The function of crown molding in our historic midtown Tulsa homes for sale
Crown molding is one feature of our historic midtown Tulsa homes that we showcase when we advertise a Tulsa home for sale. While crown molding is used in newer construction and remodels, in our older midtown Tulsa homes, crown molding had an explicit function: to hang pictures.
Our historic homes in Florence Park, Swan Lake, Sunset Terrace, Maple Ridge — all built in the early 1920s and 1930s — have plaster walls. If you’ve ever tried to drive a nail, or even a molly bolt, into a plaster wall, you’ll understand why crown molding was used as an alternate way to display family portraits or any type of heavy art those many years ago.
Pictured below is how it’s used. The crown molding in these historic homes was usually set one-inch below the ceiling – just enough space to attach a hook that held strong wire holding the picture. Most of our older homes in midtown Tulsa still have the original crown molding in place, but I rarely see it used for its original purpose.
I hired a contractor to make some ceiling repairs in one of these older homes last spring, and although he did a fine job repairing ceilings, he had no knowledge of older homes. I dropped by to inspect his work and pay him, and he proudly informed me that he had caulked that unwanted “gap” between the crown molding and ceiling. I nearly fainted.
Our older midtown Tulsa homes are rich in history. It’s so interesting to walk through a home that has been remodeled through the years to accommodate our changing lifestyles, yet see and appreciate some of the rich heritage preserved.
These photos were taken at a Tulsa home for sale at 1520 South Evanston Avenue. See more photos and a full description of this beautiful midtown Tulsa home for sale.
How sad that the contractor caulked!
Crown molding was derived from the typical support molding below the cornices of Greek temples (Corona & Fillet) and touches the wall and ceiling. What you show is a Victorian picture molding with a rounded top that does not touch the ceiling.