As I mentioned before, I’m a student and a writer who spends most of my time working from home. When I first left the office routine, I worried about how productive I would be. I feared temptations luring me away from the computer and to the couch or back to bed, but the thing I feared most was the television. I have always enjoyed daytime TV lineups. The Price is Right, anyone?
It turns out that avoiding temptations is easier than I thought. I limit my TV time to before and after work, and sometimes during lunch. Home-improvement channels are my go-tos. I’ve always been fascinated at how simple and relatively inexpensive small fixes and improvements can be. The designers always seem to implement crown molding. It’s something I’ve wanted to try but have always feared.
While looking into installing crown molding, I found that others shared my fear. The pros say it’s not as hard as you may think, but I’m always inclined to seek out other alternatives before settling. That’s when I came across a simple solution that I felt most people could implement: picture molding.
Picture molding is thinner than crown molding. Its intended use is to support hook-hung pictures, but it can also make for a great trim if hung slightly lower than the ceiling with white painted above it.
First, take measurements of the room to determine how much molding you’ll need. Then, paint it white and allow it to dry. Cut pieces at 90 degrees according to your measurements.
Next, determine how thick you’d like your trim. I suggest anywhere between 6 and 12 inches from the ceiling. Mark a spot at one end of the wall at this height. Then, use a yardstick and a pencil, and make light marks about 2 feet apart along the wall at this height. This will make hanging a straight rail easier.
Apply construction adhesive on the back of the molding. Align it with the marks you made and press it against the wall.
Have a friend hold it up while you nail it in. Use a pneumatic nailer with 2 1/2-inch nails, placing one every 6 inches down the line. Use nail set to drive down any nails that are sticking up, and fill holes with paintable caulk.
Finally, paint the wall above the trim using the same paint you used earlier. While you are at it, paint over any of the caulk you applied. Repeat this process around the room and you’ll end up with spiffy new trim. I guess watching TV can be productive after all.