DIY Crown Molding Lighting
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These instructions cover installing the crown molding for this lighting project. To run new wiring and install the receptacle and switch go to the next page of this article.
Installing crown molding lighting like this can create a feeling of refinement in dining rooms and living rooms or accent a wall in smaller rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms. Use string lights and standard 52° crown molding to build this lighting in any room of the house.
To add space behind the molding and conceal the lights a 1x2 board is added to the back and the crown molding is hung upside down. The molding is installed in reverse because the ceiling edge has a thick wall as compared to the wall edge and can hold the weight of the "floating" molding. It also causes the molding to hang at a more obtuse angle, providing more space behind for the lights.
The lights are plugged into an electrical receptacle located behind the molding. The power to the receptacle is controlled by a wall switch. The addition of a rheostat will make it possible to dim the lights for added effect.
Plan to hang the molding a minimum of 5 inches from the ceiling (pictured above). Final placement is not set in stone but 5 to 8 inches is usually a good location. Hang the molding lower if desired but don't go overboard and remember to allow for window and door frames when considering where to place the lighting.
Molding List
You will need three pieces of molding and 1 piece of lumber to build the molding pictured on this page. The materials list below includes all the wood needed. Other molding combinations can be used if this profile is not right for your project.
- 1x2 finish lumber
- 52° crown molding
- stop bead molding
- ¾x½ strip molding
Mark the Wall
Measure and mark the wall 5 inches down from the ceiling at each stud along the wall. Use a board cut to the right size as a measuring tool. The measurement doesn't have to be exact but make it at least 5 inches down to allow room to insert the lights.
To find the studs, tap across the wall and listen for a difference in the sound produced. In general a hollow sound indicates a space behind the wall. The difference between the hollow sound and the sharper sound of hitting the wall over the studs, gives one a rough idea of the location of the framing. Use a drill and an eighth inch bit to bore into the wall where you expect to find the stud. If the drill passes straight thru missing the stud, keep drilling at one inch intervals until you hit wood.
Install an Outlet Box
Determine a convenient place to install a new outlet box so it will be hidden by the molding. The power to the outlet will be controlled by a switch, so choose a location that will make it easy to run the new wiring required. Using the power source at the current switch location will make the job easier. Go to Installing the Crown Molding Lighting Circuit for more instructions on locating and wiring the circuit.
Install the 1x2
Drill a pilot hole in the 1x2 at each stud with a countersink bit. Set the bottom edge of the board on the wall marks and attach it with 2½in. screws.
Cut a Notch for the Receptacle
If necessary, cut a notch in the lumber to make room for the new outlet box and receptacle before attaching it to the wall. See the instructions for installing the circuit and set the box horizontally behind the molding.
Install the Crown Molding
Measure and cut the crown molding using the surface of the 1x2 as the reference point. Cut the crown molding upside down and install it so the thin edge is toward the ceiling.
If possible use a pneumatic nail gun with 2 or 2 ½in. nails to attach the crown to the 1x2. Otherwise, use a hammer to drive nails and sink the heads below the surface of the molding so they can be covered with putty later.
Add the Stop Bead
Cut the stop bead with a 45° miter, measuring from the wall surface just under the crown and 1x2. Fasten the molding to the wall studs using 2 or 2 ½in. nails.
Install the Strip Molding
Cut the square molding strip with a 45° miter, measuring from the face of the stop bead. Install the molding using 1in. nails to fasten it to the stop bead.
Finish the Molding
Caulk the corners between the stop bead and wall, the stop bead and square strip and the square strip and the crown molding. When the caulk has set, fill the nail holes with putty, prime and paint the molding.
Go to Installing the Lighting Circuit