cabinet boxes and molding appear as one unit, perfect if you want your Shaker doors to shine on their own. 

7. Shaker-style crown molding

Specifically crafted to complement Shaker cabinets, this molding incorporates the same principles of the Shaker design, mirroring its clean lines and lack of embellishments. This allows it to integrate seamlessly with your Shaker doors for a better flow.

This is the best crown molding for Shaker cabinets because it’s developed expressly for them. Like Shaker doors, this molding is versatile and works well in a variety of kitchens, from contemporary to farmhouse.

Whatever type of crown molding you choose, you can create a better unison between it and your cabinets by selecting the right cabinet hardware. For example, if you prefer more detailed trims, like beaded or dentil moldings, installing more decorative knobs or pulls can create a better pairing with your Shaker doors. 

Alternatively, if you’re adding straight top casing to your Shaker cabinets, forgoing hardware altogether will emphasize your kitchen’s unbroken, minimalist mood. 

When to consider using crown molding

Whether to use crown molding for Shaker cabinets depends on what you hope to achieve functionally and aesthetically. While it offers several benefits, you should carefully consider the following factors:

• Cost should be a top priority. Crown moldings come in various materials and design complexities, so there will be one for most budgets. Solid wood trims tend to be more expensive than MDF or plaster molding, and installation costs can also drive up the price. If you’re working within budget constraints, crown molding may not be a good fit. 
• The complexity of installation makes crown molding a challenge for DIYers. A professional hand might be better suited to navigate the precise measuring, cutting, and fitting that crown molding requires. If you’re not an experienced DIYer, consider how you’ll install it before you opt for a complicated crown molding.
• The proportions of your kitchen should also influence your decision. For example, if you have a very low ceiling and small space, adding crown molding risks making it feel cramped. On the other hand, crown molding is great for making large kitchens with high ceilings feel less cavernous.
• Sizing your crown molding correctly is imperative for well-proportioned cabinetry. Small cabinets look best with simpler, skinnier trims, while large cabinets suit statement pieces. If you’re struggling to visualize the size, take a photo of your kitchen so you can experiment with different moldings on your computer.
• Aesthetic considerations are key to selecting the right crown molding. It should complement your existing design elements rather than detract from them. Overly decorative molding feels cluttered in pared-back kitchens, while simpler designs will look awkward with traditional elements. Make sure you carefully assess your options before committing. If you find that nothing’s quite right, maybe crown molding isn’t for you.

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

While crown molding isn’t a necessity for Shaker cabinets, it is a great way to increase their appeal and value. When considering crown molding for Shaker cabinets, the best piece of advice we can give you is that less is more. But that doesn’t mean you can only use flat, undecorated styles.

From the graceful cove to trims with beaded or dentil detailing, the types of crown molding we’ve included in this guide provide the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance. They will uplift, not smother, your Shaker doors. Don’t be afraid to experiment and blend different components to create your own unique configuration.  

If you’re upgrading your kitchen cabinets, The Cabinet Door Store is here to help. With our vast range of cabinet door profiles and matching drawer fronts — all available in a variety of wood species, stains, and paints — you can bring your dream kitchen to life faster and easier.

Explore our online shop today, or if you need help on a particular aspect of your project, contact our team of experts today.