What Is The Difference Between Ceiling Coving And Cornice?
What Is The Difference Between Ceiling Coving And Cornice?
Cornice and coving are terms used to describe different types of molding used to conceal the join between the wall and ceiling.
Coving is a type of cornice that is uniform in profile, typically projecting across the ceiling by 100mm and dropping down the wall by the same amount.
It is usually simpler in design, commonly formed around the traditional quarter-circle profile, and varies in size and detail according to factors such as cost and design preference. The most common coving size is 127mm, while other sizes such as 100mm and 150mm are also frequently used.
Coving design has varied greatly over the years, from the simple C-shaped profiles used by post-war house builders to more ornate styles available in different historical periods.
These include designs from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian eras, as well as Art Deco designs from the 20s and 30s, and modern coving styles that incorporate hidden lighting elements designed to throw light up and across the ceiling.
However, the size and amount of detail in the coving generally depend on cost and design preferences.
In contrast, cornice tends to be much more ornate and less uniform in dimension. While it can have the same projection and drop as coving, cornice profiles can be much wider across the ceiling and narrower down the wall, or vice versa.
The shape of cornice can be complex, with different “ins-and-outs” and a wide range of patterns reflecting changing architectural fashions.
There is no clear correlation between a specific cornice design and a particular era or region. The design of cornice often reflects the preferences of the architect and the wealthy home owner.
In different historical periods and regions, there have been a wide range of designs used to achieve grand decorative effects.
In summary, cornice and coving are both used to conceal the join between the wall and ceiling. While coving is uniform in profile and simpler in design, cornice tends to be more ornate and less uniform in dimension.
The design of coving and cornice can vary greatly according to factors such as cost, design preference, and historical period. There is no clear correlation between a specific cornice or coving design and a particular era or region.
So Which Should I Choose?
When it comes to choosing between cornices and covings, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, it’s worth noting that cornices tend to be more visually impressive but they can also be more challenging to install.
It takes a highly skilled craftsman to ensure that a cornice is executed correctly. In contrast, covings are generally easier to install and therefore more affordable. This is why they were a popular choice in the post-World War era.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest in a more elaborate cornice or a simpler coving is entirely up to you. There is no right or wrong choice and it depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Is Ceiling Coving Old Fashioned?
Ceiling coving is a decorative feature once seen in almost every home but it has been seen more and more as an outdated trend over the past century. Primarily used in the 19th and early 20th centuries, ceiling coving was considered to be quite popular; however it soon became old-fashioned and many homeowners decided to rip out their decorative coving.
Nowadays, ceiling coving is often seen as a retro or vintage aesthetic and can be crafted from all kinds of materials such as wood, plastic or plaster.
While there may still be some practical uses for ceiling coving due to its ability to protect walls from damage caused by moving furniture or everyday wear and tear, it is generally considered old-fashioned and unfashionable in modern homes.
