Introducing a moulding into your home can provide you with countless benefits. You can greatly enhance the aesthetic quality of the room, as well as provide a number of practical advantages. Before deciding to implement one, however, there is a choice to be made: should you choose a coving, or a cornice? Keep reading to find out.
In simple terms, cornices are ornate, covings are simple. This works as a general rule of thumb, but it is important to note that this rule has its exceptions, so decorative cornices can still be relatively simple. It’s in the detail that the true distinction can be made.
Covings form a steady line along the ceiling with the profile being a very traditional quarter-circle (or “C” shape). Standard covings can come in various sizes, with the most common one being 127 mm (or 5 inches). However, this number does not refer to the height or projection of the coving. Instead, it denotes the imaginary diagonal line from the wall to the ceiling that will be filled by the coving. While covings are mostly simple in design, there are many stylistic options to choose from, so make sure you pick one that suits your needs the best.
Cornices, on the other hand, can be incredibly intricate and complex in many respects. From varying degrees of depth to intricately ornamental carvings, cornices require a lot more thought and effort to be crafted and implemented properly. However, if you manage to choose the ideal design for a specific type of interior, you can greatly enhance the look of your home, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
So which should I choose?
While it all comes down to personal preference, the fact that cornices are more visually striking comes at the consequence of them being hard to implement. Only a master craftsman can truly ensure that your cornice won’t end up a disaster. Covings, on the other hand, are much simpler to implement, and therefore cheaper, which is why they were an incredibly popular choice in the post-world war period. In the end, it’s entirely up to you – whether you want to spend more on a more elaborate product or spend less on something more simple, there really is no wrong way of going about it.
