We recently added panel molding to my bedroom and I love how all the trim is coming together in this space! But there was a pretty big gap between the top of the panel molding and the bottom of the crown molding, and it just felt a little… incomplete. So I decided to fill that space with something a little unexpected—scallop trim!

This sweet addition adds a whimsical touch and works perfectly for extending crown molding in a fun and creative way. Plus it is such a simple DIY and only takes a few hours! Here’s exactly how I did it:

Extending Crown Molding with Scallops

SUPPLIES

Wood scallop trim (I used 13 pieces at 46″ each)
Measuring tape
Chop saw (AKA miter saw)
Nail gun and finishing nails
Wood filler
Sandpaper
Caulk
Paint (I used Frosted Sage by Behr)
Paintbrush

step 1- Measure your walls

To begin, measure from corner to corner on each wall where you’ll be installing the scallop trim. Take note of how many linear feet you need, then determine how many trim pieces that adds up to. I ended up needing 13 pieces total.

step 2- Order and Paint the Trim

Next, I found wood scallop trim online (linked here!) and it shipped quickly—and for free! If you’re painting it a different color than your wall or crown molding, definitely paint it before installation. The edges of the scallops are tricky to paint cleanly once they’re up on the wall.

step 3- Cut and Install the Trim

Start by nailing up a full piece of trim in one of the corners. Then work around the room, butting up the scallop trim with the last piece.

When you get to a corner or other obstacle, measure how long the scallop trim needs to be to fit in the area. We found it best to flip the trim upside down, put it in the corner and then mark with a pencil where the trim hits the last trim cut.

Using a chop saw, cut the ends of the trim at a 90-degree angle. Then nail in the cut piece on the other side of the corner. I found this to be the easiest way to keep the scallop pattern continuous around the room.

And now, use a nail gun to attach the scallop trim directly beneath your crown molding. Nail the trim directly below the existing crown molding. The simple cuts made this project go up fast!

step 4- Finish Work

Finally, fill nail holes with wood filler let it dry, and sand smooth. Between the crown molding and scallop trim, I ran a bead of caulk to make everything look seamless.

Once it was dry, I painted the crown molding and scallop trim the same minty color—Frosted Sage by Behr—which also matched my ceiling. The cohesive color really helped in extending crown molding visually.

after

I’ve always thought the crown molding in this room was a little too small, but now with the scallop trim beneath it, it feels so much more substantial.

Honestly, it makes the space feel like a charming little dollhouse!

And it draws your eye up, making the whole room feel taller and more finished.

price breakdown

The best part of putting up the scallop trim?! The entire project cost me around $160—not bad for a custom high-end look.

I’ve seen versions of this called “running trim,” where decorative trim runs horizontally along a wall, but that can get pricey. This is such a budget-friendly way of extending crown molding and getting that whimsical, custom look.