Coving vs Cornice

Many homeowners and renovators find themselves asking the same question: What is the difference between coving and cornice? These two terms are often used interchangeably, yet they describe features with distinct styles and functions.

The confusion can lead to design mistakes. Imagine buying coving for a Victorian home only to realise that the effect feels too plain, or choosing ornate cornices for a small modern flat and ending up with an overpowering look. Not only does this waste money, but it can also take away from the overall harmony of your space.

This comprehensive guide will clear up the differences between coving and cornice, explore their history, show where each works best, and even break down costs and installation tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly which option is right for your home and how to make it shine.

What is Coving?

Coving is a type of decorative moulding that creates a smooth, curved transition between the wall and ceiling. It is typically simple, uniform, and concave in shape. Think of it as a quarter circle or C-shape that softens the sharp angle where two surfaces meet.

Key Features of Coving

Shape: Smooth concave or convex curve
Design: Usually plain or with minimal linear detail
Size: Often comes in standard widths like 100mm, 127mm, or 150mm
Materials: Gypsum plaster, lightweight polymers, MDF, or timber
Style Fit: Works well in modern and minimalist homes

Benefits of Coving

Creates a clean and subtle transition
Makes ceilings feel higher and rooms more spacious
Affordable and widely available
Easier to install than ornate alternatives
Can hide cracks that appear at the ceiling line

What is Cornice?

Cornice, on the other hand, is usually more elaborate. While coving is plain and uniform, cornice often includes ornate details and varying profiles that create a dramatic finish.

Key Features of Cornice

Shape: Can vary, with more angles, steps, or decorative patterns
Design: Often includes motifs like egg and dart, dentils, scrolls, or floral patterns
Size: Varies, sometimes larger and more imposing than coving
Materials: Traditionally plaster or stone, now also made in polymers and timber
Style Fit: Perfect for period homes, grand rooms, or spaces aiming for elegance

Benefits of Cornice

Adds depth and luxury to interiors
Can enhance the character of period properties
Hides wires, curtain rods, or lighting tracks
Offers countless design styles for personalisation
Adds perceived value and prestige to a property

Coving vs Cornice: The Key Differences

Feature	Coving	Cornice
Design	Simple, curved, plain	Ornate, detailed, decorative
Profile	Uniform shape, concave or convex	Variable, often with layers and patterns
Best For	Modern, minimalist, or budget-friendly interiors	Period homes, luxury spaces, or statement ceilings
Materials	Plaster, polymer, MDF, timber	Plaster, stone, wood, polymers
Installation	Easier to fit, lighter	Heavier, may need skilled plasterers
Cost	Lower	Higher due to detail and labour

This table makes it clear that coving and cornice are not the same. Coving is a type of cornice, but cornice covers a broader range of mouldings, often more decorative and elaborate.

A Brief History of Coving and Cornice

Ancient Greece and Rome: Cornices were first used externally on temples, often carved from stone, to crown the building and shed water.
Egypt: Early forms of cornices appeared in monumental buildings with stylised plant motifs.
Renaissance: Cornices returned with grandeur, with highly detailed plasterwork becoming fashionable in Europe.
Georgian and Victorian Eras: Cornices and coving flourished indoors, with intricate plaster mouldings in wealthy homes.
Art Deco and Edwardian: Cleaner lines and geometric patterns became popular.
Post-war housing: Simpler coving was mass-produced for affordability.
Today: A mix of ornate cornices in period restorations and sleek coving in modern builds, often using lightweight materials like polyurethane for easier installation.

Materials and Installation

Common Materials

Plaster: Traditional, heavy, durable, but requires professional installation.
Polyurethane/Polystyrene: Lightweight, easy to cut, suitable for DIY.
Timber/MDF: Strong, good for straight lines, but harder to shape.
Stone/Metal: Rare today, mostly for restoration or custom work.

DIY vs Professional Installation

DIY: Lightweight coving kits make it achievable with adhesive and a mitre box. Best for small, modern rooms.
Professional: Ornate cornices often need an experienced plasterer to align patterns and handle weight. Recommended for larger, period properties.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Home

When deciding between coving and cornice, consider:

Home Style
- Modern apartments or minimalist designs → go for coving.
- Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses, or luxury spaces → choose cornice.
Ceiling Height
- Lower ceilings → slimmer coving avoids making rooms feel cramped.
- Higher ceilings → larger cornices enhance grandeur.
Budget
- Coving is cost-effective, especially in polymer.
- Cornices require more investment due to the detail and labour.
Design Goals
- Want understated elegance? Coving.
- Want bold character and statement? Cornice.

Modern Design Trends

LED Lighting Coving: Special designs that incorporate hidden LED strips for ambient ceiling lighting.
Minimalist Coving: Slim profiles that create a contemporary finish.
Restoration Cornices: Reinstating period mouldings to increase property value.
Mix and Match: Using simple coving in bedrooms but ornate cornices in reception rooms.
Eco Materials: Sustainable polymers and recycled plaster are gaining popularity.

Costs: Coving vs Cornice

Coving:
- DIY polymer coving kits start at £3 to £8 per metre.
- Plaster coving fitted professionally can cost £15 to £25 per metre.
Cornice:

- Simple designs may cost £20 to £40 per metre.
- Ornate plaster cornices professionally installed can exceed £60 to £100 per metre.

Costs vary by design complexity, material, and whether you hire a professional.

FAQs

Is coving out of fashion?

No. While plain coving was less common in some modern minimalist homes, new designs with integrated lighting are very popular.

Can you use coving and cornice together?
Yes. In fact, some designers use plain coving in bedrooms and ornate cornices in living rooms for balance.

Does coving or cornice add value to a home?

Yes. Period-appropriate cornices can significantly increase value in heritage homes, while neat coving adds appeal in modern properties.

Can I paint coving and cornice?

Absolutely. Both can be painted to match ceilings and walls, or even highlighted in a contrasting colour for drama.

Which is easier to install?

Coving is easier and often DIY-friendly. Cornices generally require professionals due to weight and complexity.

Conclusion

Coving and cornice may share a similar purpose, but they offer very different aesthetics. Coving is subtle, modern, and affordable. Cornice is ornate, traditional, and often luxurious. Choosing between them depends on your home’s style, ceiling height, budget, and personal taste.

Whether you prefer the soft curves of coving or the grandeur of cornice, both can elevate a room, hide imperfections, and create a polished finish. With modern materials and trends, there is a design to suit every home.