How to Install Lighted Crown Molding

If you’re looking for a unique way to warm up one of the rooms in your home, here’s a stunning idea – lighted crown molding. Lights installed behind crown molding cast s soft glow onto the wall and ceiling. Simply connect them to a dimmer switch and add just the right amount of ambience to any room. Learn how to install lighted crown molding in this video by The Home Depot:

Doing this project does require electrical and millwork skills, but if you’re reasonably handy around the house, you should be able to pull it off.

Start by measuring the circumference of the room to determine how much molding you’ll need. Remember to add an extra 15 % for cuts and waste. You can find crown molding in many different styles, and you can even layer different types to provide that perfect accent to complement any decor.

You’ll also need to purchase the same amount of LED lights. These come in different colors and can be connected together. Just be careful not to exceed the recommended length found on the box.

Lighted crown molding is typically installed a few inches below the ceiling. It’s supported by a backer strip cut at the same angle as your molding, typically either 52 or 45 degrees. To determine the right placement, take a small section of molding and backer strip and drape the LED lights through the channel behind. Experiment with the distance from the ceiling until you get the lighting effect you want. Now measure the space between the ceiling and the backer strip and make marks around the entire room, using a stud finder to note the position of the studs.

Before putting up the crown molding, you’ll need to put your other hat on and install a switched electrical outlet for the lights. If you have access from above, you may be able to run the wiring off a ceiling fan or an overhead light. Cut a hole for the outlet next to one of the studs just above the line where the molding will go. After running power to the new location, install the electrical outlet by hooking up the hot and neutral wires to the appropriate terminals. Attach the outlet to the box and add a faceplate, then test the power to make sure it’s functioning properly.

To install the molding, you’ll need to rip a piece of 2 x lumber at the correct angle, either 42 or 45 degrees with a table saw. Nail the backer strip to the studs along the mark at the top of the wall. Leave a gap of a few inches in the corners.

Now proceed with the installation of the crown molding, attaching the molding to the backer strip with a nail gun. There are many ways to install crown molding; one of the easiest is to coat the inside corners. If you’re not familiar with the technique, it can be a little tricky, so follow the instructions carefully. It also helps to cut a set of crown templates.

Place the first piece of crown molding all the way into the corner with the edge flush against the wall. Place the new piece of crown molding on your miter saw upside down and backwards. If you’re doing an inside cut, you’ll need to cut at the proper angle for the crown molding toward the full portion of the piece. Outside corners would be cut away from the full portion. Now use a coping saw to trim out the thickness of the molding along the cut line so it creates a clean edge to fit up against the opposite piece of molding.

Once you’ve finished installing the molding throughout the room, run a bead of caulk between the crown and the wall and seal the miter joints as well.

Now you can lay your lights along the channel behind the crown molding, connecting them together until you’ve gone all the way around the room. Add a dimmer switch and you have the flexibility to raise the light level up or down to set just the right mood.