What Is a Cornice?

You have probably walked into a room and felt something was missing. The walls look plain, the ceiling feels disconnected, and the space seems unfinished.

This happens because small details are often overlooked in home design. Without them, even expensive décor and furniture can look incomplete. One of the most effective yet underestimated details is coving. Many people do not know exactly what it is, what it is made of, or why it matters. Some confuse it with cornice, while others think it is outdated and unnecessary.

The truth is, coving is a versatile and practical feature that has been used for centuries to give interiors a polished look. In this guide, we will explain what a coving is, explore what a coving is made of, highlight different types, compare it to cornice, and provide tips on choosing and installing the right style for your home. By the end, you will know how this simple detail can transform your living space.

1. What Is a Coving?

Coving is a type of moulding that runs along the junction between the wall and the ceiling. Its main purpose is to create a smooth, curved transition between the two surfaces. Unlike cornice, which can be elaborate and decorative, coving is usually simple and uniform in shape.

The most common shape is a gentle “C” curve, which softens the sharp angle where the wall meets the ceiling. This makes a room look more balanced and finished without drawing too much attention to itself.

In modern design, coving is valued for its clean and understated style. It is widely used in both traditional and contemporary homes.

2. What Is a Coving Made Of?

A key question many people ask is what a coving is made of. The answer depends on the type of property, the budget, and the look you want to achieve.

Here are the most common materials:

Plaster: Traditional and durable. Plaster coving is common in period homes because it can be shaped into smooth, seamless curves. It requires professional installation.
Wood: Timber coving is less common for ceilings but often used in furniture or cabinetry. It adds warmth and a natural finish.
Polystyrene: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. A popular choice for DIY projects.
Polyurethane: Stronger than polystyrene but still lightweight. It is resistant to cracks and offers a crisp finish.
Gypsum: Fire-resistant, versatile, and often used in modern properties.
PVC: Water-resistant and easy to maintain, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Each material has advantages. Plaster is authentic but costly. Polystyrene and polyurethane are affordable and DIY-friendly. PVC works well in damp areas. Choosing the right option depends on the function and style of your room.

3. History and Origins of Coving

Coving has its roots in classical architecture. While cornices were elaborate features of temples and palaces, coving evolved as a simpler alternative for domestic buildings.

In the Georgian and Victorian eras, plaster coving became popular in homes across Europe. It was less ornate than cornices but still added elegance. The curved design softened sharp angles and created a sense of flow between vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Today, coving is still widely used, not only in traditional homes but also in modern minimalist spaces where clean lines are essential.

4. Benefits of Coving

Coving may seem like a small detail, but it offers many advantages:

Visual appeal: Creates a smooth transition between wall and ceiling.
Versatility: Works in both modern and period homes.
Concealment: Can hide cracks, gaps, or uneven plasterwork at wall-ceiling junctions.
Easy maintenance: Lightweight materials are easy to replace or repaint.
Cost-effective: Polystyrene and polyurethane coving provide affordable finishing.
Adds value: Well-finished interiors look more polished, increasing property appeal.

5. Types of Coving

Coving comes in a range of styles and profiles to suit different tastes. The main types include:

Plain C-shape coving: The most common, simple curved profile.
Stepped coving: Modern design with straight lines instead of curves.
Victorian coving: More detailed, with sharper edges and stronger curves.
Art Deco coving: Bold, geometric patterns for a vintage look.
Shadow gap coving: Creates a small gap between the ceiling and the wall for a modern floating effect.

By choosing the right type, you can match the coving to your home’s design theme.

6. Coving vs Cornice: What Is the Difference?

Coving and cornice are often confused, but they are not the same.

Feature	Coving	Cornice
Design	Simple and curved	More ornate and decorative
Usage	Modern and minimalist homes	Period and traditional properties
Size	Slim and subtle	Larger and more detailed
Material	Often polystyrene, polyurethane, plaster	Plaster, wood, polymers
Impact	Creates clean transitions	Adds grandeur and character

In short, coving is about simplicity and balance, while cornice is about detail and ornamentation.

7. Where Can You Use Coving?

Coving is versatile and can be used in different spaces:

Living rooms: To soften ceiling edges and create a polished look.
Bedrooms: Adds elegance without overwhelming the décor.
Hallways and corridors: Makes narrow spaces look smoother and more refined.
Bathrooms and kitchens: PVC or polyurethane coving is ideal for moisture-prone areas.
Commercial spaces: Offices and hotels often use coving for a clean, professional finish.

8. How to Choose the Right Coving

When selecting coving, consider these factors:

Room size: Large rooms can take bolder coving, while small rooms need slim designs.
Ceiling height: Tall ceilings look good with wider coving, while low ceilings require minimal profiles.
Style of home: Period homes suit plaster coving, while modern homes often look better with stepped or shadow gap coving.
Material: Choose based on durability, budget, and moisture resistance.
Budget: Polystyrene is affordable, plaster is premium.

9. Installation of Coving

Installing coving can be a DIY project if you choose lightweight materials.

Steps include:

Measuring and cutting coving to size.
Using mitre boxes for neat corner joints.
Applying adhesive or nails, depending on the material.
Filling gaps with caulk or filler.
Painting to match the ceiling or wall.

For plaster coving, professional installation is recommended. It requires precision and is heavier to handle.

10. Maintenance of Coving

Maintaining coving is simple:

Dust regularly to prevent build-up.
Repaint when refreshing walls or ceilings.
Repair cracks with filler.
Replace damaged sections of lightweight coving easily.

11. Cost of Coving

The cost depends on the material and size:

Polystyrene: £2 to £5 per metre.
Polyurethane: £5 to £15 per metre.
Plaster: £10 to £30 per metre.
PVC: £5 to £12 per metre.

Professional installation adds labour costs, typically £8 to £20 per metre.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coving in simple terms?
Coving is a curved moulding that runs between the wall and ceiling, giving rooms a neat, finished look.

What is a coving made of?
It can be made of plaster, polystyrene, polyurethane, wood, gypsum, or PVC, depending on the style and budget.

Is coving old-fashioned?
No, coving is still popular. Modern styles such as stepped or shadow gap coving are designed for contemporary interiors.

Can you paint coving?
Yes, coving can be painted in the same colour as the ceiling or in a contrasting colour for emphasis.

Do all homes need coving?
Not always, but it adds polish and can help conceal uneven plasterwork at the ceiling junction.

Conclusion

So, what is a coving? It is a simple yet effective design feature that bridges the gap between walls and ceilings. Unlike cornice, which is elaborate, coving is subtle, curved, and versatile. It enhances interiors by softening lines, hiding imperfections, and adding understated elegance.

Knowing what coving is made of helps you choose the right material for your home, whether you want the authenticity of plaster, the affordability of polystyrene, or the durability of polyurethane.

By selecting the right style and installing it correctly, you can transform any room into a polished, professional-looking space.