Cornice

Crown Jewels of Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Cornices

Have you ever walked into a room and been instantly captivated by the grandeur and elegance of its ceiling? Often, the secret ingredient isn't just the paint colour or lighting, but a carefully chosen and expertly installed cornice. These architectural details, often overlooked, can dramatically transform a space, adding depth, sophistication, and a touch of timeless beauty. Whether you're renovating, building anew, or simply seeking to elevate the aesthetics of your existing home, understanding cornices is key. This guide delves into the world of cornices, providing comprehensive information to help you make informed decisions.

What Exactly is a Cornice?

A cornice, in architectural terms, is a decorative molding or projection that crowns the top of a wall, encasing the junction between the wall and the ceiling. It's essentially a horizontal molding that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Think of it as the finishing touch, the jewel in the crown of your room's design. Beyond its decorative function, a cornice can also help conceal imperfections in the ceiling or wall, providing a clean and finished look. Historically, cornices have been crafted from a variety of materials, including plaster, wood, and even stone, reflecting the architectural style of the era. Today, however, you have a wider array of choices, including polyurethane, plasterboard, and even PVC.

Choosing the Right Cornice: Material and Style

The material of your cornice significantly impacts its durability, cost, and overall aesthetic.

Plaster Cornices: These traditional cornices offer an unparalleled sense of richness and sophistication. They are durable and can last for generations, but require skilled installation and are generally more expensive than other options. A classic Georgian or Victorian home might boast exquisitely detailed plaster cornices.

Polyurethane Cornices: A popular and cost-effective alternative, polyurethane cornices offer excellent durability, lightweight installation, and a wide range of styles. They are resistant to moisture and cracking, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. Many modern homes utilize polyurethane cornices due to their ease of installation and affordability.

Wood Cornices: Wooden cornices offer a warm, natural look and can be custom-designed to complement any style. However, they are more expensive and require regular maintenance to prevent warping or damage. A rustic farmhouse or craftsman-style home might feature beautifully crafted wooden cornices.

Plasterboard Cornices: These are often used in conjunction with drywall finishes, providing a smooth, integrated look. They are more budget-friendly than plaster but may not offer the same level of intricate detail.

Style-wise, cornices range from simple, minimalist designs to highly ornate, elaborate pieces. Consider the overall architectural style of your home when selecting a cornice. A sleek, modern home might suit a clean-lined, minimalist cornice, while a traditional home could benefit from a more ornate, detailed design. Remember to consider the scale of the room; overly ornate cornices in a small room can feel overwhelming, while simple cornices in a large room might appear insignificant.

Installation: DIY or Professional?

Installing a cornice can be a challenging DIY project, particularly for intricate designs or large spaces. While some simpler polyurethane cornices are relatively easy to install using adhesive, complex plaster or wooden cornices typically require the expertise of a professional installer. Improper installation can lead to gaps, unevenness, and damage to the cornice itself. A professional installer has the tools, experience, and knowledge to ensure a flawless installation, resulting in a beautiful and lasting addition to your home.

Maintenance and Repair

The maintenance required for your cornice will depend largely on the material. Polyurethane cornices are generally low-maintenance, requiring only occasional dusting. Wooden cornices may require regular cleaning and treatment to prevent damage from moisture or pests. Plaster cornices can be more delicate and may require professional repair if damaged. Regular cleaning and inspection are crucial to maintaining the beauty and longevity of your cornices. Minor cracks or chips in plaster cornices can sometimes be repaired with filler and paint, but significant damage may necessitate professional intervention.

Cornices and Interior Design: Enhancing Your Space

Cornices are far more than just decorative elements; they are powerful tools in interior design. They can visually raise the ceiling, making a room feel more spacious and airy. Strategic lighting above the cornice can enhance its aesthetic appeal and dramatically alter the ambiance of the room. Choosing a cornice colour that complements or contrasts with the wall colour can create a striking focal point or a subtle, elegant finish. A well-chosen cornice can tie together the various design elements in a room, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.

Conclusion

The addition of a cornice can significantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room, adding a touch of sophistication and architectural grandeur. Choosing the right material, style, and installation method is crucial for achieving the desired effect and ensuring the longevity of your investment. By considering the factors outlined above, you can confidently select and install a cornice that will enhance your home for years to come.

FAQs

1. How much does a cornice installation cost? The cost varies greatly depending on the material, size, complexity, and installation method. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a professional installation.

2. Can I paint my cornice? Yes, most cornice materials can be painted. However, always use a primer specifically designed for the material to ensure proper adhesion and prevent peeling or chipping.

3. How do I clean my cornice? Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. For more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

4. What are the common problems associated with cornice installation? Uneven installation, gaps between the cornice and the wall or ceiling, and improper adhesive application are common issues. Hiring a professional installer can minimize these risks.

5. What is the lifespan of a cornice? The lifespan depends on the material and installation quality. Well-installed polyurethane cornices can last for decades, while plaster cornices can last for generations with proper care and maintenance.

Search Results:

Cornices and Covings For Any Room, Ceiling Restoration The Simply Elegant range of fibrous plaster cornices features more than one hundred quite beautiful plaster cornice designs - from delightfully understated products, to fabulously ornate features. Cornices are capable of transforming a once ordinary space into a room with great character and style. We also offer a number of plaster cornice ...

Coving Cornice Coving Cornice suppliers of top quality Victorian coving to modern styles, LED uplight coving and other wall decor, delivered to your door. Our coving cornice range is a high-quality lightweight and made from quality rigid steel moulds, produced from a durable material called Polyurethane & Duropolymer. Our complete range of coving helps ...

Cornice | Plaster Coving - Screwfix Uniform in profile and available in various shapes to suit all decors and styles, including LED coving designed to accommodate LEDs. Plaster coving is lightweight, easy to handle and flexible to be easily cut to length. Cornice is also simple to install, requires no priming and may be painted over to match a colour scheme. Read more

Orac Coving & Cornice - Wm Boyle Interior Finishes The Orac range features some of our largest lightweight cornice and coving profiles as well as many smaller designs. Bestsellers include the C339 ‘Cotswolds’ Georgian style cornice, the C217 ‘London’ plain style cornice, and the C333 ‘York’ ogee shaped cornice. All of our cornices are finished with a white primer and are ready for ...

UK's Largest Plaster Coving and Cornice Range One of the largest ranges of plaster coving / cornice available in the UK. Pick any design to suite your home, or we can reproduce cornice to match your existing mouldings. We offer one of the UK's largest range of handmade plaster coving and cornice mouldings. Speak to one of our experts online today.

Plaster Cornice & Ceiling Centre Supplier | Cornice Store | London Handmade plaster Cornice & Ceiling Rose available to buy from our online store. Victorian Cornices, Edwardian Cornices, Regency Cornices, Art deco Cornices, Georgian Cornices. Delivered direct from our workshop. We also offer a full installation service by qualified City & Guilds Craftsmen

Amazon.co.uk: Cornice Premium Led Coving Cornice 30 Meters, Coving for Ceilings Xps, Led Coving for Ceilings, Cornice Coving Led Lighting, Xps Coving for Ceiling, Moulding for Ceiling Lightweight 5.0 out of 5 stars 2 Price, product page £229.95 £ 229 . 95 ( £7.67 £7.67 /meter)

Coving and Ceiling Cornice at B&Q Also known as cornice moulding, cornicing is suitable as bathroom coving, kitchen coving, or simply coving for ceilings in any room. Shop all things wall coving online at B&Q today. Read more. Ceiling coving adds a decorative touch to the corners of rooms where the walls and ceilings meet. There are various profiles available, with variation in ...

Plaster Cornice and Coving - British Mouldings All of our plaster cornice is made from high-quality materials, and our skilled craftsmen ensure that each piece is carefully produced to the highest standards. Whether you’re looking for a simple or intricate design, our team of experts can create the perfect plaster cornice for your space.

Coving & Cornice - Biggest UK Online Lightweight Range - UK … Coving and cornice fulfil a functional role in covering the joint between wall and ceiling. But more importantly, they can completely transform a room. The Difference Between Ceiling Coving & Ceiling Cornice. We get asked this a lot, and it’s a technicality that makes little difference to most. Coving tends to be plainer and more regular in ...