Different Types of Coving

Have you ever looked at the joint between your wall and ceiling and felt like something was missing? Bare corners can make even the most beautifully decorated rooms look unfinished, plain, and less inviting.

Without the right finishing touch, your room may lack character, depth, and flow. Many homeowners ignore this detail because they find the options confusing. Should you go for plaster, MDF, or modern polyurethane? Which style works best with a period property, and what about a sleek new-build? The overwhelming choices can make you settle for something that does not suit your home, or worse, avoid coving altogether.

That is where this guide comes in. In this article, we will walk you through the different types of coving, from traditional plaster to modern duropolymer, as well as profiles, design styles, and practical tips to help you choose. Whether you want a grand period look or a subtle modern edge, by the end you will know exactly which coving fits your home, budget, and style.

What is Coving?

Coving is a decorative moulding used to soften the transition between walls and ceilings. It adds elegance, depth, and a sense of completion to a room. While often used interchangeably with the term “cornice,” coving usually refers to simpler, curved or straight profiles, whereas cornices can include more elaborate detailing.

Coving is not only about beauty. It also helps hide imperfections, can improve proportions in a room, and in some cases, even add functionality, such as concealing LED lighting strips.

A Brief History of Coving

Coving has been around for centuries.

Ancient Times: Greek and Roman architecture used ornate mouldings to decorate temples and villas.
17th–19th Century Britain: Plaster cornices and coving became common in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes, often featuring intricate detailing.
20th Century: Timber and plaster were replaced by lighter, easier-to-install materials like polystyrene and polyurethane.
Today, Homeowners can choose from traditional plaster for period restoration or sleek modern designs for contemporary spaces.

Different Types of Coving by Material

Choosing the right material is one of the first steps. Each option has its strengths, drawbacks, and ideal applications.

1. Plaster Coving

Appearance: Timeless, elegant, detailed.
Best For: Period properties, luxury interiors, restoration projects.
Advantages:
- Intricate patterns available.
- Long-lasting with proper care.
- Adds authentic character.
Drawbacks:
- Heavy and fragile.
- Requires skilled installation.
- Higher cost compared to alternatives.

2. Polyurethane Coving

Appearance: Smooth, lightweight, versatile.
Best For: Modern homes, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Advantages:
- Resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
- Easy to install (DIY friendly).
- Wide range of designs.
Drawbacks:
- More costly than polystyrene.
- Less authentic look than plaster in period settings.

3. Duropolymer Coving

Appearance: Crisp finish, detailed profiles.
Best For: Homeowners wanting plaster-like quality without the hassle.
Advantages:
- Combines durability with a lightweight design.
- Resistant to damage.
- Premium finish.
Drawbacks:
- More expensive than polyurethane or MDF.

4. MDF Coving

Appearance: Clean, simple, budget-friendly.
Best For: DIY projects, modern interiors, living rooms.
Advantages:
- Easy to cut and shape.
- Affordable.
- Paint-friendly.
Drawbacks:
- Not moisture resistant.
- Can warp in humid rooms.

5. Polystyrene Coving

Appearance: Basic, lightweight.
Best For: Quick, low-budget projects.
Advantages:
- Extremely affordable.
- Easy to fit (ideal for beginners).
Drawbacks:
- Prone to damage.
- Less durable.
- It can look cheap even after painting.

6. Wood Coving

Appearance: Natural, warm, and unique.
Best For: Rustic interiors, traditional homes.
Advantages:
- Can be stained or painted.
- Adds warmth and texture.
Drawbacks:
- Susceptible to damp and pests.
- Requires maintenance (sanding, refinishing).

Different Types of Coving by Profile and Style

Beyond the material, the profile (shape) defines how coving transforms your room.

1. Cove Profile

Simple concave curve.
Minimalist, ideal for contemporary homes.

2. Ogee Profile

S-shaped curve.
Elegant and versatile, it works in both modern and period homes.

3. Edwardian and Georgian Profiles

Inspired by historical architecture.
Often intricate with layered detailing.
Perfect for restoration projects.

4. Victorian Profile

Bolder, heavier designs with ornate details.
Adds grandeur to large rooms with high ceilings.

5. Art Deco and Modern Profiles

Geometric lines, stepped edges.
Sleek, stylish, ideal for modern apartments and minimalist interiors.

6. Flexible Coving

Made from rubber or flexible polyurethane.
Designed for bay windows or curved walls.

7. LED Lighting Coving

Contemporary innovation.
Conceals LED strips, creating mood lighting.
Popular in living rooms and modern open-plan spaces.

How to Choose the Right Coving

Consider Room Size and Ceiling Height
- High ceilings suit ornate plaster or large profiles.
- Smaller rooms benefit from slim, simple coving.
Match Property Style
- Traditional homes: plaster, wood, Georgian, or Victorian profiles.
- Modern homes: polyurethane, LED coving, clean lines.
Budget Matters
- Tight budget: polystyrene or MDF.
- Mid-range: polyurethane.
- Premium: plaster or duropolymer.
Installation
- DIY-friendly: polystyrene, MDF, polyurethane.
- Professional recommended: plaster, duropolymer, wood.
Maintenance
- Low-maintenance: polyurethane, duropolymer.
- Higher care: plaster, wood.

DIY vs Professional Installation

DIY Friendly Options
- Polystyrene and MDF can be fitted with basic tools and adhesives.
Professional Installation Recommended
- Plaster and duropolymer are heavy and delicate, requiring skilled cutting and fitting.

Hiring a professional ensures a seamless finish, but if the budget is tight, DIY-friendly materials make coving more accessible.

Maintenance Tips for Different Types of Coving

Plaster: Regular dusting, occasional repainting, and avoid moisture exposure.
Polyurethane/Duropolymer: Wipe clean, resistant to damp, repaint when needed.
MDF: Keep away from humidity, repaint to maintain freshness.
Polystyrene: Handle gently, repaint to refresh.
Wood: Sand, re-stain, and seal periodically.

Is Coving Still in Style?

Yes. Coving has made a comeback in modern interiors, not only in traditional homes but also in sleek new builds. Minimalist coving, LED coving, and geometric profiles are very popular in 2025. It’s a detail that adds polish without overwhelming a room.

FAQs

What is the most popular type of coving?
Polyurethane and duropolymer are the most popular today because they balance affordability, durability, and style.
Can coving be painted?
Yes, most types can be painted to match your décor. Just use the appropriate primer and paint for the material.
Is coving suitable for bathrooms?
Polyurethane and duropolymer are excellent for bathrooms and kitchens since they resist moisture.
Is coving expensive?
It depends on material. Polystyrene and MDF are cheapest, while plaster and duropolymer are premium.
Can I install coving myself?
Yes, lightweight materials like polystyrene, MDF, and polyurethane are DIY-friendly. Plaster is best left to professionals.
Is coving out of fashion?
Not at all. While very ornate cornices may be less common in modern builds, sleek coving profiles and LED coving are highly trendy.

Conclusion

Coving is more than a decorative edge. It is a finishing touch that transforms a room from plain to polished. With so many different types of coving available today, from budget-friendly polystyrene to luxurious plaster and modern LED coving, there is an option for every home.

By considering your property style, budget, and installation needs, you can select a coving type that enhances your interiors and stands the test of time. Whether you want the grandeur of Victorian plasterwork or the subtle elegance of modern minimalist lines, coving ensures your walls and ceilings flow seamlessly together.