Should I leave a 2-inch gap between my laundry room cabinets and the ceiling or install crown molding, and should I caulk or use a scribe rail for the gaps between the cabinets and walls?
Asked by Enzo Deschamps 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 16, 2024
I’m currently fixing up my laundry room and I just put in the cabinets. However, there’s a 2-inch space between the cabinets and the ceiling. Do you think I should keep it that way or add crown/straight molding?
Oh, and there’s also a little gap between the cabinets and the walls. Would it be better to just caulk it or should I go with a scribe rail?
You seem pretty knowledgeable, but do you really need others to decide for you? Why not trust your own judgment? Everyone has their own preferences, so why not do something you enjoy?
Hey , this is my first time trying this out. My dad worked as a carpenter and I used to assist him, but I’ve never done it myself. I did a lot of research before starting and just wanted some advice from experienced folks.
Hey , could you give me an eye roll reaction?
Is seeking suggestions because he’s not sure. If you’re not going to provide an opinion that the post requested, why not just keep scrolling?
Do you feel like you’re better than everyone else now or are you looking for even more recognition and support?
Looks like there’s always that one person in every group! And guess who it is! 🙄
Hey Met, so if I suggest crown molding and someone else says to keep it as is, what should that person do? That’s why I mentioned to do what you like! Just a reminder that people have different opinions in this world.
Hey Met, quick question… Should I go with a jacket today or just a long sleeve shirt? Such a tough call… Any help would be great!
Hey , that’s basically what this group is all about! You could totally comment that on almost every post here if that’s how you feel. It seems like you just want attention because your statement is like attacking people in a cake decorating group who are just asking for advice on frosting!
Debit
Hey, , why bother doing that when you can simply continue being unpleasant?
Hey, is seeking opinions because he values other people’s thoughts. If you can’t say something nice, just keep scrolling and avoid commenting!
Hey , you’re acting a bit rude…I’ll catch you later.
The top is good.
Avoid caulking cabinets to walls – it never looks good.
I’d consider adding a clothes bar between the 2 cabinets when installing the crown molding.
Consider installing open shelves amidst the cabinets without any trim or caulk.
Place an additional one towards the center.
Add your favorite touch to the top. Just ensure there’s enough room for the doors to open against the wall.
I reckon it’s fine with the top open. If it were mine, I’d add a little scribe moulding.
Add crown to the top and trim the sides a bit.
Consider installing a rod or shelves in the gap.
It’s fine by me. But my wife may have a different opinion… 😬 😂
You gotta consider what really matters – your wife or how things look.. 😂😊
Oh, that seems similar to my set. Here’s how I went about it.
I struggle to reach the upper shelves in the cabinets.
Check out this improved picture of the top section.
Your shelves are at a more manageable height.
Does your washer lid not hit the cabinet?
It’s placed far enough forward that it doesn’t interfere, really.
Crown! 👑👑 You got this!
It might be a good idea to have fillers on the sides that are custom-fit, you could do the same for the top, or opt for molding.
How about lifting up the cabinets by 2 inches?
Maybe lower those cabinets by about a foot and explore different choices for the sky-high area above them.
I would recommend either removing them or elevating them, because otherwise the upper parts will collect dust in a laundry room setup like that. It’s important to be able to clean the top surface. Well, at least that’s my opinion, as I’m quite particular about dusting.
I had the same initial reaction!
It tends to gather dust up there. Installing crown molding would help. Also, try to push the cabinets against the walls and seal any gaps with caulk.
Adding a crown will really complete the look. You could also install a hanging rod in the middle for those items you want to air dry.
I literally just did the same thing
The setup looks great. But are the shelves easily reachable by everyone?
Definitely. Lowered it and used trim and crown molding to cover the gap. The bottom shelf is easily accessible since the washer lid opens with a 4” clearance. I reserve the upper shelf for items I rarely need to reach.
We all understand how cabinets tend to accumulate clutter anyway
When using top loaders, it’s important to consider the clearance needed for the lid in cabinets. It’s different from front loaders, which allow you to build on top. The first shelf is shallow to avoid obstruction 😉
What made you decide not to slam them to the ceiling? Crown molding isn’t necessary in the laundry room but it will definitely add a nice touch
Hey, , it’s probably best to approach the ceiling with caution.
I would have definitely put it at the top. If it’s not too difficult to move it up, utilize that additional space. Also, consider adding something in the center, like a shelf or two, or even a hanging rod at the top for drying clothes.
Would you be able to create custom small shelves for additional storage or decoration?
Feel free to choose whatever cosmetic options you prefer.
Crown
RGB lighting
Those shelves are quite high! Can you lower them a bit? Are you planning to install a rod between them? Personally, I would have chosen open shelving that spans the entire length. The proportion of the cabinets seems mismatched with the width of the appliances.
Place a trim piece above the adjacent walls.
Add crown molding to avoid dust accumulation.
That seems too high for a laundry room
I hope your wife is 6’3” tall!
Lowering the cabinets and placing the bottoms at 54” off the floor is the typical height for kitchen cabinets. Your wife will appreciate them being lower so she can easily access items inside. You can then decide whether to install crown molding around the top, which adds a great character and a neat finished look. Using a scribe strip over caulking to attach the cabinets to the wall is definitely recommended. Adding a shelf in between cabinets with a rod underneath will maximize space utilization and provide good functionality. Clothes may touch appliances, but a quick hang while taking items out may not be a problem, or you could opt for just the shelf without a rod.
Raise the cabinets to the ceiling if you prefer not to have crown molding, or attach a filler strip to the ceiling. If you do want crown molding, attach a filler strip and position the cabinets just below the ceiling, then add the crown molding
Consider putting them on the ceiling… but to be honest, if they are open without doors, I suggest lowering them and positioning them horizontally instead of vertically, unless you have specific plans for the center area
Lower the shelves and install a wall-to-wall shelf for storing items long term
If the washer is too close, the top won’t open fully.
Crown molding is always a nice touch. I personally prefer 4 inches of crown molding with 8-foot ceilings.
It really depends on how you plan to finish them. If you’re staining and varnishing, caulking them to the wall won’t look great, so it’s better to leave a small gap. But if you’re painting, then go ahead and caulk them to the wall. For the ceiling gap, I would have just installed them to the ceiling since it’s only 2 inches, but you could use a traditional crown molding if it matches the rest of the house, or even some plain 1-inch pine or poplar cut down to 2-1/2 inches wide to box it in. I can’t tell what type of wood those cabinets are faced in, but you can do the same with that wood if you’re staining them, or anything will work if you’re painting.
I finally lowered mine last week after having it installed high and never using it. It took me so long to realize how much better it looks now. Just add a small bead of trim around all four sides to cover the wall gap.
Why not just bring them flush with the ceiling?
You know what would be cool? Adding some awesome LED lights. 😎
Honestly, I personally wouldn’t do it. But I’m not really concerned about the appearance of a laundry room.
Using standard 2×4 (or appropriate sized wood) would work. Or maybe…you could use them to hold a single pillow.
Hey , my laundry closet is positioned right between my kitchen and front door, so it’s very visible. (I posted a picture earlier) That’s why it’s in dark colors, it kind of blends in.
Is a crown really necessary for this? It seems a bit excessive, if you know what I mean. Maybe just let it go and continue as usual.
The laundry is really getting on my nerves… But hey, don’t sweat the small stuff… 🙂
Everything will turn out alright.
We actually lowered them for additional storage above, that’s the approach we took!
It’s just a laundry room, let it be
If the room was nicely done, I’d suggest crown and scribe. But that popcorn ceiling and orange peel wall is basically saying ‘don’t bother.’
Just a little progress update for anyone interested. Lol
Ended up looking really nice. I think adding another sturdy shelf above the jar would create better balance. You could use it to display something cute or for storage.
All done!
I believe it varies depending on the style of your doors. If they mostly reach the edge, I would recommend leaving it as is.
You did an awesome job! We encountered a strange gap at the top and initially didn’t consider lowering the cabinets. As a result, our right cabinet ended up hanging about half an inch lower and the wall tile on the right didn’t match the tile on the left. It led to some awkward cuts. Definitely a learning experience. Impressed with your work!
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Add a piece of crown molding to the top and some shoe molding along the sides and you’re finished